Rep Power: 0

I was just wondering if the EGR Valve should have a vacuum hose connected to it?
If no, how do they work?

I took the EGR off my GF son's car to install a Cam Plug but there was no vacuum hose. I gave it a quick clean using a small flat head screwdriver, scraping away any carbon. There seems to be an allen key (female end) down on the round side opening.

I've taken apart the EGR on my Prelude and there's a plunger/pintle that moves up and down when suction is applied.

 
Rep Power: 244

I don't believe it has a vacuum line, my 01 does not have an EGR or I would look.

It probably works similiar to this;

 
Rep Power: 518

That EGR is all electric, it uses a stepper motor to move the pintle.

Do not attempt to take it apart unless you have a backup plan.

 
Rep Power: 0

I thought that was the case.

As I was cleaning the carbon around the pintle (using a small flat head screwdriver) I accidently turned it maybe 1.5 revolutions.
Is there a way to bottom it out/get it back to where it used to be?
Because it's electronic, Is it ok to clean it with throttle body cleaner?

 
Rep Power: 518

The pintle is free to rotate, don't worry about that part.

What part do you plan on cleaning? Pintle area should be ok to clean.

 
Rep Power: 0

Because it's electric, I don't really what to spray inside the valve, I might damage something. I heard/read that some guys have sprayed/used an entire bottle of carb cleaner, brake fluid, throttle body cleaner, etc. to clean the EGR, personally, I think that's insane, way too much, probably doing more damage then good. Your better off using abit of whatever cleaner works and get some tube brushes, various sizes, I usually pick them up at the dollar store or at an Aquarium shop.

The gasket is sealed onto the valve and I know that if I use too much, I'll probably have to replace the gasket. I'll just spray abit of cleaner around the pintle and use a tooth brush.

 
Rep Power: 518

I rarely ever mess with the EGR valves, they rarely have issues.

Typical EGR problems are usually related to clogged passages -- away from the EGR valve itself.