EGR valve connection to intake manifold

1996 Tacoma V6 3.4L automatic. No DTCs.





With the throttle body off for cleaning, I started cleaning just inside the intake manifold. Is there supposed to be an air hole going from that spot just inside the manifold into the EGR valve as marked in the pic and FSM diagram? The EGR is screwed directly into the manifold, but it appears that the diagram indicates an air path similar to the vacuum lines? That spot is completely blocked with gunk. I didn't want to keep picking and leave loose gunk bits to get sucked into the engine, and I believe I need to order a new gasket before removing the EGR valve.

If my understanding is right, why would an EGR related DTC not be tripped when it seems like that's a significant thing that no air is getting into the EGR from the intake manifold?

 

Yes clean that gunk out. When that hole gets completely plugged it can set "egr low flow" codes

Use a shop-vac and a pick if you're worried about knocking chunks farther in