I was working under the hood today on my RX and discovered that the stock ej 205 tmic recirc valve is actually drawing air into the cooler at an idle. Until I can tie it back into the post maf airstream, I had it dumping overboard. Not ideal but better than a barking turbo.

 

Is that normal for the recirc to be partially open, drawing in, or is it a problem with the valve itself / rebuild the valve.

 

I cant help but think if it was tied in like it should be it wouldn't really matter if it was sucking in metered air.

Yeah, the stock valve will do that. As you say, it's not an issue when plumbed correctly.