I'm confused about kinking the outputs. Are we talking about Festo valves?
I've had 3 of these open and completely disassembled to clean them (There was some moisture inside for some reason, probably kids blowing in them). The small electric solenoids on each end open to pass air to transfer the pneumatic valve. I wouldn't see a reason the outlet needs to be kinked.
Furthermore when I finished cleaning the 3 of them I had, and reassembling them, all 3 operated and transferred back and forth with the outputs open to air.
As far as testing them without air first, electrically, you should hear the electric solenoid transfer. (a small click)
