Random engine missing...BAD! UPDATE

[a_scayola]

So... after reading some of the postings on how to clean the IAC valve I'm not really sure if I want to mess with a $300+ part. I bought the brake cleaner but I'm trying to rule all other possibilities out before.
Yesterday I changed the plugs with a set of NGK v-power (thanks for the tip guys). The ones that came out (also NGK) were badly carbonized.
Sadly the results were mixed. On one hand the idling problem got worse; it idles bad ALL the time now!! But it did seem to gain some power on the top end, where things run a little smoother.
Can anyone make any sense out of this?
I really dont wanna mess with the IAC, but I'm beggining to think that's the only thing left to try...
If I get the courage together I might give it a try today. I'll let you know how it went.

UPDATE!!
The idling this morning was terrible. I couldn't take it no more so I took the IAC apart. A little at least. I removed the electronic part off and the valve turned completely free. It seemed to be in good condition too. I used my tester and all resistances checked out ( 9 ohm according to Haynes). So, after scratching my head for a few minutes (I was sure the valve would be at least a little stuck!) I reassembled the whole thing without messing with it any further.
I started the car and waited for it to warm up so I could keep checking things. And voila!! No more rough idling...I left it running for 15... 20 minutes... nothing. Went for a drive through downtown going really slow to get all the red lights possible. Nothing. Wouldnt miss a beat.
I'm gonna see how it goes in the next few days. I'm losing hair after so much head scratching.
BTW, I have the gray knock sensor. I should get rid of that asap right?

Andres
90 Legacy L
Miami, Fl

[Legacy777]

it's possible, taking it apart helped things.

I'd probably get the new knock sensor.

Also, may want to try resetting your ecu.

[ciper]

It probably had carbon built up and when you turned it it scraped away. It also may have had some filings between the magnet and the electronic portion that was binding it up. Did you clean the inside with cleaner?

[a_scayola]

Ciper,
I didn't use any cleaner at all because it was turning so freely. But, now that you mention it, I did notice some filings in the magnet. I took some of away but didn't pay much attention to them. I hadn't thought of that.
It is still missing some, but a lot less than before.
I guess I'll have to clean it thouroughly.
Thank you!!
Andres