I was wondering what would make an IACV go bad. I have a 93 DX (auto) and I have reason to believe that certain things that are wrong with my car is due to the IACV.

Reason 1: If the car is left untouched for several days and the car hasn't been started, the car will then not be able to start unless you mess with the IACV (I'm guessing there's a switch on it) and crank the car for a while before it'll start. I have to make sure that the car is at least started daily.

Reason 2: After driving for a while (maybe about half an hour) and that the car is up to temperature, certain situations will make the exhaust rattle.... Badly. It's more evident when I'm bringing the car to a stop or when the RPM's is slowly dropping.

I'm not positive if both situations is directly related, but I'm hoping that taking care of the IACV will solve both problems. But I'm just wondering, what would make it go bad to make me get a new unit? Would cleaning it and replacing the "O" ring[s] be enough and make it like new again? Or do I have to bite the bullet and purchase a new unit? Any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.