Fax idle valve, fix or replace?

[w261w261]

Occasionally, my idle surges on my '89 Sei (f.i.). The last time it did this the fast idle valve was the culprit, and the mechanic said that it was easier to just replace it than try to clean/rehab it. While that's what I would expect a mechanic to say, I was wondering if that is in fact the truth. Anyone had success with just taking it out and cleaning it up? Or is it like a thermostat, best to just junk it and get a new one. The valves are about $85 list, $65 from Majestic Honda ++. Also, could someone tell me how these valves work? I know they're actuated from the coolant lines, but then what happens? Thx. Hal.

[logic]

Been covered in great detail before, try searching....then read "WTF idle is BAD AGIAN"

[w261w261]

I had done a search but probably used too many terms. Anyway, I had missed that thread. Thanks.