pulsating idle

[Ster56]

You might try this. I don't know about H22's though...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gK2UUAevMY

[solito_yo]

My fitv was deleted.

[Accord problems]

try putting it back on.

[solito_yo]

Yeah I'm gonna try to put it back on, on Saturday and change out all the vacuum lines and small coolant hoses.

[reklipz]

One of the valves could be failed. If a valve failed, it could very well be drawing the air through the bypass in the throttle body, and you wouldn't be able to diagnose this like a regular external leak. This is a classic FITV/intake leak issue. I can't find the video of the Honda technician explaining it, but basically what's happening here is this:

1. Extra air is drawn into the system via the intake leak.
2. The extra air causes the engine RPM to increase (because the ECM dumps fuel to match the metered air, I believe).
3. The engine RPM increases beyond the upper set point (1200 RPM I believe) for deceleration detection. That is, if the throttle plate is closed, and the engine is above 1200 RPM, the system shuts off fuel supply to the engine to conserve fuel because it assumes you are coasting/slowing down.
4. The system shuts off fuel supply.
5. The engine RPM decreases beyond the lower set point (not sure where this is really, maybe 800 RPM?).
6. The system restores fuel supply.
7. See step 1.

[solito_yo]

So in what way can you diagnose it, or is the only way is to take the head off?

[reklipz]

No need to take the head off. As well, I'm not stating that this is definitely your issue, but based off of the information given, this is where I would look first.

Replacing the vacuum lines is a good idea, even if you couldn't find a leak. It's also cheap.

If that doesn't fix the issue, then you can start inspecting valves+gaskets there-for. If there is any sort of leak, you won't be able to adjust your base idle (via the base idle set screw) below a given point. I don't know what that point is off hand, but you should be able to adjust it down to about 500 RPM I think (perhaps you can adjust it until the engine stalls, I don't know). Also note that when you set it, you need to disable (by unplugging) the IACV; this is because the system will be opening the IACV depending upon the detected load (purposefully creating a "leak").

[solito_yo]

OK I understand, but my question is how would I go about checking my valves, without removing the head?

[reklipz]

OK I understand, but my question is how would I go about checking my valves, without removing the head?

Oh, I see. I'm referring to the air valves on the intake, not the intake/exhaust cylinder valves.

[reklipz]

Here, the fella in this video will explain the same, but with a video and actual measurement to fill you in. Low coolant will keep the coolant from causing the FITV to shut. If a valve is failed, you will have the same result on your hands (more air is getting past the throttle plate than should be).