Date:         Tue, 4 Jan 2000 12:22:47 -0800
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject:      Re: Idle Stabliser Control Unit
Comments: To: Ken Turner <kturner@IAFRICA.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Ken Turner wrote:
> 


> Today I priced a replacement unit - OUCH! No way! Much Too Much!

Get one at a junkyard.
> 

> Which leads me to ask -
> 

> 1. Am I likely to do any harm by leaving the wires permanently bridged
> and the Idle Stabilizer right out of the ignition circuit? (I honestly
> can’t say I notice any difference in idling whatsoever, though I must

> point out that we in South Africa are currently just past mid-summer
> with temperatures well up the the 90's)

No, it is a pollution control device and it won't hurt anything to be
disconnected, but you might not pass if you have emission test in SA. 

At very lean idle mixtures an engine can "hunt" and rpm's vary.  The
stabilizer stabilizes this by holding the timing steady.  Try setting
the timing with it installed!  


> 

> 2. Has any brave soul ever cut one of these units open? What lives
> inside? Any likelihood whatsoever that any part inside might be
> replaceable or serviceable? If not by an average Joe Soap then by whom?


Forget it, it is most likely a couple of components embedded in tar! 

Bust it open for the fun of it, but don't plan on fixing anything
inside.
> 

> 3. I see on the wiring diagram, that it lies between the Hall Sensor and
> the Transistorised Ignition Control Unit. Can it do anything at all
> beyond advancing or retarding the ignition timing slightly? Does anyone

> know just what it’s function is and how it stabilizes idling?

You've got it!
> 

> 4. Has anyone ever located a third party replacement part? (Much as I
> like to stick to genuine Volksie parts)

Doubtful, due to the emissions-specific nature of the part.
> 

> Many thanks in anticipation -
> 

> Ken

-- 

Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program 

800-909-8244 ext 208

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