Date:         Thu, 9 Nov 2000 08:39:44 -0500
Reply-To:     James Creech <jacreech@VISUALLINK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James Creech <jacreech@VISUALLINK.COM>
Subject:      Re: Off idle syndrome
Comments: To: CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I've read from several of you over the last few months about testing and
cleaning the AFM as described here.  I've tested mine, but was not sure if
the AFM top cover pries off.  Does it?  Where should I pry, and with a
screwdriver?  I don't want to damage the part.

My problem is rough idle and acceleration when the engine is cold.  I have
to give it gas to about 2 or 3k rpm for 30 sec. or so, or it will cut off.
When warm it runs very smoothly and with plenty of pep - never stalls when
idling once warm.

So I thought I should check the AFM first.  Couldn't a rough idle when cold
also be a problem with the idle stabilizing unit or the ECU?  What should I
check, and in what order of priority?  Engine got new distributor, rotor,
plugs, plug wires, timing, air filter, fuel filter about 2k miles ago and I
had no problem then - but this problem has gotten progressively worse
recently.

Thanks!
Jim Creech
87 Westy GL, 2.1

> Anyway, I took the lid off the AFM, potentiometer, and saw this little
> wiper thing, on a printed circuit board, and I, plugged in the
> multimeter, in terminal 15and 19, swung the arm on the potentiometer,
> and the ohm values, that were supposedly to be at  500 to 1000 ohms were
> at 1700,1900, 1875, in two places, on the board, which were just as the
> wiper started up the two little arced parallel contact areas.

> I cleaned it off a s much as I could, with contact cleaner, and a cotton
> swab,and I will say, that the van is a little more responsive, but not
> as it should be.  I'm replacing the AFM, this weekend.
> Problem solved in less than an hour!

Terry 85 GL