Date:         Sun, 23 Sep 2001 13:30:09 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jhrodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jhrodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Help! High Idle speed
Comments: To: jhlauterbach <jhlauterbach@MSN.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

jhlauterbach wrote:

> Something is causing idle, when van has been out in hot sun all day, to be
> very low when I start the engine.  In order to keep the van from stalling, I
> have to have idle screw backed out 2 turns CCW from full CW.  When engine is
> fully warmed up, idle speed is about 1400 rpm with auto transmission in
> "Park"
>

You might try setting up your idle again.

I don't know about the automatics, but when I had this problem on my 88 GL Stick
Shift I had all kinds of grief. I fixed it by resetting my idle screw for proper
idle.

To reset the idle, do the following. Put transmission in neutral to begine work.

1) warm the engine, then shut it down.
2) disconnect wiring on end of the idle stabilizer valve(ISV),
3) Start engine
4) Turn the idle adjustment screw right or left until idle speed is at 850 to
900 RPM
5) Shut down engine
6) Reconnect idle stabilizer wiring
7) Start engine, check engine rpm. Engine is still warm and should idle at the
RPM you set.
8) Shut down engine, allow to cool thoroughly
9) Restart. Idle stabilizer valve should hold RPM at your set values or 50 or so
rpm above but not more than that.

With the ISV properly set, when your A/C is turned on the ISV will hold your
engine RPM around 1200-1500 with the engine idling, and  your low speed cooling
fan should come on simultaneously when you turn on the AC.

If this process does not solve your problems, then you must expand your efforts
into other areas of the systems.

Good Luck

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver