Date:         Sat, 11 Jan 2003 11:51:19 -0500
Reply-To:     Marc Perdue <marcperdue@ADELPHIA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marc Perdue <marcperdue@ADELPHIA.NET>
Subject:      Testing some components
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I finally got out my Bentley and I'll try and find out where that loose
wire goes.  It's white with a green stripe.  Several people have
suggested that it is used for the A/C, which I don't have.  We'll see.

My '87 Westy, 2.1L, as you may recall, is doing all kinds of weird idle
things.  When it first starts when it's cold out, it doesn't idle fast
enough and it idles up and down.  Sometimes, after I've driven a while
and put it in Park (yes, it's an auto), the idle will jump up to 2000 or
so for a few seconds before settling back down.  When I go to drive home
after the van's been parked all day, it usually has to idle for a while
to warm up or else it won't have any power when I start out.  I can back
off the accelerator and hit it again more gently and it will go.

The idle stabilizer valve is buzzing and I've taken it off and cleaned
it with carb cleaner.  It was quite filthy.  I pulled the idle control
module and cleaned the contacts.  I've taken a cursory glance at the
oxygen sensor wiring and it looked okay, but really requires closer
inspection.  Although probably not related, I recently replaced the air
filter with a K&N.  The breather hose is definitely bad and I'll be
ordering that shortly.  Not sure it makes sense to be testing/replacing
other components when the breather hose is clearly bad, but . . .

Regarding testing components that affect the idle:
Idle stabilizer valve--Okay, it's buzzing and it's been cleaned.  Is
that a clear indicator that it's getting the right signal from the
control module?  Would it be a valid test to disconnect the valve, then
turn the engine on?  No change, bad valve?

Oxygen sensor--Same question, really . . . if you disconnect it, then
start the engine, would that be a valid test?

Temp II sensor--Same question, if you disconnect it . . .

Thanks all for your help on this persistent issue.  I will get it fixed,
one way or another, and I really appreciate having access to such a
great collective resource.  It sure makes a big difference for those of
us who don't have access to decent local service.  Special thanks to
Unca Joel . . .

Marc Perdue