Date:         Sun, 17 May 2020 10:43:31 -0500
Reply-To:     Steven Mills <lefthanddrive123@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steven Mills <lefthanddrive123@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Idle issues
In-Reply-To:  <MN2PR08MB62392E1A0CC453D49662C7BEA0BB0@MN2PR08MB6239.namprd08.prod.outlook.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Thanks to all for the info and getting back to me on this. I will act on all of your suggestions and get back with feedback. It’s off to the shop time. 

Sent from my iPad

> On May 17, 2020, at 9:31 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> How did you bench test the idle valve? That valve is not designed to be powered with battery voltage. The controller is a current limiting device and the valve operation is based on duty cycle. It is fairly common for the controllers to fail. GoWesty offers rebuilt controllers. 
> 
> The concept of cleaning and tightening grounds can present a new set of problems. The wires are old and sometimes they break inside the insulation. The wire corrosion at the crimp can also be a problem. All quality connectors have a plating or coating to resist corrosion and improve the connection. Sanding them can ruin them. 
> 
> You should look for another performance problem. You should be able to adjust the idle with the valve disconnected. Setting for ~850 rpm is a good starting point. If you can't do that the idle control system is not your problem. At closed throttle the only thing the throttle position switch is doing is turning off the injectors if the engine speed is above some point say 1,800 rpm for some time. For example running down a hill with your foot off the pedal. Otherwise disconnected it will still idle as it should. 
> 
> Stacy's suggestion to check the fuel pump is good. Testing fuel pressure is an early start for any engine performance diagnoses. So is compression and leak down. As for vacuum leaks also consider the valve cover gaskets and the oil fill tube. If the plastic extension is loose, there is likely leak a there. 
> 
> Yes it is possible for the ECU, the distributor and other sensors to cause trouble. A problem with parts swapping is that should there be a problem that damages something, swapping now gives you another bad part. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Steven Mills
> Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2020 12:21 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Idle issues
> 
> Will try to be brief, but lots to the story. Have 87 Westy with idle issues. New items include engine bay wire loom, TPS and GW throttle body. Idle is low and sometimes erratic. Idle control valve does not vibrate/hum but will open/close on bench test. idle Control Module and valve has been changed out with spares I have to no avail. All grounds have been cleaned and secured. So, my question centers on whether or not the ECU can partially function but still be dysfunctional as to the idle. Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated.
> 
> Sent from my iPad