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Date:         Fri, 17 Jul 1998 22:44:55 EDT
Reply-To:     Spitzwagen@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Dan Hall <Spitzwagen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Idle stabilizer control unit
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Volks, I have an '86 Westy 2.1 Liter water cooled digifant that developed the dreaded high idle condition. The van would do 50 MPH foot off the accelerator. I unplugged the idle stabilizer valve. This, at least allows me to drive it. Plug it back in and it immediately revs high. A new idle stabilizer valve did the same. I have searched the archives and have performed some minor maint. towards getting the fuel system dialed in since installing a factory rebuilt engine. 1. Set correct throttle stop screw(the one with the red thread lock on it.) 2. Set correct timing with timing light and notch on pulley. 3. Checked and adjusted throttle switch to correct specifications. As a result, the van is idling between 800 and 900 RPMS when warm, idling better when cold but not to specs and doesn't quit when clutch is engaged while coming to a stop. YEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! 4. Removed the tail light and retrieved the idle stabilizer control unit. I cleaned the contacts but didn't see any build up of corrosion to account for the high idle problem. I then decided to open up the unit. After some VERY CAREFUL prying I got it open and observed that one component of the circuit board had been subjected to heat(brown area around solder connections and the black paint or whatever had peeled off the component itself revealing a silver metal looking area underneath.) This is a small black rectangular component mounted vertically on the board. I also observed some light tan looking substance(glue/goop) that had hardened on other components. It ain't much and wouldn't concern me except that it seems to have fallen across some connections between components on the circuit board.

I have read in the archives that somebody may know how to test and replace individual components of the idle stabilizer. I wanna try some VW brain surgery. Anybody know how? Otherwise, I guess I would have to find another control unit. What are the chances whatever caused this failure will fry the new control unit?

This list is one of the greatest resources I have discovered on the net. Thanks to all who contribute.

Thanks y'all, Dan Hall Alabama '86 Westy


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