Date:         Mon, 26 Oct 1998 15:14:44 -0500
Reply-To:     Lawrence Johnson <ljohnson@HALHINET.ON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Lawrence Johnson <ljohnson@HALHINET.ON.CA>
Subject:      Re: idle surge diagnosis?
Comments: To: kenneth d lewis <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>,
          Multiple recipients of list <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Thank you...Thank you...Thank you...Kenneth Lewis

This hitherto totally undocumented cure to the surging idle problem belongs
right up there with the famous capacitor fix to the dreaded Vanagon Syndrome.
For those who don't know what I'm talking about here is an excerpt of Ken's
missive:

> The Air Bypass Valve is adjustable but nowhere will you find a procedure. I
> experimented with it trying to (unsuccessfully) fix high HC output. I
> produced a very similar symptom as yours. (idle speed going up and down in
> a regular fashion every couple of seconds) To access the (Idle Stabilizer
> Valve) adjustment unplug the electrical connector and remove a 2mm allen
> set
> screw from the center. Now reconnect the plug and pull back the rubber
> boot. The adjustment is accessible, while the engine is running,  with a
> 2.5mm allen between the two wires. Turn the allen CCW to raise the idle, CW
> to lower.

We haven't found a VW mechanic within all of southern Ontario that knew how
to fix this problem. The standard mantra was get a new Idle Stabilizer
Control Unit or Idle Stabilizer Valve or both.

IMHO This procedure should be written up in entirety and put into a special
spot in the archives.
Larry
'86 Syncro Westfalia