Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
idle stabalizer and how it works
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
bluebus86
Banned


Joined: September 02, 2010
Posts: 11075

bluebus86 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 8:42 am    Post subject: idle stabalizer and how it works Reply with quote

Hi: My 1986 2 wd vanagon has a hunting idle, (intermittantly) this happens at all temps (hot and cold) and usually hunts only a 100-200 rpm. some times idle is stable. During times that the idle hunts, my shoebox electronics O2 sensor reading shows lean running, the hunting may last for several seconds, stabalize for a while, then hunts again.

I have tested for intake leaks and have none (spray carb cleaner around intake area and listen for idle changes)

My idle stabilizer valve hums, and the enigne will die if I unplug it cold, and the engien will idle slower if I unplug it when warmed up.

my concern is the idle stablizer controller, I find very little info on how it works, and how to test, can any one add some insight on the idle stabalizer workings to help cure this probelm?

thanks
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Zero419
Samba Member


Joined: January 11, 2008
Posts: 2160
Location: PA
Zero419 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Did you disconnect it and spray it out with carb cleaner?
That worked for me for a little while.
of course it could be one of 10 other things acting up. (of which I do not know or how to diagnose)
Good Luck!!
_________________
1987 Westy Auto Bostig 2.0 Ztec
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
hecbom
Samba Member


Joined: May 17, 2006
Posts: 47
Location: Whittier,Ca.
hecbom is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bluebus86
I had same identical problem several years ago in my 1987 2WD Vanagon. What I found was that the idle control unit plug was dirty and had moisture. I pulled the right rear taillight so I could access the control unit. First amke sure you disconnect the battery just in case then carefully pull the plug out and I spray it with electrical contact cleaner. I even went so far as to take a small jewelers flat screwdriver and carefully scrape the contacts. I did same for the contact blades on the control unit. Problem went away for good. I am not saying this is your problem but I had same symptom you are describing. Give it a shot and let us know.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
hecbom
Samba Member


Joined: May 17, 2006
Posts: 47
Location: Whittier,Ca.
hecbom is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree with hero419, I forgot to mention I also sprayed the unit with carb cleaner as well but it did not entirely solve my problem until I cleaned the control unit plug.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
Terry Kay
Banned


Joined: June 22, 2003
Posts: 13331

Terry Kay is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The idle control unit is working just fine if it's buzzing----

It may be the electronic control unit behind the tail light, it may be the TPS adjustment--cam or the switch going south.
_________________
T.K.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bluebus86
Banned


Joined: September 02, 2010
Posts: 11075

bluebus86 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the tips, yes i have used carb cleaner on the stabalizer valve and my throotle switch is working 100% of the time (I can see it work cause I have the shoebox electronic digifant tool that has an indicator light telling when the tps switch is closed)

i guess it is time to dig into the idle stabalizer controller. I do see some folks sell rebuilt ones, does anyone have an idea of what componnets typically fail in the controller?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Wildthings
Samba Member


Joined: March 13, 2005
Posts: 50254

Wildthings is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 10:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The idle stabilizer shouldn't cause a lean condition. All the air through the stabilizer is metered air. A momentary lean condition as registered by the O2 sensor might be a misfire.

You might start by adding some FI cleaner to your fuel tank and if that doesn't help check out of plugs and the rest of the ignition system carefully.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
r.e.wing_fc3s
Samba Member


Joined: April 16, 2010
Posts: 591
Location: Vanagon Capitol USA: Bellingham, WA
r.e.wing_fc3s is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 11:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

your throttle body maybe slightly worn. this could allow a little extra air into the engine at times when idling. it doesnt take much. with my 86 gl i have the idle adjust screw cranked in all the way and the idle is at the higher end of the spec. im sure mine is worn. the protraining guides provide a little info into the idle control system. if you cant find them i can send to you.
_________________
Reference Automotive: NW Washingtons Vanagon Specialist. (360)366-6965. referenceautomotive.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.