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bluebus86 Banned
Joined: September 02, 2010 Posts: 11075
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 8:42 am Post subject: idle stabalizer and how it works |
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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 |
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Zero419 Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2008 Posts: 2160 Location: PA
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:15 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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hecbom Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2006 Posts: 47 Location: Whittier,Ca.
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:17 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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hecbom Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2006 Posts: 47 Location: Whittier,Ca.
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:20 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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Terry Kay Banned
Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:27 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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bluebus86 Banned
Joined: September 02, 2010 Posts: 11075
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:56 am Post subject: |
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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? |
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Wildthings Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50255
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 10:51 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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r.e.wing_fc3s Samba Member
Joined: April 16, 2010 Posts: 591 Location: Vanagon Capitol USA: Bellingham, WA
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 11:11 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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