Hi Loretta,

Thanks so much for writing!  Great description for the stabilizer valve,
I found it.  It's working fine again today after piddling around some.
I'm hoping it was something around the accelerator pedal, though I
couldn't see anything that would affect it.  At least I know I'd better
start to put a few dollars away in case I have to buy one.  Yikes $200
bucks!  Did you shop around?  If it happens again, I'll go ahead and
clean it up before I resort to buying one.

 But.... I told Jezebel this is not the way to start our relationship or
she'd be down the road and I'd buy another one to replace her quick.
I'm not going to tolerate this breaking down crap like her PO did.  He
replaced virtually everything including motor so there is basically
nothing left to break.  I've pampered her since she arrived and I laid
down the law that she better return the favor.....or else.
Well.......it worked :o)

Cheers,

Katy

Loretta Abbott-Kennon wrote:
>
> Hi Katy, Good to hear another woman who isn't afraid to get to know her
> vanagon!  I have the same problem on one of my vanagons (have 2).  The idle
> stabilizer valve is the cylindrical object on the top center of the engine
> with an electrical connector coming out one end and a rubber connector with
> hoses attached (one going down, the other going straight).  I took mine out
> and cleaned it with a spray solvent purchased at an auto parts store.  It
> worked fine for a while, but eventually the problem returned.  I ended up
> taking it to the vw mechanic I trust and he told me that it needed to be
> replaced (cost about$200 for part) but that it wouldn't hurt anything to
> continue driving it the way it is.  I hope this helps you some.  Let me know
> what results you get.
> Best Regards,
> Loretta