Joel, as you recall I spoke of my 88 GL van bucking when I let off the
gas and took my foot off the pedal. This was especially bad on a
downhill grade.

I have followed your suggestion of checking the Idle Stabilizer Valve
and the Idle Stabilizer Control Box in the right hand side behind the
tail light. I never got as far as the control box.

With the engine warm, the first thing I did was to disconnect the
connector at the stablizer valve then adjust the idle speed to 850 rpm.
Then with the stabilizer still disconnected, I drove it under varying
conditions. Guess what????........no bucking what-so-ever. It won't idle
after a cold start by itself, but if I keep my foot on the pedal until
it warms up it's fine. I haven't had a chance to remove and clean the
stabilizer valve, but until I do I have piece of mind about the bucking
syndrome. I will just start it up, stay with it until it's warm enough
to idle by itself, then I wil go about my business.

I have yet to address the high engine rpm with the A/C turned on. As you
suggested, the problem may very well be in the stabilizer control valve
function. It certainly caused problems with the back-off when coasting
down to lower speed.

Thanks for the tip. Will let you know how it works out with the A/C.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver