I have similar symptoms (engine quit/lousy idle) - started when I got a new
O2 sensor with my new exhaust.  Lower idle when warm too.  If I disconnect
my O2 sensor and it runs better, what does that mean?

Jeff
85 Westfalia

----- Original Message -----
From: "gary hradek" <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2002 11:37 PM
Subject: repairing the idle stabilizer unit

> Mike and Matthew,
>                  Idle stabilizer unit does not seem a
> likely cause of this problem.   It is easy to swap out
> but I think I would look elseware for the problem.
> This relay is involved in stabilizing rpm while under
> a ac looad or steering I think.  How does the van run
> if you just pull the single wire to the o2 sensor?
> Have you changed the temp2 sensor?   regards gary
> Date:    Thu, 19 Dec 2002 04:28:01 +0000
> From:    Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: repairing the idle stabilizer unit
>
> gary hradek <hradek@YAHOO.COM> said:
>
>   Matthew,
>          Not sure that you can always repair them but
> If
>   you have the time you might pop open the relay and
> try
>   cleaning the contacts of the relay itself.   Look
> for
>   something like pitted points.   If it is the
>   electromagnetic coil, give it the sniff test and
> pitch
>   it if it is not working and smells bad.  How does
> the
>   relay appear bad to you?   gary
> <SNIP>
>
> Gary -
>
> Matthew and I have been talking about mine.  It starts
> fine and runs ok
> on
> the highway, but once it's warm, the idle wavers a bit
> around 8-900
> rpm,
> then the engine seems to quit for a second, and picks
> back up.  Once in
> awhile, when it pick  back up, the idle jumps to about
> 1200 rpm and
> then
> subsides back to 8-900.
>
> I've tried two ECUs with identical results.   I tried
> running with the
> idle
> stabilizer valve (on top of the engine) disconnected,
> but no change, so
> I'm
> suspicious of the idle stablilizer relay (by the
> taillight).
>
> My digitool doesn't show any odd readings for the AFM
> or Temp II
> sensor.
> The O2 sensor is bouncing around like normal, although
> it does seem to
> be
> spending more time below .5 than above.
>
> If we had a better place to work I would see if
> Matthew and I could
> swap
> units, but working outside in the dark is not too
> attractive right now.
>
> Maybe over Christmas I can open mine up and see what
> it looks like.
>
> Anything else that could be causing those symptoms?
> Is this a problem
> that's likely to strand me someplace, or just make
> running around town
> a
> problem?
>
> - Mike
>
>
>
> Mike Finkbiner
> '87 Westy
> Moscow, ID
> mike_l_f@hotmail.com
>
>
>
>
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