Locke Johnston wrote:

>I have an 86 Vanagon that has developed a couple problems that may be
>related. First is that when I cold start it, it idles fine for a minute
>or so then fades and stalls out. It keeps doing this until it warms up.
>If I keep my foot on the gas it warms up enough after a few minutes to
>drive.
>
Symptomatic of a failing Idle Stabilizer Valve.(mounted on top of the
engine - has an electrical cable fastened to the end of it with a
connector.) Sometimes cleaning this valve with carburetor cleaner is
sufficient to elimnate faulty operation. Sometimes not. But worth a try.

>The other problem just started the other night. After driving a
>few to ten miles or so the engine starts revving out of control. It then
>rides at a real high idle kind of all by itself.
>
Symptomatic of a failing Idle Stabilizer Control (Removable Electronic
Box accessible by removing the right tail light assembly) Remove the
box, then its cover. Look for obvious burnt areas - resistors and
capacitors - This is  typically symtomatic of an over heat problem. A
typical problem with the box. May require replacement.

Vacuum leaks will also cause these symptoms. One place to look is the
Crankcase Breather hose on top of the engine. They rot, and vacuum leaks
will cause problems.

The idle stabilizer system kicks up the RPM when a load is placed on the
engine from 1) Air Conditioner, 2) power steering stops are reached, 3)
Cold engine.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver