Joe,
the idle stabilizer is an entirely different beast on 84-85 1.9L
engines comparied to the 86-91 2.1L engines.  I have a '83 1.9L, same
as yours.

People say that the idle stabilizer doesn't really affect engine
performance.  However, in my personal experience, a new idle
stabilizer solved my surging problem.  Sure, I may have other problems
that the idle stabilizer is masking.  But, when I bought a new idle
stabilizer, it solved my problem.  For me, it was $50 well spent.
Now, it doesn't surge.

On Sun, 27 Jun 2004 17:04:42 +0000, joe trussell <vanagongl@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I've combed the archives and have found a lot of good info, but maybe I just
> drank a wee bit too much last night and am having trouble processing it
> all...
>
> My '85 GL wouldn't start last year, so I took it in to a shop here, and they
> got it running...They didn't tell me exactly what they did (I was in a hurry
> and just picked it up and went) but it ran fine, although I've been fighting
> the surging idle problem since (and even before then.)
>
> I cleaned all connections, replaced grounds, tuned up, cleaned the AFM, then
> noticed that the idle stabilizer had been bypassed.
>
> I re-connected it and it seems like it ran better; I didn't have that little
> hesitation off the line and the idle didn't completely correct itself, but
> it had less of a surge (maybe 900-1100 instead of 1000-1400.)
>
> A couple of days ago, it wouldn't start at all.  So, I disconnected the idle
> stabilizer again and it started right up.  Still idles like crap, but it's
> running!  It also seems to struggle for power above 3500 RPM.  It just takes
> forever to rev up there, and makes getting on the interstate even more of a
> scary adventure.
>
> My question is, is it bad to run without the idle stabilizer, and does a
> good working idle stabilizer have much effect on performance?  Asking out of
> curiosity more than anything; I'm going to go ahead and get a new one but
> wanted to see what y'all thought.
>
> Thanks for any help, I certainly appreciate it!
>
> PS: those cupholers from campingworld are the greatest!  Just installed a
> few and was able to discard my ugly plastic igloo center console...
>
> Joe T.
> Denver, CO
> '85 GL 'action van'
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Watch the online reality show Mixed Messages with a friend and enter to win
> a trip to NY
> http://www.msnmessenger-download.click-url.com/go/onm00200497ave/direct/01/
>