Dave, on the '84 1.9L, the idle stabilizer is a small plastic box-like
device that is on the driver's side of engine compartment between the coil
and the ignition control module.  From your description, sounds like it is
working correctly.

John
Macon, GA
'84 7-passenger

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Prendergast" <dprendergast@TRIAD.RR.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2005 11:49 AM
Subject: Idle Stabilizer Valve

> I've got an annoying issue that isn't really a problem as of yet but it
> may become one later.
> I have an 84 Westy (68k original miles) that does this:  Whether cold or
> warm, at idle it acts like it wants to stall but something catches it
> before it drops in rpms.  It idles at about 900 rpms and then you get
> this subtle rumble that you can feel for a split second as if it wants
> to stall but it catches before it can fall even 100 rpms.  I've
> disconnected the Idle control unit and that doesn't seem to change
> anything, and I keep reading that there is an idle stabilizer valve
> somewhere but I can't find it.  I've looked behind the passenger
> tailight but it's not there.  Help me out oh great vanagon gurus.
>
>
> Dave
>