I've adjusted the idle on about half a million 2.1 waterboxers.
Don't disconnect any of that stuff.
Just have it in tune, running right, warmed up .......
( like those have to be right in the first place, if the plug wires are 22
years old ...well.....etc.)

that large screw in the throttle body, sort of aimed right at you .....
there is no risk in turning that screw.
In is slower, out is faster.
If you get what you want this way - that's fine.

You also need to know if the throttle switch is making contact at idle.
They get off, Nobody *ever* checks them, lubes the throttle body, or even
knows about these switches.
See the Bentley, use an ohm meter so you can tell when contact is being
made.
As you return to idle ( engine not running ) ....the idle switch contact
should just close 'just a tad before full zero position on the throttle
plate.  Do what the book says.

I commonly find the idle switch not making contact.

The last thing affecting idle.....or a way to adjust and affect idle, is a
better way to put it, is the mixture screw in the air Flow Meter. Normally
don't touch that.
There's a anti-tamper plug blocking access originally anyway.
You can turn this screw with a 5 mm allen wrench, but at the very least,
count your turns so you can put it back where it was.
I always forget ....in is lean, out rich I think. 

But the two biggest things are....
That 'air idle screw' I first mentioned, 
And the idle switch adjustment.

And the rest of the thing has to be right of course, no low compression on
one cylinder, no big exhaust leaks etc.
If you don't know that other parameters, like ignition timing, and tune up
parts and so are forth are basically right - otherwise  you might be trying
to 'patch over' a more 'real problem.'

Scott
www.turbovans.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Anthony Kimmons
Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 11:34 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Question about setting idle for 87 GL?

Hey folks. Trying to set the idle on my 87 GL.

I found this in the archives:

http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind9810b&L=vanagon&D=0&O=D&P=3161
0

Problem is when I disconnect the Idle Stablizer Control Valve Solenoid
and the OX sensor wires (3 wires), I can barely get the engine to
start, much less hold an idle unless I hold down the gas pedal. Engine
is warm and up to temp.

What am I doing wrong? Can anyone clue me in?
Thanks!