The idle stabilizer itself is not changing the engine operation above idle.
The valve simply bypasses the throttle. Most likely the idle control unit is
defective. There is the possibility that something is triggering the idle
controller to increase idle speed. A bad reading from the temp 2 sensor or
one of the inputs for power steering or the AC compressor. A bad ground can
also cause a problem. I would look at the temp 2 sensor and wiring as that
can also change engine operation including ignition timing and the O2 sensor
not going into  closed loop operation.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Richard Golen
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2014 8:16 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Idle control issue

Hi,

Yesterday, while camping at Lime Rock Park - 3 hrs from home, I started my
Westy and the idle jumped to 1500...then to 2000 and finally stayed at 2700
rpm. Checked the throttle to see if it was hanging up. Not the case.

I then noticed one of the wires from the power steering switch came adrift
and grounded out. Replaced the wire, restarted, same problem. Disconnected
the idle stabilizer valve and idle went back to normal. Reconnected...rpms
back up to 2700. Re-disconnected it and drove home.

Interestingly, on the drive home, fuel mileage was up by 3 mpg...in fact the
engine seemed to run better, stronger and quieter.

Came home and cleaned the idle valve w/carb cleaner. Idled normally for 30
seconds and back up to 2700.  So I disconnected it once more.

So, what could the problem be? In the alternative, where the engine seems to
be running much better, should I just leave the idle stabilizer valve
disconnected?

Thanks!

Ric

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