William Ward wrote:

> Last week I took my 86 Vanagon GL to the VW dealer because it was idling too
> high (over 2,000 rpms) and missing.  The mechanic diagnosed a faulty idle
> stabilizer and quoted a price of $225 for a new one, but I ordered one from
> the Bus Depot for 20% less and installed it today.  The problems were not
> corrected.  In fact, it now idles between 2,200 and 2,500 rpms and miss
> fires and back fires.  I've replaced spark plugs, rotor cap, distributor cap
> and ignition coil with no change in the problems.  My local VW specialist
> knows mechanics, but can't help with the ignition problem.  Can anyone
> suggest what the problem might be.  Perhaps a faulty ECU (I hope not) ?
>
> Bill Ward               86 Vanagon - recently purchased
> Pottsboro, TX           65 Mercedes 190 Sedan
> Lake Texoma             56 Chevy PU, BBW, V8 - For Sale
>                         58 Plymouth Belvedere under construction

I had a similar problem with my 86GL as well. My mech did a complete tune out
on the fly wheel. setting the marks high and low... I run idle at about 800 to
1k.. also check your fuel mixture that can screw with it too.

Mike
Farhvenugen 117k ... and still truckn