Skip to main content
vanagon.com
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:RapidIdle when Warm
From:Jon B Kanas
Date:Sun, 7 Jan 2001 20:59:55 -0700

Good Day,

Last December I posted to the list regarding my 1987 Westfalia
Syncro idle being very high when warm.  The list consensus was to
replace the coolant temperature sensor.   Finally, over the
weekend, it's been warm enough to work on the Westy, which is too
tall to fit in my garage (ex chicken coop!).  I performed the
following tasks in approximately 45 minutes yesterday.  The
problem has been resolved, the overall idle of the Vanagon is
much improved.  I do not know for certain which was the specific
solution, but the combination was easy to perform and
significantly improved my Vanagon's behavior:

Replaced coolant sensor; cleaned connection with WD-40.

Removed and cleaned idle air solenoid with carb cleaner.  There
was quite a bit of gritty white powder in this, but it WASN'T
corrosion.  The inside was shiny and unpitted after cleaning!
 Cleaned idle air solenoid electrical connection.

Removed air cleaner and air flow sensor to facilitate
installation of new water-trap snorkel boot (Syncro-unique part).
 Cleaned all electrical sensor connections on boot between air
cleaner and throttle body, reseated and tightened all clamps on
reinstallation of air cleaner.

Cleaned idle switch connection on top of cylinder #2 intake
runner.

Adjusted the rear brakes (probably not related to idle problem
:-))

Replaced melted Right Rear bumper cover (don't go on a trip
without a tailpipe!)

Replaced cover for Rear Washer reservoir.

Thanks to Ken Wilfey for finding a whole list of obscure parts I
needed, and the rest of the list for their general know-how and
assistance.  Happy new year to all....

Jon B Kanas

IBM Global Services / IT Architecture
kanasjon@us.ibm.com
303-924-9049

Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be
happy.

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »