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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