a bit of alcohol

[911FL]

I had been having idle (and drivability) problems with my '84 3.2 Targa with 105k for the last year or so. Mostly a bit of idle dropping to 500 or so upon lifting off, and a slightly erratic idle. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter, cap and rotor and no change. I read an older post saying to clean the idle control valve with some isopropyl alcohol and yesterday I took a chance. Instant change and a wonderful response to pedal input as well. Almost miraculous (and cheap). Just thought I would share.

[ghnat]

Nice job. It's fun when you get to fix the easy ones...

[mschuep]

Interesting 911FL. Newbie question, where is that located on your 84? I've been having a bit of "erraticity" myself. Im going to disconnect the O2 sensor for funsies, figure I might try that trick too.

[VMAX1]

How did you clean it? Just take it off and flush alc. thru it? I have had the same prob. myself. Replace wires etc. like you did. Great post!

[911FL]

Pretty straight forward actually. The ICV is located right on top of the engine with two hoses connected to it. I disconnected the hose clamps, removed the valve from the post by loosening the hose clamp holding it down, slid it off its post without disconnecting the plug, and poured alcohol into the valve. I positioned it so the liquid would not pour back out and left it for a half hour. Then I put two fingers on each opening and shook it back and forth so there was movement inside like a paint can. After five minutes I allowed the alcohol to drain onto a cloth towel and reassembled. This has been the single most impressive change I have seen for the least amount of work. Hope this helps

[Jeff]

Way to go Dan. I did that a few years ago and it also worked wonders. It is still working fine today.

[acapella8]

Can you take a picutre of where it is located?

I have a 78SC 3.0 with a bit of an idle "hiccup" issue.

[Jeff]

acapella8, The 3.0 engine runs a different fuel injection system than the 3.2 so it does not apply to your situation. I would like to help but I just got the 3.0 a few weeks ago and am still learning the CIS system.

[Jeff]

acapella8, Here is a website with a lot of good info on the CIS system...

http://members.rennlist.com/jimwms/CIS/CIShome.html

[acapella8]

Thanks Jeff -- Got it, I just figued that out too while doing a bit of looking. Two months, but I'm still learning tons!

[wcc]

I haven't done this yet, but I know what you are talking about. I was thinking I might do it cause I don't think it's ever been cleaned out and I have over 200000 miles on the clock now. Anyways, here is a pic to where it is located in a '85 911.

Thanks for the tip!!!!

Bill