76' 2.0L FI idle problems

[stereo]

Just recently got my 914 going again and it has an idling problem that I'm not sure of. When it starts cold it will run at 1500 rpm for about 5 seconds and then steadily climb to 2000, then from there it will drop and raise. I haven't been able to adjust the timing because I haven't gotten it up to operating temp. But if I adjust the distributor it will either lower the amount of rpm it jumps going toward the front and raise it very high going back. If I turn it off and start it again it will either die or go back to how it was running. I've been checking for vacuum leaks and haven't found any, but the AAR sounds like it's whistling but I can't feel any air around it. I was wondering if there's a way to bypass that system. I was also wondering if it could be a problem with the retard canister on the distributor. Any help would be great. Thanks.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Sounds like you have the classic 914 vacuum leak idle problem. check ALL your vacuum hoses. Something is allowing air to pass the aux. air regulator. Is the aux. air regulator closing all the way when warmed up? Try pinching the hose to the AAR when the car is cold. Does the idle change? How?

Timing will affect the idle speed, but I'm almost positive you have a leak somewhere. This does not sound like a problem with the vacuum canister on the distributor. Timing should be 27deg. BTDC at 3500RPM with the line disconnected. (Red mark on cooling impeller) Make sure your valves are adjusted correctly too.