My 84 sl has a fluctuating idle which I think is due to a sticking idle control valve. Would it hurt anything to pull the valve off, clean it with carb cleaner and then shoot a little wd-40 to lube it up? New part is pretty expensive. Thanks for any suggestions.

I've pulled mine off a couple of times to clean it. Carb cleaner does the job-just spray it in and shake it out.Repeat until clean. I read here of people soaking it (don't get the electrical part wet) but have not done that. Nor did I apply WD40. If it still is stuck I think you need to go for a new one.
Good Luck

I use a similar method and I heartily agree with the WD40. It also helps if you excite the valve (hit it briefly with 12v numerous times (be sure to keep the spark away from the carb cleaner).

The point to the movement and the WD is that you can't really spray where the accumulation is most important and after you are done the left over crankcase dung will be very sticky. The WD keeps it from sticking as it dries.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician