Cleaning the Idle Control Valve...
 

I cleaned my Idle Control Valve in my '83 380 SEL about 2 months ago, and it has done quite well untill a few days ago. How long can I keep doing that before I finally have to replace it?

The reason I ask is that I will be recieving a limited amount of financial aid for college, and I have allocated $400 for my AC PBC unit. I cant guarantee the skill that I would replace the PBC with, but the ICV is quite simple. However, the ICV is ~ $300 from fastlane, more from my local Benz specialist. Which would you do? Replace the ICV, or the AC and clean the ICV? If I get more FinAid than I think, I will do both.

Any thoughts?

BTT

I would put money on a hard failure of the idle control valve being caused by burnout due to a gummed up mechanism. I.e. regular service could extend service life indefinitely. However, if you are getting the same symptoms after a few months, either you didn't adequately clean it or the fault is elsewhere.

Steve

Well, it has acted like the ICV is acting up again twice last week. It hasnt done it in a week, so maybe its just a hiccup. (Crosses fingers...)