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?

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BTT

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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

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7

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...)

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