iceman911

I am having some idling issues with the occasional stall and read in a previous thread about people removing and cleaning the idle speed control valve (ICV). One person noted spraying the inside of the valve with WD40 until all the black stuff stopped coming out. I am assuming WD40 is okay to use but thought I would post the question just to get more input. Should I use anything else?

logan2z

I always heard that carburetor cleaner was the right way to go here.

ron mcatee

I use brake clean or carberator cleaner to remove the old black stuff, but spray WD40 in it as a final wash. It leaves a film of lubrication so the valve can move easily. I shake it dry and then let set for an hour or so to let residue evaporate.l

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Thats correct.

iceman911

Steve,

Before I saw your message I went ahead and cleaned the ICV with brake cleaner then gave it a good shot of WD40. Seems better, still a little "bounce" after reving but stabilizes quicker.

Should I not have used brake cleaner?

Ed Hughes

I would not spray any WD40 anywhere near the inside of this valve. That stuff is all but useless, save for maybe displacing water in electrical connections. It also leaves a gummy residue which may come back to bite you.

Brake cleaner would not hurt, in my opinion. It is a strong solvent like carb cleaner. If it were me, I'd shoot some more in to clean the WD out.

Makmov

I did the same thing. Cleaned mine out with brake cleaner and gave it shot of WD40. It's improved greatly. However, I noticed someone at some time put a blob of silicone over the brass screw, I am not even sure what it is - maybe some adjustment. So I suspect my ICV isn't 100%, and maybe had a vacuum leak.

dshepp806

Carb cleaner (last time=staring fluid) for the cleaning process....I've also made use of silicone lube (not gel) ...improvements for sure.

Best,

Doyle

rusnak

Not criticising anyone here, but that is an area of high vacuum, and you can end up sending harmful solvents into your engine, contaminating the spark plugs. Silicone, for one, will kill your O2 sensor very quickly. Use carb cleaner, maybe starting fluid.
An uneven idle could also be related to fuel pressure or a vacuum leak, maybe even mixture related, especially if the o2 sensor is old.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

No harm, no foul,......