I have just cleaned my ISV this morning.....wow was it dirty, and the vane was VERY sluggish to turn....now not only does the outside shine but so does the inside (1 bottle of brake cleaner later) and the vane now moves really easy. Started car and it runs so much smoother at idle...am I imagining this or does it just sound happier!!! How often should I do this, is it annually???? Not only has the idle smoothed considerable but the idle has gone from 700-800 to a steady and constant 800....what a difference.....if you have never done this try it, it is easy.....but getting the back hose on again was a PITA!!!

 

Hi David, what method did you use for R&R? Did you use Robin's DIY or ...? Thinking of trying it my self. Thanks!

 

Yes I followed Robins DIY.

Things that I would add......lubricate the back hose slightly to aid when trying to slip it back on

Use a pencil with an eraser on the end or something similar to turn the vane manually so that you can clean it using Q tips, I found that when I just used the cleaner I could not get the hidden part clean and when I turned it I could still see dirt...turning and holding it with the eraser on the end of my daughters pencil allowed me to take the time needed to clean thoroughly.

Other than that it was very simple. Good luck.

 

Did this a few months ago. Mine also was totally crudded up. An easy DIY and really helps settle the idle down.

 

Thanks for the insight. Think I'll give it a try too.

 

Is this a US part or do ROW cras have this as well?

Cheers,

David

 

You can check it out at www.p-car.com
Hope this helps to answer your question.

 

I found regular household paint thinner works really well at cleaning out the ISV valve. Plus, you can pour it into the valve and slosh it around... much easier to work with than spray brake fluid. I also use a light spritz of teflon lubricant in the IVS after it is clean and dry to keep that vane spinning as easily as possible.

I've also noticed not only does it help the idle, but if you have stalling issues or have a hard time w/ the clutch engagement point, keeping this valve clean and free moving really makes a difference.

 

Kelly
The thinner idea sounds interesting and def would avoid the "sray back" from using brake cleaner!!! I had not thought of that (driving bit), but having just been for a drive in mine I can attest to the fact that the idle and take off/ pulling up shows a much smoother operation. As to lubrication of the vane....does anybody else do this...I thought about it but wondered if the lub would attact more gunk and choke it up quicker?????

 

It's just something I started doing. That ISV valve gets gunked up pretty good anyway. No proof if the teflon helps or not... My thinking is it would help to keep the pivot point in the valve free turning longer.

To me, the ISV valve should be checked when you start getting engagement, stalling problems, which happens long before the idle is affected. That's how I judge when to clean it, anyway.

 

Kelly, how often is that???

 

Roughly, once year... for me anyway. I've had the car for a year and a half... done it 3 times, so far.

 

David,

BTW, anytime I have a rubber hose or plastic part I need to put back on, I spray it with either silicone spray or armorall to make it slide back on w/o hassles.

 

All 993s have an ISV. The '95s have a slightly different and easier config to get at than the VRAMs

'95, the silver canister top center


'97 ROW. again th esilver canister, top center


Brake cleaner followed by a shot of WD40(or kerosene) for lubricant

 

You guys inspired me. I haven't driven the car much yet, but the vane moved much easier when I was done, and the car did start just fine afterwards (whew!). With the right materials on hand, it doesn't take too long. I also discovered (although this is probably common knowledge) that a 9/32 wrench will work on that forward clamp.