David;

I ended up taking the IAC valve apart...a part of me said "if it ain't broke don't fix it" but common sense hasn't stopped me before.

It easily turned from stop to stop although I was surprised at the oil that had leeched into the motor area. My O-ring must not be sealing properly because with the valve closed I could still blow through it. ?? I wasn't blowing "through" the valve but rather redirecting air into the motor area--I assume through the O-ring.

I cleaned it out the best I could although I didn't emory cloth the contacts.

What a PITA to get the thing tightly back together though! I had read the FAQ about lining up the marks so I did; problem was you can line it up 180deg out! I can't properly concentrate on this stuff with kids running around and crying and needing diapers and general drama. It's amazing the car doesn't always run crappier after I work on it.

Bottom line: one trip to Safeway and the idle didn't dip as before but is loping. I can't recall if it was sporadically loping but I think not; IE I may have a new problem.

As long as it propels wife and offspring down the road. It will have to do for now.

Thanks for your time.
--
Norm Cook Vancouver BC; 1989 745T 204,000KM