Author Topic: problems with starts, ICV?  (Read 8185 times)

Offline tehas

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 14
problems with starts, ICV?
« on: 28 September 2013, 18:17 »
Hello guys/girls(if any)
I have been having some issues lately with starting up my mk2, it's not a GTI, but still an mk2.
I am not a mechanic myself, but maybe someday will get into it.
some details about the car:
year made 1987 November,
engine 1.8 petrol, 66kW with full injection

more about the problem:
In the morning it takes a lot of time to start the engine going. turning up the key, the car gives a single roar, as if it was about to start, but suddenly it doesnt, and if keep holding the starter going - nothing happens. I dont burn the starter for 5 minutes straight, but after 5-7 minutes of heating up the sparks and ignition unit, the engine eventually starts to run.
first try: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIE9dy0Agss&feature=youtu.be
part where starts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUD9oMbD9io&feature=youtu.be

It becomes funny when first start is always like this in videos, but later on in the day, when the engine is warm it starts quite fast, so my thoughts was that there must be a leak of fuel somewhere in the system or a vacuum problem.
I have had a consulation with mechanic, and after 2 hours of playing with injection system and installing a non-returning valve into incoming fuel hose, the mechanic told me that there must be a problem with idle air control valve.

Would it be a solution in your head? or maybe something else pops in your mind that my friend has not thought of?

Would any of you know how would it be possible to check the ICV without taking it out, for the part number, so it would be possible to find the exact same one on the web.


Offline gazareth

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,349
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #1 on: 29 September 2013, 00:31 »
hi what is an icv?

Offline tehas

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 14
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #2 on: 29 September 2013, 09:00 »
idle air control valve, i was gonna take it out today, clean for all the nasty stuff with some carb cleaner, but i really doubt its gonna work. that's why i was hoping anybody had a similar problem and would share their knowledge

Offline Sgt_Lemon

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 820
  • 8v owners club
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #3 on: 29 September 2013, 12:21 »
I don't think it is the idle control valve. Recently one of the wires to my ICV rotted through within its sheath and broke off, the symptom I got was the inability to idle, go figure. The car required me to add throttle when it hadn't warmed up yet or it would stall, however it never failed to start. Failure to start is much more likely an ignition problem.

Offline tehas

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 14
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #4 on: 29 September 2013, 16:58 »
the wire in the covering, hm. what are the chances of that happening without stretching them?
I have checked my throttle body today for sludge or dirt, but it was not dirty at all. I wonder if the stepper motor could be a problem here, what would you think?

Offline clipperjay

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,150
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #5 on: 29 September 2013, 17:42 »
We call it ISV (Idle Stabilisation Valve)

Like this? If it is look at search and type ISV issues or rough idle or erratic idle

Offline tehas

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 14
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #6 on: 29 September 2013, 18:07 »
this is one i am talking about. ISV, well ICV was close enough, as it stood for idle control valve. but stabilization and control are quite similar.
thanks, i'll look it up

Offline clipperjay

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,150
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #7 on: 29 September 2013, 18:16 »
One point to remember they are made in 8V form and a 16V version. NOT interchangeable borrow one and see if it helps before spending monies  :wink:

 Stabilization (American)
 Stabilisation  (UK English)
Both correct might help in search parameters  :tongue:

Offline tehas

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 14
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #8 on: 30 September 2013, 18:54 »
it's quite strange, today when i start it cold, it gives one shout, as of rpms going from 0 to 0.2 and dropping back to 0 completely, first 3 attempts one after each other, same result.
give it 2 minutes, try to start again, now it goes up to 0.5 rpms, and drops to 0, give it another 2 minutes, try to start again, it jumps to 0.8 not once, but a couple times, and drops to 0 rpm. another 2 minutes, and it starts from half a turn, but requires some acceleration to keep the engine running. once it warms up (10-15 seconds of holding acceleration between 1-1.5 rpms) and it runs good.
I still believe it is idle stabilisation valve, as people had the exact problem with it, whilist others had a bad fuel injection to the fuel distribution unit. As my car has a full injection, not digi or mono, and I can hear working properly, I assume there has to be some problem with ISV or wiring. Unfortunetaly I havent got an electro-meter to check voltage or resistance on my temperature sender wires. Is there any possibility to check them without having this meter?
or maybe my description of a problem gave you another thought?
thanks again

Offline oakgreener

  • GTI forum regular
  • ***
  • Posts: 193
Re: problems with starts, ICV?
« Reply #9 on: 30 September 2013, 19:25 »
You need to check the idle valve buzzes when you turn ignition on and check the management temperature sensor or eliminate it by replacing it. Get one fo these, you'll need it time and again.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Multi-Meter-Measure-and-Leads-Ammeter-Tester-with-Digital-LCD-Display-Screen-/151134117543?pt=UK_Baby_FeedingSets_RL&hash=item23304b9ea7