This may not be anything new and I didn't see anything regarding this valve in our forum so I thought I would mention that I cleaned my idle control valve today. I noticed my car would stall on occasion between shifts. My mechanic suggested I change my Idle control valve and he put in a used one. The car would still stall but on a very rare occasion, like the day before yesterday. I remember seeing a you tube on cleaning the valve with carb cleaner or Brake Clean and decided to try it.
It's very easy to remove the valve on the V8. The valve didn't make any noise when I shook it so I figured it was dirty. I sprayed it down and then you could hear the difference when you shook it. The valve inside moved freely, you could hear it.
After I reinstalled the valve I went for a drive. The idle seemed smoother right off the bat. The RPMs didn't drop below 500 which caused me to drive with one eye on the tachometer. It was a very pleasant drive, as usual, but when I went around a corner with a little gusto and downshifted I didn't see the RPMs fall so quickly and I have a more confident feeling and the car did not feel as though it might stall. I am planning a 70-100 mile trip tomorrow and it should be a lot more fun and relaxed now.
They can get a bit gummed up after a while - but I would recommend a spot of new engine oil on the rotor after cleaning with brake cleaner as it strips all lubrication!
Timm..2007 E64 650i Individual Sport..1999 E31 840ci Individual Sport..ex owner of 2000 E38 740..1999 E38 740i V8 M62..1998 E38 735i V8..1993 E32 730i V8..1988 E28 518i
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That's a good tip Timm. I cleaned but did not lubricate mine. I should have.
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Same here, Thank you.
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