I was just wondering if anyone knows how much input values vary from year and manufacturer on idle air control valves. The reason for asking is; I am working on a 1981 Mercedes 380SL. After testing the control unit (as well as over voltage relay) and voltage to the IAC pigtail as well as testing the IAC itself, I have determined I have a bad IAC. The part is about $400 new. Since I have a machine shop, I could build an interface from billet in order to run an IAC which is much cheaper. Building an adapter pigtail is no problem either. I have the values for the idle air control valve for the 380SL, but cant seem to find values for other idle air control valves. One thing all idle air control valves seem to have in common is; with no voltage to the idle air control valve, they are in full open position. This seems to hold true for pre and post OBDII vehicles. Regardless whether idle air control valves operetate using a solenoid or motor, the function seems to be the same.
I was just wondering who here would think building an adapter to run a cheaper idle air control valve (lets say a $40 IAC from a Ford) from a different car would be a colossal waste of time as well as a waste of money. And why? Is there a possibility it would work or no way would it ever work?
I know it sounds sort of outlandish, but it also goes beyond saving money. I want a part that could be widely available as opposed to having to wait 6 weeks for a part. I have heard of people changing pigtails on O2 sensors (provided they have the same number of wires) to use cheaper and more widely available sensors with no issues. But I dont know if anyone has ever tried using idle air control valves which were not specifically meant for a certain vehicle.
I was just wondering who here would think building an adapter to run a cheaper idle air control valve (lets say a $40 IAC from a Ford) from a different car would be a colossal waste of time as well as a waste of money. And why? Is there a possibility it would work or no way would it ever work?
I know it sounds sort of outlandish, but it also goes beyond saving money. I want a part that could be widely available as opposed to having to wait 6 weeks for a part. I have heard of people changing pigtails on O2 sensors (provided they have the same number of wires) to use cheaper and more widely available sensors with no issues. But I dont know if anyone has ever tried using idle air control valves which were not specifically meant for a certain vehicle.