Aux. air regulator woes., Engine unit dead, replacement too! Options

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

The AAR is stuck open on my 2.0L. In fact, when I connect it to the power source it pops the fuel pump fuse (25A) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/mad.gif) I put a clamp on the hose so now I have to feather the throttle at stops until the engine is warmed up. Obviously, if I take the clamp off then the engine will idle really fast once op temp is reached.

I found a "spare" unit but it, too, is stuck open. Why can't they stick closed? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) So, what is there to replace it? I tried the 914 on-line part stores no no avail. AA was a PITA to "flip" thru their on-line catalog (yeah...whatever) and I get bored and gave up looking thru it. The device looks exactly like the unit I had on my previous Type 3 automatic -- which served the same function and was powered by the coil. So I got to thinking, the other units out there, for cars like water-cooled VW engines, use a similar device, just a little more aerodynamic looking (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) Would one of those (less expensive) units work? Can someone point me to a place that does sell AAR's for our cars (not a "I think such-n-such sells them")? What have others done to fix or replace their failing units?

Thanks (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beer.gif)

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

I removed the ceramic cup and bits then put the top part (the spring and holder) back onto the housing. A couple of tack welds to hold it together then filled the seam with hi-temp silicone sealer (the copper-looking stuff). The housing didn't want to weld back together very well and left a white silky residue so I think the housing is zinc'd or something. It is ferrious (magnetic). I left the holes where the rivets and pigtail are located at the bottom of the housing open. This will allow oiling if it should need it plus let heat in and moisture drain since I'm not sure how good my silicone seal will hold up.

Haven't had a chance to test it as it's raining quite heavily outside and my door/window seals ain't the greatest...plus the hood is still off. Cold engine started right up and idled so I know that cold-starting is working fine. The real test will come once the engine is at operating temp as the AAR should completely close up and keep the idle from hitting the 2000+rpm like she previously did (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wacko.gif) I'll report back when I can on how it works.