Replacing AAR, aka "cold start valve", discouraging options Options

[Prospectfarms]

My AAR shorted-out melting the ignition harness. There is infinite continuity between the pos. terminal and ground. Air passes freely through the valve despite heating the housing to 160 degrees F. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

My research indicates used OEM valves cost about $90. Typically these don't come with a guarantee. "Rebuilt" or NOS units cost about $200. "Cold start valves" of a similar configuration, e.g., VW, 944, Datsun, Mercedes, etc. begin at $140. Moreover, the off-brands on E-bay are pictured to be identical to the Bosch unit, and that gives me pause. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Many members of this forum have friends with stashes of old parts to trade, I don't, and am relying on the market to source replacement parts. My car starts and runs without it andI don't want to spend $100, let alone $200 for this part; however, I recognize that the AAR vastly simplifies tuning and the general operation of the motor. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Should I:

1. Attempt disassembly and repair of my AAR, per Anders, et al?
2. Purchase a used OEM valve without a warranty?
3. Try a non-stock unit?
4. Go without AAR (how to tune?)
5. None of the above?

Maybe someone has an AAR for a 1.7 FI motor they would like to sell for less than $90? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif) If so, please let me know that too. Or if that's bad forum etiquette,(IMG:style_emoticons/default/chair.gif) just tell me I should place a Wanted ad in the classified forum.

[Tom_T]

Cap'n has given you some good tips, and I'll add to not try rebuilding your own unless you're fairly competent with that work, but if you can't find a functioning used one around (try GPR) - then the AARs are available rebuilt from Pelican IIRC (maybe GPR too) for more than $90, but it will be reliable & a R&R bolt-in match to what you have (i.e.: no need to make a bracket/etc.).

http://www.gprparts.com/shop/

Last time I looked Pelican, AA, PP/Automotion, etc. wanted a grand for a new "genuine" AAR for my 73 2L!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

PS - the cold start valve is actually more like a 5th injector (at the throttle body IIRC) which kicks in more gas when the motor is cold.