As the topic says, our 86 starts, flings the startup idle to 3,000 rpm, then after about 15 second it drops down and stalls...

Where to start? Checking the manuals now....

The Variable Resistor is out being rewired (wires had been worn through and unattached).

 

it might be a vaccum leak

 

not to take over your post but mine does the exact same thing. Its not a vacuum leak as ive spayed carb cleaner on the whole engine as its running with no change and my tps is adjusted perfectly. My car idle hunts between 1300 and 1600rpm at idle and when im giving the car partial throttle it hesitates ALOT. Ive replaced all manifold gaskets and vacuum lines and adjusted all sensors. im thining the ecu itself is screwed at this point...any thoughts?? maybe it will help the starter of this post as well.

 

I adjusted the idle and now it idles fine at 750rpm, however, between 1250 and 2500 rpm, the idle bounces...so I need to check out the TPS I beleive.


How does one check the TPS and where exactly is it?

 

Get the factory service manual from one of the links in the FAQ at the top of this section. Instructions for checking and adjusting the TPS are in there.