Hmmm... thanks. It's interesting that I never had the problem with the erratic idle. That is, nothing greater than 2000 rpm.

I've checked the hoses and they seem ok (i.e. still squishy). Is there a way to easily check for the intake manifold leak?

Finally, twice I have turned off the car when this is happening. Both times, the car wouldn't start. After 20 seconds or so without trying to start it, it would start but then go into the 3000 rpm idle thing again. Sigh...

I'll be checking out the hoses again tonight.