Shark Racer

I don't remember that being there 2 years ago... I'm so confused. Did I accidentally drive the wrong car home? :confused:

-Steve

88'Cubka

accel pump?

Paul L

Idle solenoid. Bumps up the idle speed when the A/C compressor kicks in and puts a strain on the engine.

ED DINAPOLI

It may be as Paul discribed or as simple as an idle control. They were used for reduceing emmisions after the engine was shut down. When the ignition was shut off it would cause the solenoid to close the primaries on the carb to keep gas fumes from escapeing. It would also stop any run on or dieseling.
Ed

RMVette

:iagree: with paul79. I assume your car has ac?

theandies

This is the correct answer.
John

Stoge

I'll second this, Paul is exactly right.

vettfixr

:iagree: Also used on models like my 74 to position the idle all the time. The idea was that when the engine is started the idle solenoid would set the idle speed and then when the engine was shut off it would prevent run-on caused by the lean mixtures used in those days. I modified mine so that it would kick on when the AC compressor kicked in.

stingray72

How did you modify it to kick in with the A/C? I may want to do this to mine too.

George

vettfixr

It's pretty simple if you have the old A6 (big) compressors that run all the time. You just splice into the green wire that goes to the compressor clutch and put a female spade connector on the other end of the wire to fit the solenoid connection. Clutch is on = solenoid is engaged. Most Q-jets have a screw to set the idle . Set your idle with the air off by setting the screw and then turn your air on and adjust the solenoid to give you the same idle speed. Once you've done this when you turn the AC on all you will have to do is just blip the throttle a little and the idle solenoid will keep the engine idleing at the same speed. If you turn the AC off you probably won't even notice that the idle has changed because the solenoid will disengage and without a drag on the engine you'll retain your idle speed. This probably won't work on the newer compressors that cycle on and off because you do have to depress the throttle slightly to set the solenoid. The solenoids aren't strong enough to overcome the spring tension on the throttle arm of the carb. If you are idleing and compressor kicks on and off the idle will drop down unless you keep depressing the throttle every time the compressor kicks back on. Hope I'm making sense and not overcomplicating a pretty simple topic. :confused:


[Modified by vettfixr, 7:48 AM 12/20/2002]

ED DINAPOLI

Can anyone tell me what years the Corvettes used this solenoid to increase the idle on AC equiped cars? I know of only 1 year [ If my memory serves me correctly].