What is this called? It was on the driver's side. front part of the Q-jet carb. Seems to work the idle, or something...

Knowing enough to be dangerous...

Chuck

Hope the pics turned out OK...

 

The engine idle sometimes shoots up to 2500 RPM in neutral. I think this "thing" is the culprit. How do I figure? I popped the hood and noticed that the bolt looking thingy was pushing against some throttle looking thingy, when I moved the bolt towards the left the idle reduced to normal. So.... my high-idle issue seems to be tied to this "Thingy"

Chuck

 

Hows that for "Knowing enough to be dangerous" hahaha!

Chuck

 

It's a solenoid that is engaged to increase the idle speed under certain conditions. You can disconnect the single wire to it to prevent it from engaging so you can troubleshoot.

Depending on options it will engage to increase the idle speed when the AC compressor comes on or the low pressure switch is tripped on the power steering circuit (probably not in 84 though) in addition to ECM commanded circumstances, like deceleration.

It should not increase the idle speed to 2500 though, unless it's seriously out of adjustment. The end of it is threaded and can be turned to adjust how much it adds. It's normally set according to the under hood sticker, I set mine to maintain my regular idle speed with the AC on.

 

Thanks!

It seems that this solenoid may not be working properly, the inside seems very corroded.
Is there anybody selling these things? I checked quadrajetparts.com and no luck..

 

I've seen them selling for Holley carbs, pretty sure it's the same part. Year one I think has them in their magazine. YOu might find them at autozone. I'd also try Cliff Ruggles at Cliffs High Performance, he might have a few or know where to get them as he's something of a Qjet Guru.

You can "turn' the plunger, (It looks like a bolt head, yeah, took me a minute to see it as well) to adjust how far in/out it goes. Turn it right, makes it shorter, turn it left and it pushes out longer.

 

The factory called it "idle stop solenoid". Sometimes called an idle kicker solenoid. Should be available from most parts store chains. If they don't stock it, they should be able to order it from their warehouse.

If that doesn't work, dollars to donuts these guys have it: http://www.carburetion.com/

 

It's a Stepper Motor or and idle speed control motor. naf was correct in what it does. It should be readily available. GM used these things on everything right up until the last carberated motor rolled off the line. You may be overthinking it. Try local autozone or rockauto.com or something of that nature. You shouldnt have a hard time finding but if you do let me know. I just may have one kicking around.

 

Not a stepper in a L69... just a solenoid.

What five7 said.

The Holley one won't work; just like, the stock one won't work on a Holley. You'll never guess how I know these things.

 

Sorry Chuck I just wanted to clarify what you have is an Idle Speed Control Motor (ISC) not to confused with an Idle air control valve (IAC) which is used on an TBI car.

 

Did the idle go to 2500 rpm just one day or had it became worse over time?

 

And yes technically "Sofakingdom" is correct. Technically it is not a motor because it has no shaft and uses an electromagnet to move however most aftermarket companys refer to it as a "motor" only for simplicity for consumers. Most people dont even know that solenoid is a word nevermind that it exists or how to spell it. They would refer to it as a motor (because its an electrical item that moves) hence it being called a motor.

 

I didn't say anything about "not a motor"; what I DID SAY was,

Don't ask for a "motor" at the parts store, because there won't be a listing for it. It's an "idle stop solenoid" or similar. "Idle ____ solenoid" for sure. They'll never find it in a thousand years if you try to get em to look up "motor", regardless of how "technically" correct the term might or might not be.

You'll never guess how I know these things.

 

I've noticed it in the last month or so, the solenoid came off my original q-jet, so its probably the original. It happens after the car warms up. After about 10 minutes or so. When it does stay at 2000-2500 rpm, I rev it up to 3000-3500, then after a few times, the idle goes back to normal. I really think its that solenoid, being suspicious about it I popped the hood when it was idiling at 2500 and I noticed the bolt fully extended which was pushing the throttle linkage towards a high rpm. I tapped on the bolt, then it slid back towards the solenoid thus reducing the idle. I think the throttle movements at idle probably loosened the extension of the bolt, causing it to retract towards the solenoid.

Its gotta be that thing, the insides look very corroded.

Chuck

 

Where can I get a replacement? Can you point me to a web-site or something?

Chuck

 

Autozone:

Part Number: E440
Alternate Part Number: A44-128
Warranty: 2 YR

Notes: O.E.M. #17067149, 17068273, 17079337

The manual calls it the AC Idle Speed Solenoid. I've seen it called other things but the Idle Load Compensator (vacuum operated) and the Idle Speed Control Assembly (stepper motor) are separate, distinct animals.

I would, however, do a little troubleshooting before replacing this part. The non-energized position of the solenoid is 'in'. If when 12V is applied it is able to extend out, then the throttle return spring should be able to return it to its rest position. IOW if it's corroded enough to stick, it should stick so as not to engage the throttle stop. Check how freely it moves and that it extends outward when 12V is applied.

There could be several other causes of the high idle that could very well involve this piece even if the solenoid is functioning correctly. An improper ECM command for the solenoid could be caused by a failed sensor reading such as TPS or ESC (the ECM will command the idle solenoid when the ESC is disconnected-like when you set the base timing), the throttle return spring could be weak or the throttle could be otherwise hanging up so as not to return the solenoid plunger to its rest position.

These solenoid's are pretty weak, usually too weak to lift the throttle off of the curb idle set screw when energized, just strong enough to keep it from returning after it's already opened. It might be your problem, but take the time to make sure first.

 

Thanks!

I will get the solenoid checked out... I will write up an update when I get a chance to work on it this weekend..

Chuck

 

So just to clarify, if the bolt is spring loaded towards (left) the solenoid, away from the throttle linkage, then it should not freely move left or right like its doing right now. Seems like the spring inside is shot, because the bolt moves very freely from side to side. Given this, does it make sense to say that the solenoid is inoperative?

Chuck

 

It's not spring loaded, it relies on the throttle return spring to return it to it's non-engaged position. It should move freely in and out with no power to it.

 

Ok..
Thanks for the info, glad somebody knows something about this!

Chuck