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idle stop solenoid

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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 01:24 AM
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Default idle stop solenoid

I know this topic has come up before (what hasn't?), and I've searched the archives a bit, but this sucker seems to be very year/option/opinion specific. My ISS has been disconnected for the 13 years I've had the car (didn't know what it was until now!). Its a '73 350 auto with A/C, but I yanked out the A/C years ago. There is no wire leading to the ISS, and the plunger is in the retracted position. The car has never dieseled, and if anything I've always felt that it does idle a bit faster than it should (seems opposite than should be with the plunger retracted, no?).

Anyway, 2 questions:
1) do I really need the ISS?
2) If I really should connect it, anybody know color of wire, and where it goes?

Anybody got a pic handy?

Thanks! Awesome bunch of people & info here, couldn't live without it.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 05:23 AM
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If your AC is disconnected, you don't need it.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 06:47 AM
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Do a search for this as you should have it connected. It has nothing to do with the AC. It's purpose is to prevent run on or dieseling after you shut the ignition off. It is connected to a brown wire shown in the picture just below it.the wire goes to a 12v source that is hot when the ignition is on - can't remember the exact location. The AIM has the exact details.

Check this: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-solenoid.html

Fran


Last edited by Blue73Shark; Dec 23, 2013 at 07:08 AM.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 07:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Blue73Shark
Do a search for this as you should have it connected. It has nothing to do with the AC. It's purpose is to prevent run on or dieseling after you shut the ignition off.
I guess I've been doing it wrong for the last 12 years.

No A/C and if your car is set up right, I don't think you need it.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 09:37 AM
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Mail it to me if you don't want it/I'll pay the shipping/postage (I could use it on my '36/'92 truck SBC non-choke-carb to help the engine warm up on chilly Southern mornings)
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Blue73Shark
Do a search for this as you should have it connected. It has nothing to do with the AC. It's purpose is to prevent run on or dieseling after you shut the ignition off. It is connected to a brown wire shown in the picture just below it.the wire goes to a 12v source that is hot when the ignition is on - can't remember the exact location. The AIM has the exact details.
+1

Like many things people remove them because they don't know what they're for or how they work.

The curb idle speed is adjusted with the hex head on the piston, not with the screw on the carb.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
+1

Like many things people remove them because they don't know what they're for or how they work.

The curb idle speed is adjusted with the hex head on the piston, not with the screw on the carb.
You sure about that? I have a different understanding.
Mine is connected to the A/C circuit, same power that actuates the electro magnet clutch for the compressor, and actuates when the A/C is selected on to increase the throttle deflection while the A/C is running due to the increased load from the compressor. The brass screw on the ISS is adjustable to change it's effect while actuated.
When the A/C is off there is no power to the ISS and the throttle adjustment screw on the carb takes over for the idle stop. Every carburetor operated auto I have ever owned with A/C has functioned in this manner.

The ISS is nothing more than an electro magnet coil with a rod that protrudes when powered by 12V DC. I guess you can use it however you want to.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by REELAV8R
You sure about that? I have a different understanding.
Mine is connected to the A/C circuit, same power that actuates the electro magnet clutch for the compressor, and actuates when the A/C is selected on to increase the throttle deflection while the A/C is running due to the increased load from the compressor. The brass screw on the ISS is adjustable to change it's effect while actuated.
When the A/C is off there is no power to the ISS and the throttle adjustment screw on the carb takes over for the idle stop. Every carburetor operated auto I have ever owned with A/C has functioned in this manner.

The ISS is nothing more than an electro magnet coil with a rod that protrudes when powered by 12V DC. I guess you can use it however you want to.
That's how I have mine set up because my LT-1 won't idle with the A/C on unless I bump it up some.

But, that's not how it came from the factory. That tan wire in the above picture does not go to the A/C compressor. I added a wire from the A/C compressor in order to use it the way you and I do.

The way it is supposed to be set up, is 500 RPM with the solenoid disconnected and 900 RPM (or whatever your decal says for idle) with the solenoid connected. It is powered whenever the ignition is on.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by REELAV8R
You sure about that? I have a different understanding.
Mine is connected to the A/C circuit, same power that actuates the electro magnet clutch for the compressor, and actuates when the A/C is selected on to increase the throttle deflection while the A/C is running due to the increased load from the compressor. The brass screw on the ISS is adjustable to change it's effect while actuated.
When the A/C is off there is no power to the ISS and the throttle adjustment screw on the carb takes over for the idle stop. Every carburetor operated auto I have ever owned with A/C has functioned in this manner.

The ISS is nothing more than an electro magnet coil with a rod that protrudes when powered by 12V DC. I guess you can use it however you want to.
Do you have a '73?
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Do you have a '73?
No, don't have a 73. Does the 73 incorporate a fuel shut-off solenoid with the Idle solenoid? I haven't owned a 73 anything so this could be the case I suppose.
Mine is like the one pictured by blue shark and ones I have owned or worked on are like that as well.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
+1

Like many things people remove them because they don't know what they're for or how they work.

The curb idle speed is adjusted with the hex head on the piston, not with the screw on the carb.
Uh, OK. Maybe you ought to call GM and tell them how stupid they are...


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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Avette4me
Uh, OK. Maybe you ought to call GM and tell them how stupid they are...



Is this from a '73?

No.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:39 AM
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So, since it's a '73 you have to use one.

Interesting, but I don't buy it.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Avette4me

Interesting, but I don't buy it.
I don't think anybody really cares.

The OP has a '73 and asked a question about his '73. Several of us know the answer and have personal experience with '73s.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 11:45 AM
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Not sure why you choose to be a dick.

The OP has a '73 with no AC. I'm just saying that he does not have to have it without A/C.

Prove me to be incorrect and I'll be glad to admit it.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 12:06 PM
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A simple review of the AIM will indicate that ALL '73s came with the idle stop solenoid, A/C or not. A review of the '73 wiring diagram will show that there is no electrical connection between the solenoid and the A/C compressor.

My own non-A/C '73 small block has this very solenoid. It can and has dieseled on hot summer days if the solenoid is defeated by adjusting the mechanical stop on the carb.

Don't think I'm the one being the dick here..................
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Avette4me
Uh, OK. Maybe you ought to call GM and tell them how stupid they are...


What year book is that out of?
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 04:40 PM
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My 73 with the original 454 has the solenoid and needs it. Without it, she diesels. It's needed because in order to adjust to the correct idle speed, the primaries on the Q-Jet are open far enough to uncover the transition slots which means fuel is still pulled into the in hot chambers on shut down, which causes the dieseling.

Its actually a slick solution to the problem, plus it makes idle adjustments much easier.

FWIW
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 05:02 PM
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Just a point of clarity. The 1973 Rochester Quadrajet idle speed adjustment is accomplished by turning the hex head on the anti diesel solenoid's piston. This is in accordance with the instructions and specifications listed on the 1973 Engine Emissions and Tune Up decal, located on the LH engine bay bulkhead.

I do not have a '73, however, I think they are carry over in that regard from '72. Someone here should be able to confirm or correct this. I can say that when I bought my '72 (350/4 spd/no AC), the solenoid and mounting bracket were in a box of "extra parts." The tan wire was coiled up and taped to the bulkhead harness. Note: my car is a factory non-AC car and it has the solenoid. I restored the entire car, and wanted it to be 100% factory. I re-installed the unit and adjusted the idle speed as per the Emissions and Tune Up decal. the system works perfectly and the car runs great.

Whether you want it or not seems to me to be your choice. The factory chose to include it, which is why I did.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 05:20 PM
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I can see where it might help if you're running an automatic, especially if your torque converter is a lower RPM set up. I wasn't really trying to argue about it.


Originally Posted by doorgunner
Mail it to me if you don't want it/I'll pay the shipping/postage (I could use it on my '36/'92 truck SBC non-choke-carb to help the engine warm up on chilly Southern mornings)
Sorry man, I sent it to another member a few years back.

Originally Posted by F4Gary
What year book is that out of?
It's out of an '80 manual. I'm sure that if you want the perfect NCRS type '73, you have to have it. I just don't believe that you need it to have a good running car. Like I said, I can see where it would help, but believe that you can get by without it on a well tuned car.

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