new AC, dead at idle.

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

spedigo

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2023
Posts
25
Reaction score
9
Location
texas
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
big10
Engine Size
350
just installed a completely new AC system in my 79.

At idle, in gear, with air conditioning on, RPMs are dropping into the 400s and it dies on me when I try to move.

I can adjust the idle up and that’s all well and good while the AC is running but as soon as you turn the AC off idle is running over 1200 RPM.

I went back to Square one and messed with the timing a bit, but never found anything that worked.
What am I missing here? Something vacuum related when the AC kicks on? Some other switch that’s bad?
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
4,526
Reaction score
6,756
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
You should have a solenoid that kicks the idle up when the A/C is on . Search for Air conditioner idle solenoid on google,see what you find
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_2024-06-29_211110.jpg
    Screenshot_2024-06-29_211110.jpg
    85.2 KB · Views: 4

spedigo

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2023
Posts
25
Reaction score
9
Location
texas
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
big10
Engine Size
350
OK, thanks. I found the Edelbrock one that goes with my carburetor and it’s pretty high dollar for $245. Just wondering what other options might be cheaper



maybe this? ACDELCO 2142138

You must be registered for see images attach
 
Last edited:

CorvairGeek

Full Access Member
Joined
May 7, 2012
Posts
556
Reaction score
919
Location
Boise
First Name
Jerry
Truck Year
1978
Truck Model
C20 Scottsdale
Engine Size
292 L6, T400
Is the A/C working well and was the proper quantity of refrigerant oil added? I've not seen A/C load an engine that badly at idle.
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
4,526
Reaction score
6,756
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
Is the A/C working well and was the proper quantity of refrigerant oil added? I've not seen A/C load an engine that badly at idle.
Easy enough to tell if the solenoid would fix it,tune it correctly with A/C off then kick the A/C on and crank the throttle stop screw in.
 

spedigo

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2023
Posts
25
Reaction score
9
Location
texas
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
big10
Engine Size
350
OK, I finally took some time and read the book. Looks like the original idle solenoid was built into the Rochesters.

there is actually a light green wire in the wiring harness that I’ve been wondering about for sometime that was never connected to anything, and that is the connection for the original solenoid according to the wiring schematic.
One green wire from the pressure switch goes to the compressor and the other to the solenoid. If I’m not reading that right, somebody can please correct me.
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
4,526
Reaction score
6,756
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
OK, thanks. I found the Edelbrock one that goes with my carburetor and it’s pretty high dollar for $245. Just wondering what other options might be cheaper



maybe this? ACDELCO 2142138

You must be registered for see images attach
The Edelbrock performer carb is a reproduction of the Carter AFB Model C Used by GM through the mid 60s. Also Mopar used a similiar AFB carb. It's a shot in the dark but see if you can find a cheap used one for an AFB on Ebay. Th8s guy made his own bracket and used a Corvette solenoid.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_2024-06-30_211351.jpg
    Screenshot_2024-06-30_211351.jpg
    72.2 KB · Views: 8
  • Screenshot_2024-06-30_211401.jpg
    Screenshot_2024-06-30_211401.jpg
    109.7 KB · Views: 7
  • Screenshot_2024-06-30_211450.jpg
    Screenshot_2024-06-30_211450.jpg
    110.6 KB · Views: 8
Last edited:

spedigo

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2023
Posts
25
Reaction score
9
Location
texas
First Name
Sam
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
big10
Engine Size
350
thanks. my buddy has a plasma table and is gonna cut me an “edelbrock” bracket. found a reasonable solenoid so now i know my plans for the fourth.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,775
Posts
922,419
Members
34,350
Latest member
Krash
Top