Won't Idle When Cold

[jfrawley]

1982 FI Spider. Starts right up first time, every time, but won't idle very well until its warm. Once it gets up to temp it idles right where its supposed to. Ideas?

[So Cal Mark]

sounds like a malfunctioning auxillary air regulator. I have rebuilt units in stock

[rlux4]

An easy way to check if it is the AAR is to disconnect the little air hose from it on the upstream side. Put your thumb on the opening of the hose and then have the car started, move your thumb so that there is an opening in the hose end. This allows the extra air into the intake that is the function of the unit.
Ron

[ga.spyder]

Very common problem. I would put money on the AAR.Ron and I both had the same symptoms,it is a very easy fix.Congrats on owning the finest vintage Spider!
Craig

[jfrawley]

Yea, thanks Craig, I'm trying to stay out of the "82's are best" debate. A friend of mine has a '69 and it's very cool also. I'm really enjoying myself learning all about how this beauty works. The only unfortunate part is....I'm learning as things stop working, but that's the fun of it for me.

Ron, I took your advice and started her up and loosened the hose after the AAR and sure enough, the idle came right back up. Thanks yet another time to all you great folks for the help.

Mark: Could you please send me a PM on how we make both the cash and core exchange for one of your rebuilt AAR's?

John

[ga.spyder]

Hey John,
all years of these cars are cool,and there isnt a best year. We just try to stir the pot a little for some of our 'sensitive' friends.I drove mine for almost a year thinking it was cold blooded ,until I read a post on here re. aux. air regulator.It never dawned on me that it was an easy fix! Duhhhh
Craig

[rlux4]

Glad to hear that you have a handle on the problem John. A neat thing about this forum is that as we learn things and pass it on, it becomes part of the knowledge base for the person reciving it and then can be passed on from there when the occasion arises.
BTW; don't take the '82 kidding that goes on here as a debate. It's really just a few of us ribbing each other after a post from a new member who was in the market to get a Spider asked what we all thought was the best year car to get. The resposes were great fun.
Ron

[jfrawley]

Thanks Mark for the quick delivery of the rebuilt AAR. Installed last night and it solved the cold idle problem. Core on its way back to you tomorrow.

Thanks again to everyone for the help.

John

[rlux4]

All right! Another happy camper.
Good deal J.
Ron

[ga.spyder]

Glad you got her sorted out so quickly.Gotta love Allisons Automotive!
Craig

[jfrawley]

The correct diagnosis and the correct part. What more can you ask for.