'81 FI Spider No Idle for 4 Min On Cold Startup

[chastrialer41]

Here is the issue---- 1981 FI Spider. Upon startup the car WILL NOT idle whatsoever for at least 4 minutes. You must keep foot on accelerator or it will for sure die. After 4 minutes it runs like a sewing machine and idles just fine. I have been working on this car that had been sitting for 14 yrs. We replaced fuel pump, cleaned gas tank, new injectors, magnetic coil, electronic module, fuel pump relay, etc... All this was replaced but not for this current problem. Please let me know what to check on this issue. You may post reply or email at----- calliscrew@hotmail.com-----Thank you.

[So Cal Mark]

could be a faulty aux air regulator. Have you done any testing or just swapped parts? Has the coolant temp sender been checked all through the temp range? Have all tune-up adjustments been made? ( idle and mixture settings, air bypass, timing, etc)

[rlux4]

The components that help the ECU keep the engine running smoothly during warm up are the cold start injector and the Auxilliary air regulator (aar for short). Your cold start injector appears to be working if it starts. After just 8-10 seconds it cuts out anyway. So, as Mark suggests, I'd focus on your aar. A quick and easy way to check it is to disconnect the hose on the intake plenum side of the aar and block it (the hose) with your thumb. Start the car and then allow some air in past your thumb and see if the car will idle by itself.
Let us know how it goes.
Ron

[MLingo]

I also have an 81' FI turbo with the same exact symptoms. I replaced the AAR and the problem persists. If you figure it out please let me know the solution, and likewise I will let you know when I figure it out.