Testing Cold valve start and AAR?

[niro884]

#1. Im in the process of testing my cold start valve. From what I understand, you take it off and put it into a jar or bag and start the car to test for a mist? Is this correct? Whats the proper procedure?

#2. I was told by IAP to take the AAR off and put it in the freezer to test to see if it opens or not and closes. Is this correct? How will you know?

The reason for these test among others Im doing is to cure a rough cold start idle. What should the idle be at start up. Im at about 800 and then 900. Is that proper?

Thanks All. Always very useful info here. I know Mark has the answers to everything!!!

[htchevyii]

The cold start valve should fire for the first 3-5 seconds or something like that.

The AAR is easy to check, when it's cool/cold you can see it is open and when it's warm it should be closed. There is an adjustment. I've heard the VW one JCWhitney sells is the same and only $60.00.

[narfire]

Yeup Trey is right. The cold start valve should fire for a few seconds, remember it is dependant on the thermotime switch located at the base of the intake manifold. Have to check with the electrical gods here on how to check that thing is OK. Likely resistance.(Andy's Spiders in TO for parts)
The AAr is sensitive to temp. I put mine in the freezer and it stayed closed,got my spare from my parts car and after an hour it was open.. good to go.
Just make sure you do not have any air leaking in from loose hose connections or a pooched air intake.(cracked bottom side)
good luck
Chris

[launieg]

Just pull the harness connector (electrical plug) on the cold start valve, located at the front of the plenum, and put a test light on it (the connector). If you crank the engine over (when cold), it will light up for a few seconds.

However, that does not mean the connector is making good contact with the injector or that the injector itself is good. For a more thorough test, take that injector off the plenum (quite easy to do) and put it in a jar while still connected to the harness. Crank the engine and it should spray a fine mist into the jar for a few seconds. (Check Brad Artigue's manuals for this procedure and other FI diagnostics).