[Smittie]

Gary,

Same issue here. The compressor does pull down the idle quite a bit - I was hoping that Joe's solution had worked for him. Looks like the selenoid you mention for idle up is different - same bracket?

Let us know if you try this. I would like to try the same.

This is the bracket Holley stated to use, I think it is the same http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HLY-20-9&FROM=MG and also this locknut http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=HLY-26-57&FROM=MG

I'm out of commission for a couple of weeks but I will definitely post when I get the part ordered and installed.

 

[jcapps]

That is the same bracket I used but had to make another to make it woerk with a quadrajet. Once more, if you have a 4 speed you do not need this solenoid. I have talked to many experts lately, all knowledgable in 70's chevys and all say not needed with a 4 speed.

Just get someone good to dial the carb in. Today I went to a show, on the way home it was 105, I ran the ac all the way home and it never stalled, ran fine

 

[Smittie]

Joe, thanks for the info and thanks for sticking with the thread. Mike and I both ordered the parts to try in our cars. We will post our results. FWIW, I had the carb tuned when I charged the a/c system. I figure the right solenoid can only help but we will see. More to follow.

 

[jcapps]

Personally I don't see the solenoid hurting a 4 speed car. BTW I had wired mine right at the connector to the compressor, removed the connector and soldered it in. When I removed it, you would never know

Let me know how it works out, good luck

 

[Smittie]

I just installed the idle up solenoid, the parts were available from Amazon cheaper then anywhere else. The solenoid does come with the locknut. The solenoid does not have the power to fully open the throttle to the desired setting when activated but will hold the throttle lever at the desired setting when the depress the throttle after engaging the solenoid. As stated before the solenoid wire just connects inline with the compressor wire. There is adjustment to the solenoid plunger to get your desired idle speed with the compressor running. It works great for my car, especially since my cam doesn't provide a smooth idle. Meesh was trading info with me as he also just installed this solenoid so he may have additional info, thanks Mike for the help

 

[pnugene]

I just installed the idle up solenoid, the parts were available from Amazon cheaper then anywhere else. The solenoid does come with the locknut. The solenoid does not have the power to fully open the throttle to the desired setting when activated but will hold the throttle lever at the desired setting when the depress the throttle after engaging the solenoid. As stated before the solenoid wire just connects inline with the compressor wire. There is adjustment to the solenoid plunger to get your desired idle speed with the compressor running. It works great for my car, especially since my cam doesn't provide a smooth idle. Meesh was trading info with me as he also just installed this solenoid so he may have additional info, thanks Mike for the help

Original GM solenoids behaved the same. The solenoid would hold the linkage open, but only after the linkage was already above idle position, possibly to prevent unexpected car creep at stoplights.

 

[meesh]

Yes, same results as Gary. I had the same issue with idling and my carb was tuned to the motor without the A/C running. Thought the solenoid was the best solution and it was for me.

Simple install. Works perfectly. Tapped into the green compressor lead for power.

Only issue for me was that the solenoid blocked my return spring to the alt bracket so I changed the spring and moved it down towards the bracket hooks more. Also worked out fine.

Couple of pics attached.

 

[jcapps]

Glad it worked out for you both