85 380se High Idle

[greazer2b]

In my last post I asked “How Difficult Would it Be”to swap a 380se into a diesel and received great advice.

I’ve not lost interest in the idea at all, in-fact I’m looking at a nice 380se that the owner says “High Idle” but cars runs. (1500rpm)
I see there’s a hole in the air cleaner that has an adjustment either right or left,
Since I’m more curious then experienced with gasser’s what is your suggestions.
Thanks as always
greazer2b

[Sugar Bear]

greazer, Don't mess with the fuel distributor adjustment until you've thoroughly checked for vacuum leaks (smoke test) and ruled out linkages ignition timing etc.

Pull the oil fill cap and look at the timing chain to confirm it is a double row. If it is a single row run don't walk. If you can see a chain guide look to see if they are "beer bottle brown" if they are they need to be replaced pronto.

[greazer2b]

LOL on the running advice! Ok I will do, you mention smoke test how’s that done?

I plan to run the gasser for a while to then put in a diesel with (170k) on it and a complete donor car to pick & pull from.
All suggestions and experiences are appreciated.
greazer2b

[Sugar Bear]

I've only seen the smoke test done with professional equipment. With the engine off it pressurizes the intake with air and smoke to look for smoke exiting which is where air would be sucked in as a vacuum leak if the engine was running.

If a search is done on "DIY smoke test vacuum leak" I think you'll find methods.

[INSIDIOUS]

What you need do: is to replace the controller card for the idle air control valve. Programma has rebuilts. Finding one other wise is not an easy task. This is on the firewall next to the computer. You can open it and perhaps solder the problem yourself. It could be the valve itself but that function is easy to check by tapping the electrical prongs with 12v. replacement valves are cheap compared to the electronics.

[whunter]

This cheap smoke tester uses a cigarette or small cigar.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/196026523858?hash=item2da41760d2:g:1F8AAOSwMQBlJ5v9&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAABINTXbj1%2FPMUfxdNo6dU6xmmlGJR3rLnDUtkqrTw0D6gEXZgrfIkHHNAN93eTF03j%2B9GO1YEPSeF 8Ke6CXFcDGqTrcC8g262L32SwZVly5hkYjBQWpjr%2FNQM4WDd9NcZh5QVPhNsxBHslJ31ebzUfxx%2FcOtD3TzXcax5KfZphdiu C%2F8f%2F4aZSI9zGwdnQeKje1OHYqnJ9KEQ7Gbt6czNKlwd10j7KO3uqxMk5CDOIltFydsltSh98UTn0NEBlO0A0IcrKTJfclKG 60W3fF7i3WX4k44huR1iSxMg6AjrvalSFG3H8WCQQYKWcCMFKksE0bMT84GCcmBIwhP%2BSXwAN2oD%2F0NZk%2FUF1GQAtBKiuj q7yFZZxBKWjXq2m5cBHZjw7Cg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-bYk6j1Yg