Idle problem 80 spider

Daniel · #1 (**permalink**) 04-21-2003, 07:12 AM

Need help idle races on start and diminishes only after extended driving or when in gear. Throttle linkage will respond manually only.

**papajam** · #2 (**permalink**) 04-21-2003, 03:36 PM

I'd check for vacuum leaks first especially the idle air control valve or aux. air regulator or whatever Bosch calls the darn thing these days.

**Roadtrip** · #3 (**permalink**) 04-23-2003, 06:58 PM

Confirm you are talking about a 1980 model Spider with a SPICA fuel injection system. L-Jetronic didn't start until '82.

With a SPICA system, you will get a gradually decreasing fast idle during warm up. It's normal. When the temp reaches 170 deg, the idle should be 600-900 rpm.

**papajam** · #4 (**permalink**) 04-24-2003, 05:59 PM

Thanks, Roadtrip, for reminding me of Rule #1; When all else fails, read the instructions. I guess I saw 88 Spider instead of 80 Spider which means that not only does the car have Spica, but maybe I need TRI-focals!!

If the engine doesn't drop down to idle after a few minutes from a cold start, I'd suspect the following;
1) if the car has the four butterfly intake manifold, the rubber idle speed o-ring may have disintegrated (forget what year the single butterfly started)
2) vacuum leak(s)
3) Spica system needs adjustment or repair
4) distributor advance mechanism sticking
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "throttle linkage will respond manually only"