914 Auxiliary Air Regulator

[dlewis007]

I've finally decided to do something about the crazy idle on startup and try to fix/replace my AAR. I have completed removal, but am finding it IMPOSSIBLE to pry the thing open. I've tried a vice, chisel, hammer, etc.

I'm at the point where I'm ready to just buy another one. Does anyone know where I might find one?

Frustratingly yours,

Daniel Lewis

[philinjax]

I hate to tell you but, Auto Atlanta has rebuilt ones for an arm and a leg. I know the rebuilder and the rebuilt units are jam up but, again, I wouldn't trust AA, anymore, with a ten foot pole.
Phil

[3D914]

philinjax,

Its unfortunate that you've already taken a hammer to your Aux Air Regulator. I too have nearly been to this point, but found that new ones are no longer available.

I decided to soak it in penetrating oil for a couple of days, and that was sufficient to free it. Especially since it was locked in the open position. Great for cold starts, but lousy when it warms up.

Now the idle is better, but the AAR was only part of the problem. I'm still working on the rest. I suggest a search on this site for the Aux Air Regulator, as there are many discussions about them, and I think I recal one that spoke of dismantling it.

Good luck,

[philinjax]

3D914,
Daniel took the hammer, not me.
You are correct, new AAR's are NLA but AA has damn good rebuilt ones. Problem is, you have to go through them, the hated, user nasty supplier.
Phil

[unclerichy]

I bought a nice rebuilt one from a guy who was selling them at the German Autofest in Ventura. If I remember, it was about $35 and looked brand new. Maybe he reads this board and can speak up.

Rich
'73 1.8
'74 2.0

[3D914]

philinjax,

Sorry for the mixup. That's what happens when the kids are standing around me chanting - I wanna see the smiley faces, I wanna see the smiley faces! They're so easily entertained!

Regards,

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I used my biggest flat-head screwdriver--and a hammer. I was able to open up the crimped-in lip around the top of the "can", and remove the top and guts.

A couple of questions: First of all, I assume this is a 1.7 or 2.0? The 1.8 AARs, last I looked, were available. And they worked (not great, but worked) as substitutes for the 1.7/2.0 ones.

Next, what is the failure mode of your AAR? Stuck open? Stuck closed? Other?

You can check the resistance between the electrical connector on the bottom of the AAR and the AAR's case--it should be 13 ohms. (Yes, thirteen ohms. Very small.) The 1.8 one has a 30 ohm resistance through its two electrical contacts (both are in the one plug). Infinite or zero resistance means the electrical bits are messed up, and you may need even more improvisation. (If so, post again and give us another shot at it.)

Anyway, I was able to pry open the lip around one and pull the guts out. Some Liquid Wrench, and some twists of the bottom of the rotary valve with the abovementioned screwdriver, and it was freed up. Just keep trying on yours.

--DD