Like so many with 12a's, I'm having an idle problem in my 1979. Idle is inconsistent and seeks. When removing the air filter canister, with the engine running, I noticed that the idle became more consistent when the hose popped off the idle compensator nipple. My readings on this forum show that the car should run poorly if the idle compensator is disconnected. Since mine runs better with it disconnected, is that a clue for where my true problem lies? Where is the vacuum line from the idle compensator heading that could be having problems?

Appreciate your help.

 

Bump....

 

If it runs better with it disconnected, I'd put a plug in that line and run without it. Or does it start running badly again if you plug that vacuum line?

 

Yes, the idle compensator is supposed to close that line until the temperature in the air filter canister reaches 159 degrees. So, with the idle compensator working properly, the line remains closed and the car idles poorly. If I were to block off that line, it would be the same as having the idle compensator attached (closed).

For some reason, when the engine is supposed to have that line closed, my car likes it better open. It tells me that something is wrong downstream from that line. Any ideas?

 

sounds like a vaccum leak possibly, spray carb cleaner around the rats nest and see if the idle goes up.