My idle drops when the AC is on
 

I just had my motor rebuilt on my '83. The rats nest and smog pump were removed as well as the factory fan. I had a electric fan installed in its place. Since the rebuild, the car has been running nicely, but when I engage the AC, the idle drops to the point of almost cutting off the motor. Is there any way to prevent this? Thanks

During the rats nest removal, there is a soleniod that must be retained if you plan to keep the A/C. I *think* it is the one with the orange sticker on it. That solenoid operates the A/C kicker on the carb, which raises the idle speed when the a/c is engaged.
If you still have the parts you removed, re-read the tutorial, and find the area that describes how to hook up this item. Otherwise, you'll just need to raise the idle speed to compensate for the a/c, and deal with it being too high when the a/c is not on.

I have this problem on my GSLSE but I ran new grounds to the coils and it is good now...

my book says in that in gear in an auto it will drop 200 rpm at idle when you turn on your a/c. im my Subaru legacy it drops the idle in all the lexus' I drove when i worked there itdropped the idle. are you sensing a trend? This must be your 1st ca with a/c

if the idle compensator is working, not only should the idle not drop when the ac is turned on, it should raise. (Roque, I think the solenoid is the one with the white sticker)

It *is* the solonoid with the white sticker, and make sure that your "Idle Compensator" isnt' siezed. The little hook should have free movement to it, because it's moved by vacuum diaphragm. If it's siezed, I'm sure someone on here has a replacement. EVERY car came with one on its carb, even the cars w/o AC. Mine was siezed because it never got used (no AC) but I'm sure there are working ones around.

Jon

I know its crappy to ask, but ( a picture?)

Labeled pics of an 84 carb. http://intertron.com/ron/carb.html

Here's the one you want.
http://intertron.com/ron/images/carb/c6.jpg

This is the rear of the carb. The "throttle opener" is the part you need to check. There is a vacuum hose that connects to the top of the TO. The other end connects to the earlier mentioned solenoid with the white mark. That is the solenoid closest to the firewall in the stock configuration. HTH