1985 Chrysler Le Baron Won't Pass Emissions Test

IAM2SKIP

MEMBER
1985 CHRYSLER LE BARON
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
65,000 MILES

My 1985 LeBaron, 2.2L 4Cyl (EFI) will not pass emissions testing because it will not idle below 1800 RPM. I am tolfd that it is the Idle Control Motor. Mopar quit making them and I cannot locate another via internet or even national brand parts stores like Autozone, Pep Boys, NAPA, Car Quest, I am concerned about buying used ones because the darn things don't seem to last even when they are new. If I pull the current one, can it be safely cleaned and replaced? If not is there a legal work around thatr can be accomplished?

updated 11/30/09
Please extend my thanks to caradiodoc

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

I'd be suspecting a vacuum leak. That's all the AIS motor is. It's a controlled vacuum leak; a passage around the throttle blade.

Remove the unit and look at the pintle valve on the end. I'm trying to visualize it, but all I can see is the newer style from the 1990s, which I thought was the same for '85. Try pulling the valve out by hand. It will move hard, but it should move. Years ago, with dirtier gas, it was real common for the passage to become blocked with carbon deposits from vaporized gas, resulting in an idle speed that was much too low, but that was more of a 3.0L V-6 thing.

4 cylinder carbureted cars had a problem with the fiber spacer under the carburetor shrinking causing a vacuum leak and very high idle. You might look for the same type of spacer under your throttle body. Also look for cracked and deteriorated vacuum hoses. When the engine is running, but still cold, use a spray bottle to spray water around the intake gaskets and vacuum hoses. If the idle speed drops, look in that area for the vacuum leak.

Caradiodoc

1985 Chrysler Le Baron Won't Pass Emissions Test

1 Reply

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