Stalling with AC in a 1970 402 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

davepl · 07-01-2017, 08:08 PM

I don't like to keep my idle too high (about 500 in drive), but sometimes that's not enough to keep the engine from stalling if I have the AC on high and do a tight turn, for example... the accessory load will stall the engine sometimes.

There's no "idle kicker" or solenoid on the 1970, so I'm wondering:

a) Does anyone else experience this?
b) Can a later model solenoid be retrofitted easily?

Thanks,
Dave

**AussieinNC** · 07-01-2017, 09:35 PM

Anything can be made to work...

What carb and manifold ?

The "kicker" solenoid just bolts to a carb stud and nut, plus a lock pin,,,wired in relayed parallel circuit energized when A/C is turned on....

In my mind, 500 is a bit low...maybe try 650 hot and see how it goes...

Have fun...

**Steeveedee** · 07-01-2017, 11:47 PM

How hard are you turning the steering wheel? If you are "two-blocking" - hitting the stops hard when turning- that can pull enough energy from the engine to stall it. Further, you should never "two-block" the steering at all, as this drives pump pressures high enough to burst the high pressure hose (with a potentially catastrophic fire). Ask me how I know. Fortunately, it was just a '61 Studebaker Lark VIII convertible. I wouldn't mind having that critter now, if only for the resale value.

Aus69c20 · 07-02-2017, 08:26 AM

I run my 396 at 600rpm in gear and have no problems with stalling with the a/c

**Ol Blue K20** · 07-02-2017, 09:33 AM

I think 500 is too low of rpm, try 650. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to retro a idle solenoid on there though.

1972RedNeck · 07-02-2017, 04:49 PM

What's your idle speed in neutral with the A/C off?

07-01-2017, 08:08 PM	#1
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Stalling with AC in a 1970 402 I don't like to keep my idle too high (about 500 in drive), but sometimes that's not enough to keep the engine from stalling if I have the AC on high and do a tight turn, for example... the accessory load will stall the engine sometimes. There's no "idle kicker" or solenoid on the 1970, so I'm wondering: a) Does anyone else experience this? b) Can a later model solenoid be retrofitted easily? Thanks, Dave __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

07-01-2017, 09:35 PM	#2
AussieinNC Moderator Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 2,171	Re: Stalling with AC in a 1970 402 Anything can be made to work... What carb and manifold ? The "kicker" solenoid just bolts to a carb stud and nut, plus a lock pin,,,wired in relayed parallel circuit energized when A/C is turned on.... In my mind, 500 is a bit low...maybe try 650 hot and see how it goes... Have fun...

07-01-2017, 11:47 PM	#3
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,279	Re: Stalling with AC in a 1970 402 How hard are you turning the steering wheel? If you are "two-blocking" - hitting the stops hard when turning- that can pull enough energy from the engine to stall it. Further, you should never "two-block" the steering at all, as this drives pump pressures high enough to burst the high pressure hose (with a potentially catastrophic fire). Ask me how I know. Fortunately, it was just a '61 Studebaker Lark VIII convertible. I wouldn't mind having that critter now, if only for the resale value. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

07-02-2017, 08:26 AM	#4
Aus69c20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 231	Re: Stalling with AC in a 1970 402 I run my 396 at 600rpm in gear and have no problems with stalling with the a/c __________________ John 69 c20, 396, th400, dana60, ps, ac

07-02-2017, 09:33 AM	#5
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 15,939	Re: Stalling with AC in a 1970 402 I think 500 is too low of rpm, try 650. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to retro a idle solenoid on there though. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man



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