Fuel Control Solenoid - Metallic Clicking Noise At Idle
83ford11 Article No. 83-14-16NOISE - CLICKING AT IDLE (2.3L HSC)
FORD 1983-1/2 TEMPO
LINCOLN-MERCURY 1983-1/2 TOPAZ
Vehicles which exhibit a metallic clicking noise at idle can be serviced by installing vinyl foam tape between bottom surface of fuel control solenoid mounting pad and mounting plate.
Description of Noise
The noise associated with the fuel control solenoid (dithering valve) can only be heard at idle and is more predominate at cold ambients. The noise emitted by the valve sounds like a continuous dull metallic clicking sound but it may be intermittent in operation. When listening to the noise at idle and it ceases to be audible, the noise may be brought back in by operating the engine at a high RPM (in neutral) and returning to idle. The fuel control valve noise is constant in frequency and is not engine RPM sensitive. The dithering valve noise may be confused with other basic engine noises (valve hash and ticking, full line hammer, etc.) but can be segregated from these noises by operating the engine at slightly higher or lower RPM's.
If the noise in question changes in frequency as the engine speeds change, then the fuel control valve is not the cause. If further verification is required, and the noise is eliminated if the electrical plug is disconnected to the valve, then proceed with the following steps if fuel control solenoid installation needs to be checked.
1. Remove plastic trim cover from left side dash extension area to expose fuel control solenoid.
2. Insert 1" thick vinyl foam tape, part number C6AZ- 19627-A (or other similar material) between bottom surface of fuel control solenoid mounting pad and mounting plate. This insures no contact between center mounting pad area and mounting plate.
NOTE: Some units have foam tape mounted vertically to the plate and this step is not required.
3. Back off the round push-on-nuts or free running nuts that retain the mounting pad to the plate to a point where the pad is loose from the mounting
plate (8 mm or 3/8") as measured from the bearing surface of the nut to the top of the mounting stud.
4. Replace trim cover and install plastic retaining pins.
Obtain an Authorized Modifications decal and list the date, dealer number and summary of alterations performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications decal. Clean the area, install the decal and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
C6AZ-19627-A Tape - Vinyl Foam AM
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual.
OPERATION: SP9998A83
TIME: 0.3 Hr. DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 9B998 Code: 56