Where's the 'Idle Control Valve'?

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:11 pm

Lads, I'm told a possible culprit for my high idle(2K) could be that valve that takes in a temp reading from the thermostat wire..

Can someone explain exactly where I would find this valve on my 1985 320i?

Thanks much as always!
Rich

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:04 pm

Bit of a crappy pic but its the L or T shaped valve that sits inbetween your throttle body and airflow hose. Usually black it has a electrical plug that goes into the top of the unit.

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:10 pm

Hm, I wonder if my engine type is correct..

Please check out this pic & see what you think?
Only thing I believe I see coming out of the 90 big air elbow, is that T fitting...

http://www.gouette.com/bmw/BMW%20029.jpg

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:11 pm

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:12 pm

EDIT: Damn, beaten to it!

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:16 pm

RG, that photo of yours shows all your air hoses plumbed in backwards... The brake is being boosted from where the ICV normally feeds, your ICV is on the wrong side... I've never seen a setup like that! Compare it to mine, that's a 320i as well.

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:18 pm

!!!!!!!!!!

What the..
Good Lord...say it isn't so!

Could this be the dreaded Federalization Gremlins striking again...

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:24 pm

Did you all miss the 1985 bit? Thats why the pipework looks a bit odd to us facelift drivers.

It's a water heated mechanical valve not electronic, and it is located below the inlet manifold with 2 water pipes and 2 air pipes leading to it, test it with hot water from the kettle once it's off

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:32 pm

ok, well I'm feeling a little better: although it might have nicely explained my braking pressure & idling all in one swoop..

Any chance you could point out this valve on realoem?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?m ... 7275&hg=11

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:36 pm

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=13&fg=15

Part no. 5 is the ICV

Sorry for causing a panic, had no idea those early engines looked like that. Is that a Jetronic engine then?

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:39 pm

Interesting how REALOEM shows the orientation opposite of my actual engine layout..
as in:
http://www.gouette.com/bmw/BMW%20029.jpg

but I guess as long as things are going to where they need to....

Post Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:46 pm

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=13&fg=15

Part 11 is what you need, time to raid the junkyard's...

Post Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:21 am

Well lad, I pulled the 'Air Slide Valve'
and it's wide open when cold...which I belv it should be.

I'm gonna do the hot kettle dunk test & see if it closes.
I'm expecting the spring will move something inside to close off the air passage...

Rich

http://www.gouette.com/images/valve.JPG

ps. that's the cheeky 10 year old behind me..

pps. what's the small metal 'button' on top of the unit?
It appears to have some sort of function..?