Gen 2.5 Montero - what is this solenoid on GrassCat's rig?

[nwoods]

GrassCat recently sold his rig to LordMordred, who brought it to our Meet and Greet today. I noticed this new looking solenoid on his throttle assembly and wondered what on earth it is for?

Any one know?

 

[SoCalMonty]

If it's attached to the throttle cable, my first guess is cruise-related.

 

[GrassCat]

I think it's called a dashpot, part of the smog system.

 

[SoCalMonty]

I think it's called a dashpot, part of the smog system.

Yep, that's it! Notes from a different make/model on the same part...

The throttle dashpot is a small device by the throttle body that holds the throttle open just a bit while there is a high vacuum in the intake manifold (under deceleration). The purpose of this is to allow extra air into the motor and provide a nice smooth (and lean) transition from a high RPM back to idle. Any time you adjust the idle speed or any part of the throttle body you should check that the dashpot is adjusted within the specifications in the service manual. On early model MkI cars there is a hose that runs to the back of the dashpot.

To test the dashpot open the throttle and then pinch the hose closed. Release the throttle and check that it does not close fully against the throttle stop untill you release the hose. On later model MkI cars there is no hose and you must remove the cap and filter on the back of the dashpot and then plug the vent hole with your finger.

The dashpot is adjusted by loosening the locknut on the body and then rotating the dashpot in or out. The car should run at about 1800 RPM when the dashpot is extended and drop back to idle in about 5 seconds after you release the dashpot pressure. If the dahspot is not functioning, you may fail CO or HC idle tests in areas that perform deceleration (high speed to idle transition while gas is being sampled) tests.

 

[nwoods]

Interesting. Sounds like a component added to make them California emissions legal. Mine doesn't have that, but its from Washington state.....

 

[shov3lbum]

I had that exact part on my sport, no connections to it made anywhere though, no adjustment possibility, just a rubber cap over a clear reddish plastic thing. I figured it was just what I read up there ^^. It doesn't let the throttle slap shut and catches the last little bit and slows it down. Regardless, I just took mine off, since I have a manual I can use the engine to slow down and this little guy would keep my throttle open and ruin the whole point of using the engine to slow down sometimes. Either way, no harm done, no mpg difference, I did this over 2 years ago too.