Justwondering, you have shown me what’s under your hood, so I already know (you shown me yours, now I need to get out of town before your hubby finds out).
In ’87, there were two different 2-bbl carburetors used (plus 4-bbl for police, but that is not the case here). The two different 2-bbls were both Holley, version 6280 and 2280. The later one is not computer controlled.
Captain is partially correct, he said:
The 6280 actually has three solenoids.
The red arrow points to the third solenoid, which is the fuel mixture control solenoid, which is what the Lean Burn computer uses to adjust the fuel mixture while driving.
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This is a US emissions thing. All other countries get the normal carburetor (unless special ordered with the US emissions package).
This solenoid has roughly a capacity to adjust the air fuel mixture about 10% (or so).
This is just another reason why gasoline with 10% (or 15%) ethanol mixed in, causes problems for our cars – because vehicles running ethanol requires 10% (roughly) more fuel compared to 100% gasoline – which is more than carburetor can compensate for – or is close to max limitations.
The Fast Idle solenoid is either used for A/C (bumps idle speed up a smudge) and/or is used for after-run condition (when vehicle is turned off but engine has a piston hot spot and car keeps running from hot spot igniting the fuel). By opening the throttle a bit, it generally will keep the after-run gremlins away.
I consider this to be a good solenoid.
The bowl vent solenoid does keep gasoline vapor of the atmosphere and does keep gasoline in carburetor (evaporates out, especially after hot engine shutdown), which makes startup easier and fuel mileage a bit better.
If system is working, I recommend keeping it in place.
If I’m missing parts, I doubt I would go the distance to find parts to reattach it (unless visiting California with the car).
BudW