Curious if someone can tell me the purpose of the electric air valve that attaches, via an adel clamp, to the engine cross brace on a 83? Thanks, I am still learning!

 

I believe that you are describing the AC air bleed valve. It connects to the same "Y" fitting that the Cold Start valve uses that leads to the air guide below the Throttle Body.

I've been told that it adds air like the Cold Start valve if your AC is on when you start the car. Others will chime in if I am wrong.

 

It opens a small vacuum leak, that slightly raises the idle speed to compensate for the additional load when A/C compressor is running. Only operates when compressor kicks on.

 

And Bingo, was his name-o

 

The same wire that energizes the A/C clutch also opens this "leak"....kicks up the idle speed.

 

Note that it's not really a "leak". It allows already-measured air to go past the throttle. Vacuum "leaks" typically allow unmeasured (by fuel management airflow sensor) air into the intake, with resultant lean-mixture problems.

 

Got it! Thanks!!!

 

You are absolutly right Bob. My description was very basic.