Air Control Valve
Air control valve contains three valves which, depending upon engine operation, directs air from air pump to either air injection nozzles or thermal reactor. In addition, should air become trapped due to a malfunction, a safety valve opens and directs air pump air to the air cleaner to prevent damage to the system. Operational conditions of air control valve are as follows;
- During normal engine operation, air from air pump flows into air control valve and passes through the check valve to air injection nozzles. When engine speed exceeds 4000 RPM (Man. Trans.), or 3400 RPM (Auto. Trans.), an electronic control box actuates a solenoid which shuts off vacuum to air control valve vacuum chamber. During operation with engine cold this will take place at 5200 RPM (Auto. Trans, only). Spring pressure opens air cut valve which shuts off air to air injection nozzles and allows air from air pump to pass to thermal reactor cooling circuit.
- During periods of deceleration when running at engine speed above 1200 RPM (Man. Trans.) or 1400 RPM (Auto. Trans.), the coasting valve of the deceleration control system shuts off vacuum to the air control vacuum chamber. This causes spring pressure to open air cut valve and shuts off air to air injection nozzles and allows air from air pump to pass to the thermal reactor cooling circuit.
- The relief valve is controlled by air pressure in the air injection system. When pressure exceeds 2.0-2.8 psi, (.14-.20 kg/sq. cm), relief valve is opened and air is led to thermal reactor cooling circuit. This system maintains a constant pressure of air flowing to the air injection nozzles.