Can I adjust the idle speed RPM's?

[kaytrox]

I have a rather unique issue I have to address. Since my Aurora is on it's way out, I'm looking to put as few $'s into it as possible. It was badly leaking power steering fluid, and the replacement line was quite pricey. Yes! I irresponsibly dripped P/S fluid everywhere I went, at the rate of about 3 pints a week! So it stopped leaking, and the power steering still works, but only under ordinary driving conditions, OR when idling at or above 1.5 K. However, the normal idle is only about 800 - 1000. So when parking, I have to use both the gas and the brakes to keep the R's up to 1500. When I'm idling 1500, even stopped in Park, I can turn the wheel, with one hand, all the way, in both directions. However, when my State Inspection Mechanic had the car parked in the shop, she couldn't move the wheel at all, and failed my inspection because of it. 

I don't want to kick out the $500 it would cost for the line, the new pump, and passing my mechanic buddy a few bucks, because there is no way I can keep this thing on the road for more  than another year.  So I just want to get the sticker, so I don't go accumulating $100 uninspected vehicle tickets. So if I can get the thing to idle at 1500, long enough for the mechanic to cut the wheel back and forth, I can get my sticker. One of my backyard mechanic friends told me that the idle speed is completely controlled by the computer, and can not simply be adjusted. But you guys are all backyard AURORA mechanics, who may know some tricks. Can y'all help me out here?

[Paulaurora]

Correct you cant set to idle at 1500 first its not safe 2nd it will cause transmission issues and other problems .

[kaytrox]

I wasn't looking for a long term fix. I simply wanted it that way long enough so the mechanic could turn the wheel with the car in park. I had every intention of setting it right back to where it should be after that

[tigger]

You'd have to fabricate some kind of throttle plate stop, something that would hold it open enough to sustain 1500 RPM (and function normally above that). Sure it can be done, but sounds like a real PITA to me... And like Paul said, shifting into gear at 1500 RPM and standing on the brake pedal at stoplights is "no bueno", lol! Even for a short time.

Double edged sword alert! Even if idling that high gets you through the mechanical inspection, the extra fuel you'd be burning may adversely effect your emissions test...

[kaytrox]

I got that covered. The emissions test sticker has already been applied. I had the same idea. I'm going to rig something to hold the gas pedal so it keeps the 1500. I will remove it immediately upon exiting the shop. And the only time I need to force it up to 1500, is when I'm parallel parking. Under normal driving circumstances, the power steering is plenty to do the job. If the car is moving, there is no need to step up the idle. Even when puling away from a light, making a right turn, I can do it with one hand, with the standard idle speed.The whole point is that I have no intention of keeping it on the road for more than the 1 year that inspection covers me for.

[tigger]

Fingers crossed for ya!

GL