is there a way to check if its working(AAR)

Yes, 2 tests. One is to hook it up to 12v power and see if it closes after a few minutes. That tests teh heater in the valve. Next is to put the AAR in the oven 250 degrees or so and see if it closes within about 10 minutes - that tests the spring (which regulates opening and closing of the valve.

In addition to the excellent advice above, you basically want to verify that the flow of air through the AAR will decrease (probably to no flow) as it heats up. You can test the flow by blowing air (as in through a hose connected to the port) through the nipples and verifying that the flow is less with higher temp.

All the above. When I remove mine, I hold it up to the light and note the percentage of opening at ambient temperature. Mine typically is open 1/3 to 1/2.
Then, I'll hook it up directly to 12 volts and measure the time it takes to close. Mine average 1.5 - 2.0 minutes. If all is ok, a quick spray of WD40 and then reinstallation..

I've never done the oven test, but I have put the AAR into the freezer; the opening increases to 1/2 -3/4--on some AAR's, more.


Picture: Looking through hole in AAR at ambient temperature--around 75 degrees

That brings up an interesting point: Jim is showing an L-jet AAR and you don't state what FI system you have; D-jet or L-jet. Really doesn't make any difference except D-jet AAR's are NLA new but I think you can still get L-jet AAR's new. Probably plenty used ones available.

thanks Jim and all, 1973 1.7 with a D

Body is ground, red is positive.

I have rebuilt a few, its not really that hard...They just get dirty and full of crap that needs to be cleaned out.

It should flow ZERO air once its heated up, or then you have a vacuum leak.

Rich