Question for the diesel pump experts

[minimutly]

My ongoing knaus camper rebuild is picking up again, with hopes to sell soon. The used alternator I fitted las autumn has seized, so another joyous day under the Ducato subframe today. Whilst under there I noticed this solenoid thing which has been seized for a while. What is it? I think its the pump input shaft thats stuck, the pump is a rotary, end output.

 

[Bullet2012]

Stop solenoid ?

 

[knighty]

it's the cold start advance... advances the timing a touch when it's cold

ran plenty of old 2.5di transits without them / with them seized or broken...

if it runs fine without it just ignore it :-)

 

[Ton-up]

As knighty says. Filled with wax I think. Raises the revs at idle. When the wax inside melts, the arm releases.

 

[Seadog]

I'd guess that it works on expansion, like waxstats.

 

[minimutly]

Good answers - yes runs fine without it. I was worried it might be an extra fuel for full boost or something. The wire to it has been off for years, I will leave as it is.
Thanks all.