Project: 1980 Buick LeSabre, 4.1L V6, 5MT

[theholycow]

I think the ignition must be very retarded. It should have lugged sometimes with my driving but as far as I could tell it never did.

[kit352]

smog pump is useless. ditch it and plug the hoses.
id also look into a nice electric fan. should free up a decent amount of power and mpg. cheap fans from taurus's and stuff in the bone yard should do the trick.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Your car is a 1980, and unless its a California model, should not be computer controlled.

[theholycow]

The 4.1 is known for being difficult to keep cool, and clutch fans do move more air than E-fans. I'll install a temperature gauge before next summer and see if I feel confident enough to switch to an E-fan, which I would prefer.

Jay, I was talking about computers in response to your mentioning limp home mode in your car. Mine does not have a computer.

[bobc455]

Originally Posted by theholycow

I have two years to worry about that, I can put it back together in 2 years if necessary.

One of the biggest problems with these pumps is that they seize up. If you take the belt off for two years, I doubt it will ever turn again.

-BC

[theholycow]

Hmm...a valid concern...

I should take it off and put it in my house with cat toys hot-glued to the pulley.

[Jay2TheRescue]

If your cats are that efficient at it, why not glue cat toys to an alternator hooked to a 12V battery and a 120V inverter. Maybe they can power a lamp with a 11W CFL bulb, a radio, or maybe even a small tv?

[theholycow]

I think we're onto something here. I've got two cats and a dog. There's always extra energy that they need to dispose of...maybe they can charge batteries.

[Jay2TheRescue]

If you could train the dog to run on a treadmill, there's certainly power to be found there.

[theholycow]

I think my choke is stuck on, or maladjusted. It idles way too fast even after driving 20 miles. It's got a brand new pull-off but I guess that's not good enough. I have to research how the choke system works...I think I'd rather just have a manual choke.