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

[theholycow]

When I try to move I step on the gas pedal anyway.

It behaved well on the way home. It's going to get a rest tomorrow, I have to put some miles on the truck.

I've started EOCing. I'd like to install a kill switch that kills the engine without interrupting the radio (and obviously without wearing the key switch). I don't suppose you know off the top of your head how I should wire it...

[Jay2TheRescue]

I'd use a 30 amp relay, and put it on the power for the distributor. When the kill switch is activated, it will cut power to the distributor, killing the engine.

[theholycow]

If the vacuum switch on the brake pedal for the cruise control was maladjusted and constantly open, would that be a large enough vacuum leak to make the choke misbehave and the heater to only blow out the bottom?

I adjusted it last night and only drove the car in the yard but the choke's behavior seemed better. I forgot to check the heater.

[Jay2TheRescue]

For that to happen, you would also have to have the cruise activated, unless you had other problems in the cruise servo.

[GasSavers_Scott]

Had an 80 Caprice Classic with the V6, loved it with a capital L, drove it during some of my college years. I can remember the floating ride, it was a car your could really spread out in. I think I got between 18 and 22, just feed it oil and water, super relaible, the only thing you had to avoid doing is falling asleep at the wheel due to the plush ride. Love the sound of any six cylinder engine. I do remember I had to set the choke for summer and then readjust for winter.

[theholycow]

I haven't driven it this week except moving it around in the yard but it's been more cooperative than ever...high idle for a few seconds, goose it, then it settles down.

[theholycow]

I filled today. Under 12 gallons, 342 miles, 28.67mpg. That's better than I expected.

The choke behaved for half the miles and the gas gauge barely moved...then the choke went back to sticking and that's when the gas gauge started moving.

[Jay2TheRescue]

GM fuel gauges of that vintage are not linear. They are slow to move off Full, and as they reach Empty the gauge falls faster.

[theholycow]

I found an uncapped vacuum line and took care of it. That fixed my vent problem, now I can choose where heat/air should come out.

I also found mates for two plugs that I previously left dangling.

I don't know if it was the wires or the vacuum line (probably the wires) but now my cruise will engage. It doesn't work, but at least now the "Cruise" indicator lights up.

[Jay2TheRescue]

#1. Did the cruise ever work while you've owned the car?

#2. I assume your speedometer is working. (If it doesn't your cruise won't work either)

#3. Check to see if you have good, strong vacuum going to the unit.

If both #2 and #3 are true, then you may try adjusting the unit. You will notice the fitting where one of the vacuum lines goes into the unit is brass with a hex collar. Disconnect this line, and you can adjust the unit by tightening & loosening the fitting. Make small adjustments, only about 1/4 turn at a time.