Finally running

[Matthew Goeke]

Hey guys, if you dont remember me basically i have a 1978 buick regal with 22k miles which has been sitting for years. so i got it started a few months ago but didnt really record it. here is a video of it running, also at the end i am recording the manifolds because (you cant really tell) smoke was coming off. it is probably just dust or rat poop from all the years but i just need some assurance. also if you are wondering i currently am working on brake lines because one of them snapped while i was changing the brake hose. one more question, at the end when i shut off the car, is it normal to be hard to take the key out.

 

[Jeff L]

I had trouble with my Buick Apollo getting the key out which was because the key I was using was worn a bit. Used the spare key which was brand new and no problem. Also, the other extreme, I had keys cut and they were not perfect and were hard to insert or remove.

 

[Matthew Goeke]

I had trouble with my Buick Apollo getting the key out which was because the key I was using was worn a bit. Used the spare key which was brand new and no problem. Also, the other extreme, I had keys cut and they were not perfect and were hard to insert or remove.

Yea i dont have a spare key for this one, my grandparents probably lost it along with the owners manual. do you think you can make these keys at one of those dollar key places?

 

[Jeff L]

If they have the correct blank it should be no problem. I made a bunch of keys for my older cars due to losing them or being snapped in a frozen trunk lock which is another story.... i know some of the gbody parts places advertised on this site sell key blanks. It has been so long since I had keys made not sure what is carried nowadays.

 

[Texas82GP]

I would have a quality key cut at a lock shop. You get what you pay for. If the key is badly worn it won't be a good pattern for a replacement key. You could try to lube the lock with graphite. Be careful, don't get it on the interior.

 

[MrSony]

Should be able to have new keys made. The smoke is probably just dust or poop. Check for leaky valve cover gaskets.

 

[Matthew Goeke]

I would have a quality key cut at a lock shop. You get what you pay for. If the key is badly worn it won't be a good pattern for a replacement key. You could try to lube the lock with graphite. Be careful, don't get it on the interior.

will do man, how much would you think it costs?

 

[Matthew Goeke]

Should be able to have new keys made. The smoke is probably just dust or poop. Check for leaky valve cover gaskets.

idk because i touched the top of the manifolds and they were pretty cool to the touch, but with leaky valve cover gaskets thats the oil fumes leaking from the valve cover?

 

[Texas82GP]

will do man, how much would you think it costs?

Not expensive. I would think less than $10.

 

[Jeff L]

idk because i touched the top of the manifolds and they were pretty cool to the touch, but with leaky valve cover gaskets thats the oil fumes leaking from the valve cover?[/QUOTE

The gaskets are probably dried out and you never know what other stuff is on that engine that has to burn off. Has it been driven at all lately where the engine has been at temp for awhile? If not, you probably have residue that needs the heat to really burn off. Plus when you get it working how you want it, a good cleaning to get rid of any crud might help you spot present leaks better.