OLDS Looks Like I'm Buying a 1978 Cutlass, Boys
- Thread starter Sweet_Johnny
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I haven't looked at any of the codes or numbers other than making sure the title was correct, but I'll definitely look into that. I didn't even open the trunk until I got her home, and I found the missing "Cutlass Supreme" badges as well as the "Brougham" badges and some extra center caps. The missing door strips were in the passenger seat.
Since the heater core leaks I went ahead and capped off the fittings on the engine as well as the core (I had them, why not?). I cranked her up and discovered that the fuel pump was gushing out on the ground (cracked/loose housing) when I was bottle feeding the Rochester, so it got disconnected. It's still bolted to the engine, but we've rectified the leak.
I proceeded to rig a water bottle with a fitting and a length of hose to supply the gas, which alerted me to a plugged fuel filter that I should have already changed. Finally, I got it running well enough to check a few things and listen from all around instead of right on top. The oil pressure is healthy and steady, the alternator is pushing out ample voltage, the transmission hits all gears and the brakes might be dragging but they're functional.
We've got a rocker way out of adjustment, a faintly whining bearing on the front accessory drive, and a massive exhaust leak at the cat. There's also another sporadic noise that I haven't pinned down yet, and it might be a loose flywheel bolt or a cracked flywheel. The transmission needed a quart- no surprise as the pan is soaked. I suctioned the brake fluid from the reservoir and replaced it with some that wasn't orange, and topped off the coolant. I forgot to check the power steering fluid.
The tach is fairly steady but reads high and I have no accelerator pump shot from the squirters in the carb. If I blip the throttle the engine dies. With it running I can depress the plunger and nothing changes- I would expect it to bog but absolutely nothing happens. I have a book on Rochesters but I'm a Holley guy so I'm in new territory. The rain kept coming back and I was soaked to the core so I packed it up for the night before anything bad happened.
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It seems that the seals on my accelerator pump may be torn, or the reservoir is never getting filled in the first place because something is stuck. Lucky for me I never throw anything away and still have a rebuild kit I found in the trunk of a '79 Firebird. I found it 20 years ago in a car my father bought for parts.
Hmm, I've never heard that bit of information before. I haven't ran the numbers but the seller told me it's a 305 and it's definitely a Chevy. Everything appears stock as well. And although I'm not fluent in Quadrajet this engine does indeed have a 4 barrel. I actually like that it has the Quad, as it's a fine carburetor that doesn't get enough love. Now I have a reason to learn about them.
I found the correct info. There was an LG4 option (4 bbl) on the 78 Cutlass, but NOT for California.
No kidding? That's really cool, and another sweet option that makes this car even more special. I might have to go check the trim tag since you're already here...
Trim tag won't tell you about the engine. But your VIN should. The 5th spot in the VIN should be either U or H. Yours should be an H (4 bbl 305). The U is for the 2 bbl version.
That rocker noise might be a flat cam. It was a common problem in that era and might be why the car was parked. Standard cleaning and rebuild of the factory Qjet would be my recommendation -- Don't replace it.
Factory gauges is a great bonus. Look at the top of the steering box. I'd it has a big round circle, it's the standard. If it has a square-ish cover held on by 4 bolts, you likely have an F41 car.
Factory gauges is a great bonus. Look at the top of the steering box. I'd it has a big round circle, it's the standard. If it has a square-ish cover held on by 4 bolts, you likely have an F41 car.
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