So, I got back home from our trip yesterday and today dived into replacing the fuel pump. I pulled the old one and for good measure purchased a new fuel filter as well. I replaced them and then sucked fuel from the tank to the filter until there was a little in the clear plastic filter. I put fuel in the carb and it started right up, then stalled. Repeat 8 times. The filter is still not full of fuel, but I can suck fuel from the tank with no problems. I am not certain where to go from here. It isn't sucking air, or fuel. It starts fine with fuel in the carb but isn't drawing fuel. Anyone have any ideas on where to go? My newbie status is showing again.
Well, I broke down and put an electric fuel pump n the car. Runs great now. amazing what a little (or a lot) of fuel will do for you.
Yesterday, I backed into a parking spot at our community gardens and when I went to leave, turn the key and all accessories come to life, but nothing from the starter. Not even a click. I went and tapped the starter, checked the wiring wasn't shorting, hand turned the motor a bit and after turning the key over a number of time, it started. weird, I though. Today, at the community garden, same thing, same fix to start the car. I am going to put it up on ramps tomorrow and check all the wiring to the starter to ensure it is tight and clean. I really dislike things not working properly. I already checked out RockAuto for a starter. $50 Can plus a ~ $47 Can core charge for a remanufactured starter. I will check my local shops tomorrow if I need to. Ah, the joys of driving a classic, balanced with the maintenance/repairs on our old girls. Have a great day all!
Well, I finally found the time to remove the starter and test it. I took it out of the car (Fun, lots of old oily dirt covering everything). I tested the starter and got nothing. Not to be deterred, I cleaned up the starter and wire brushed all of the contacts. While doing this, I noticed that the posts for the cables were loose. I tightened up everything and tested it again. It engaged 10 times out of 10! Yeah!!! I then cleaned the block where the starter covers the block. I replaced the starter, cleaned all of the tools from under the car (but didn't put any away yet) and turned the key, without a lot of hope. The car started right up, 4 times in a row. Now, I can put my tools away. I am stoked. Once again, a small repair for many (most all) of the members here, but for a green person such as myself, a small triumph. Of course, I must thank all who responded for your support.
I know that it is not politically correct to wash parts in gas anymore, so the parts I put back on the car are not as clean as my Dad would have insisted on. I did use a wire brush and an awl to clean all of the caked oil and dirt off of the starter and block, but, still not as happy as I could be. Tomorrow, I hope to find the time to check out the wipers. They work, but sometimes will not start and if you get out and give it a tug, they start. Might have to lubricate everything. Finding the time can be fun as we babysit out two grandchildren, Luke (2 1/2) and Aria (almost 5), Monday to Friday. On weekends, we fill in when Mom and Dad have to go out. I stole 3 hours today to work on the car, might have to wait for the weekend to do more.
I went out to the Wildcat this morning to go to Walmart, got in and turned the key..... nothing! Now what? Since I was short on time I took my truck, then had to take the Grandkids to swimming lessons. After lunch, I had to haul a couch and some other things to the dump for my son, so I unloaded my truck (generator for camping, 2 kids bikes, 2 kids scooters, tool chest, gardening tools, socket set, booster cables. I was raised in the Northern BC. If you didn't have it, you had a long drive to get it.) as I keep it full during summer. When I was putting things back, I picked up my booster cables and thought "Why not try?". I boosted from my sons Focus and dang, it fired right up. I guess when I was working on the wipers yesterday, I must have run the battery down. Okay, stop shaking. It wasn't the end of the world, but when that car wouldn't start, I was really bummed out. It took a while for KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) effect to catch up to my thinking. I have a habit of overthinking things. Sometimes I have to remember Dad's advice - Stop, sit, and think about what you have done, and what you have to do, before you ever pull out a wrench. Thanks Dad.
Well, it has been a week since I removed the starter and cleaned, tightened and tested it. The car starts stronger now than it did when I got it. It has been a good experience. Hard to believe that I enjoy working on my car. When my wife and I were young, we drove a lot of old clunkers. You know the kind.... Fill the oil and check the gas. When i worked on any of them, it was because I had to, it was all I had to drive. Now, the pressure is off. If I can fix something, then I take the time. If I don't have the time, it can wait and I take my truck. I have learned so much in the last two years. A lot of it has been a "Oh right, that was how that worked.". Most of my experience is on imports (Toyota, Subaru, Datsun (diesel p/u, I loved it.) I did have a number of Ford p/u's. Ah well, I still have a ton to learn. Sorry, ranting. maybe I shouldn't post when I am dead tired. Two young grandchildren all day will wear you out. Good night all, and thank you to all who have helpo me with advice. I sincerely appreciate it.
Well, I have been given my marching orders. Today, my 2 1/2 year old Grandson pointed to my car and said "Ride in Bubby's car?" I told him there wasn't a car seat in the car for him. He replied "Ride in Bubby's car.... Now!" I told him if he was good for Mommy and Daddy at Church tomorrow, then Bubby (I'm Bubby, he also calls his sippy cups Bubby, so, i know that he finds me soothing, full of good things, and disposable once used.) will put the car seats in the wildcat for a trip to the park to play. This kid seriously likes my car. When I was removing the starter, he was in there like a dirty shirt. He just wants to be involved. Have to get him handing me tools, I guess. Nurture that interest while he is young. I need someone to pass the car off to after i quit driving, could be Luke..?
So, my wife and I went over our finances today, a bit of a dismal prospect. I have decided to park the Wildcat after we rebuild the engine this summer until my wife gets her Canada Pension, in two years. This is a better option than selling, I never really even considered selling, but I have to help out somehow. Parking the car is the most responsible decision. Bummed out, but at least I get to keep her. I can do two years without it, I hope.
Well, first time out of bed in a few days... Norovirus. This was my first tangle with this particular disease and, I am not a fan. Like the flu, on steroids. In the midst of feeling like the end couldn't come soon enough, a little miracle in the mail. The Canadian Government has seen fit to approve my Disability Tax Credit, from 2015 - 2027. I did get it for 3 years, so will get about 4 years of adjusted tax forms. I will get a small chunk of change back and save on my taxes each year. The end result of all this, my wife told me today that with this I do not have to park my Wildcat for 2 years. This is going to help us keep afloat until Jenny gets her CPP (Canada Pension Plan). God pulled off a little miracle for us, just when we were down. I drove the car to go get some things from Walmart this morning. What a joy to drive. I am so blessed... family, paid for home, plenty of food, health (well, sort of. Back to my usual), and, of course, my Wildcat. God bless all, and stay healthy and happy!
Took the Wildcat out for a burn yesterday and she stalled 3 times in about 30 minutes, but started up right away after that. i looked at the fuel filter and it seemed clean, but, you have got to start somewhere. I went to Canadian Tire and purchased a new inline fuel filter (and a spare). I took out the old filter and as soon as I disturbed it, a cloud of brown filled the gas. Yup, the KISS principle works. I took it for a burn to fill the tank, no problems. I guess an old dog can learn new tricks after all. Now to order the K&K reusable air filter tomorrow.
Well not specifically about my Buick Wildcat, this is about self-growth in the car repair business. On my 2012 F150 4x4, I had the front right caliper seize up, leaving the wheel dragging. I found out because my tailpipe broke at the flex pipe and I had to take it in for repairs. They told me about the caliper and asked if they could give me a quote on repairs. Sure, I said, that would be great, but all repairs have to be approve by the Boss (Wife). Well, for a replacement caliper and brake shoes, they wanted $1221.00! What??? I thanked them for their diligence and said I would talk to my wife, but I did have a regular mechanic. Of course, I showed the quote to my wife and she said NO!, in no uncertain terms. I called my mechanic and he was booked solid, call back Monday. On Monday I went down to talk to him and he said to call back Wednesday. I went home, a little dejected because we started going to Bob when he was located near the Supervised Consumption Site (Free needles, booths, Noxalone, nurses. They even handed out "Party Packs", 5 needles and drinks of water or pop.) No one wanted to go down to his shop as there were addicts all around his shop. We went there to support a local business. Since I couldn't get a definitive answer out of Bob as to when he would be able to look at it himself, I decided to jack up the car and verify the claims of the muffler shop. Yup, hard to turn the wheel. I searched online wreckers and found a caliper with only 60,000 Km (40,000 miles) on it for $65.00 (49.92 US). I then went a purchased a new pair of brake pads for the front (I almost called them shoes, guess I have my Buick on my mind). I went home and the next day, after the Grandkids swimming lessons, started in on the job. Wow, after reading some peoples horror stories online, I was almost afraid to try. Well, was it ever easy. I had it back together within 40 minutes. It then hit me. I forgot to purchase brake fluid. Ughhh. OK, the wildcat is having a starting problem again, so I cannot take it. I told (sheepishly) my wife what I had done and she suggested taking the bus, together, as an adventure. Now, I haven't taken a bus since 1979, and I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, so, it was fun. We got to about 4 blocks from the Canadian tire (Parts shop)and walked the rest of the way. We then managed to get back using the transfers the driver gave us. We got back to work and bled the brakes, with Jenny's help. It bled really easily, just like any other vehicle. I don't know what they were talking about online, but this was a dead easy repair. They made it sound like you needed 3 people and still would have troubles. Maybe someone out there has less experience than me? All in all, I feel very happy to know that I can still help out with some mechanical things, even if the engine is still a mysterious black box to me. Well, it is almost midnight, time for sleep. Goodnight all.
Chuck, Was the rotor discolored??? IF it was it should have been turned or replaced. A bad brake hose can cause the same problem. How old is it actually??? IF the vehicle came to my shop more than likely would have measured the thickness of the rotor to determine IF it had enough "Meat" on it to be turned or replaced IF discolored. Will almost automatically replaced the hose. When you try to cut corners it will come back to bit you. I know your not a mechanic but you should be aware of the future problems that may arise. Tom T.
I checked the rotor and it was not discoloured. I did replace the brakes and the rotors were replaced about 1000 miles ago (1600 Km). I did look at the hose. It just kept dripping steadily, so I knew it wasn't a problem. I am trying to learn, so all advice is greatly appreciated. I hope I didn't come off snotty in my response, I just listed what I did. Thank you for verifying what I did need to check. My Haynes book on the F150 is my best friend when working on things on the truck. I do know my limits though, anything to do with that motor, off to the mechanic, same with muffler, charging system... I will deal with minor things, strictly mechanical.
I finally managed to get an air filter to fit my car. I ordered/purchased 2 of them since they were so hard to find (for some reason, the cross reference leads you to a smaller, taller air filter. Doesn't fit at all.) I finally wiped down the air filter and the auto parts shop (CEP Automotive in Lethbridge, great guys) measured it's dimensions. They then did a search for a suitable air filter. The owner said that "Close isn't good enough. We do not want to damage that 425 engine!" I am going to use them from now on, they have earned my trust and loyalty. 3 more weeks until we go up to Mom and Ray's to refresh the engine. I am looking forward to learning more.
