1980 Buick Regal Turbo "PLEASE HELP" ! :-)

[1980 Buick]

I have a 1980 Buick Regal and I need a Waste-gate Actuator and a shift knob (for a console shift model) *Can anyone help me out ?

GOING CRAZY TRYING TO FIND THESE PARTS !

Thanks so much. :smile:

 

[charlief1]

Go to the vendor section at the bottom of the main forum page. Brian at G body parts should be able to help with the shifter and you might check Gpop shop for the actuator.

 

[williamsGN]

Might try posting the the 'Parts Wanted' section

 

[Bweavy]

Go to the vendor section at the bottom of the main forum page. Brian at G body parts should be able to help with the shifter and you might check Gpop shop for the actuator.

I covered him on the shifter but was going to send him to you for the actuator.

 

[charlief1]

I covered him on the shifter but was going to send him to you for the actuator.

Thanks Brain. I only have one right now that I know is good. I have a couple that are questionable so I guess I need to test them.:redface:

 

[1980 Buick]

You have an actuator ? Mine (while putting a vacuum on same) will not move. I get a "yellow lite" but no red one (no "full boost)

I figure it MUST BE the Actuator ?

 

[charlief1]

You have an actuator ? Mine (while putting a vacuum on same) will not move. I get a "yellow lite" but no red one (no "full boost)

I figure it MUST BE the Actuator ?

Do a little reading on Rich's site. It should help you figue out what's going on with the car.:smile:

BEFORE BLACK Website

 

[1980 Buick]

Well I'm all together ... * I STILL Zero boost. *** Waste-gate functions fine, I omitted the vacuum supply hose (caped it) and I have only the pressure hose (off the turbo itself) connected at the turbocharger "base". The Turbo's like new and spins nicely, the "waste-gate" is operating (all free and clear), and the 4 barrel carb. secondaries open under "snap throttle" conditions. (I'll try Rich's site ):frown:

 

[charlief1]

The car has to be in gear to develop boost. It won't do it in neutral.

 

[1980 Buick]

The car has to be in gear to develop boost. It won't do it in neutral.

I know, *Remember no electronic "anything" here ... (just pressure in a hose in order to get the function to work) "easy" ?
When I "open" (the wastegate with the arm diss-connected) I still get nothing.

*I.O.W, with Mechanic's wire, I manually "opened" the wastegate and wired to to stay there (OPEN) ... "nothing"
The pressure switch (one serves BOTH Turbo lites on the driver fender), works fine. (when I'm sing what ... 6-10 lbs. of pressure test it)
< 1st the yellow lite, then the red > (on the dash) all work great ... "just no boost" ... runs like a normally aspirated 231.

I tell ya, I'm baffled, the engine runs like silk ! "Theirs simply NO Turbo".

 

[RIFF RAFF]

i know, *remember no electronic "anything" here ... (just pressure in a hose in order to get the function to work) "easy" ?
When i "open" (the wastegate with the arm diss-connected) i still get nothing.

*i.o.w, with mechanic's wire, i manually "opened" the wastegate and wired to to stay there (open) ... "nothing"
the pressure switch (one serves both turbo lites on the driver fender), works fine. (when i'm sing what ... 6-10 lbs. Of pressure test it)
< 1st the yellow lite, then the red > (on the dash) all work great ... "just no boost" ... Runs like a normally aspirated 231.

I tell ya, i'm baffled, the engine runs like silk ! "theirs simply no turbo".

wire the waste gate closed ..

 

[1980 Buick]

wire the waste gate closed ..

Either way .... same result.

 

[RIFF RAFF]

either way .... Same result.

strange ... Stand on the brake and roll into the gas with it in gear .. What happens ?

 

[charlief1]

strange ... Stand on the brake and roll into the gas with it in gear .. What happens ?

Kinda what I'm wondering. The waste gate has to be closed and the car in gear to build boost. You might want to take the down pipe off and try and spin the turbine. See if there's any up and down movement to the shaft as well.

 

[charlief1]

BWT, go to your user controls and add a location. One of the guys may be near you and can help.

 

[1980 Buick]

strange ... Stand on the brake and roll into the gas with it in gear .. What happens ?

Nothing ... "The Trans stinks". (I try not to do that.)

 

[1980 Buick]

Kinda what I'm wondering. The waste gate has to be closed and the car in gear to build boost. You might want to take the down pipe off and try and spin the turbine. See if there's any up and down movement to the shaft as well.

I know ... theirs very mainute play (can hardly detect) in the shaft. (It spins like silk), *I hear a mild "whine" in a moderately hard 2nd gear crowd when I drive it.
That is all tho. NO Turbo.

 

[charlief1]

The whine means it's getting some boost of some sort. Sounds like the turbo's in good shape though.

 

[ZNix]

First and foremost, I would suggest getting an actual boost gauge hooked up if you have the means, if only temporary. This is going to help us diagnose what is really going on. The lights on the dash are known to be unreliable. Second, if you have taken the DP elbow off, maybe you misaligned the puck inside it. If it does not completely cover the hole, it will leak off boost, giving you your low or no boost issue. I would also check and make sure there are no vacuum leaks while your at it. The hoses are probably all cracked if you have not replaced them yet.

 

[charlief1]

First and foremost, I would suggest getting an actual boost gauge hooked up if you have the means, if only temporary. This is going to help us diagnose what is really going on. The lights on the dash are known to be unreliable. Second, if you have taken the DP elbow off, maybe you misaligned the puck inside it. If it does not completely cover the hole, it will leak off boost, giving you your low or no boost issue. I would also check and make sure there are no vacuum leaks while your at it. The hoses are probably all cracked if you have not replaced them yet.

Very good points Zack. Sometimes Myself and others forget the simple stupid stuff that we learned at the begining.:smile:

Thanks for bringing the KISS factor back.