Hi Guys, I have a 54 Buick Roadmaster, currently not running. I've checked the battery and the solenoid, and they seem to be fine. I think we have narrowed it down to the vacuum switch. It's really hard to find this part....does anyone out there know of a way to upgrade the buick, but still keep the gas pedal start? Because if I cannot find a vacuum switch to replace the old one, I think I might have to figure out another way to get her back on the road. Thanks for your help! Keiko
Welcome Keiko - I see you have two posts to the board. You must be new. Sorry if I missed your first one. I cannot answer your question specifically (not really an engine techy guy) - but there are folks to help you. I used to know someone named Keiko - in Tokyo. You ever been there ? There are places in the "User CP" area on the website where you can fill out your location and maybe other info. You can post an "avatar" or car picture or thumbnail photos of your car. Makes it comfy. . . Rip Rohring :Comp:
It may be as simple as pulling the switch off, dismantling it and cleaning the contacts inside. Very easy job ( don't lose the ball ) Check if there is power to the switch, if not then it may be the neutral safety switch on the steering column. Ken. 1954 Roadmaster
I see such vacuum switches on e-bay frequently, but i agree that checking electrical connections, dismantling and cleaning of the swich itself is mandatory
You have to be carefull when taking the switch apart; - the upper part where the contacts are is usually made out of bakelite, and tends to be fragile. These things tend to crack over the years, making a vacuum seal all but impossible. Also, when you get it apart, check to see if there's a vacuum leak on the bottom part; it over time the carb base plate could rot out and leak there. I'm going to jump out on a limb and assume that the car doesn't even turn over when the pedal is depressed. That being said, if the car doesn't start in it's current condition, then there might be another problem. It should engage the starter from "rest", and if there was a vacuum leak, the starter drive would just keep running after the car fired and started. So a couple of things could be going wrong; - To see if your starter solenoid is the problem, turn the key on, bridge the contacts with another piece of wire, -the starter should engage. If it doesn't turn over, then you've got a starter problem. If it turns over, then the switch is probably at fault. If the carb has been apart recently, you'll have to check and see if those parts were installed correctly. If I remember right (I haven't taken one apart in years) there should be a cam off the throttleshaft that engages the ball and an upper cam which bridges the contacts up top. The ball is then sucked out of the way with vacuum once the engine starts thereby breaking the contact. Some guys install the the slotted cam incorrectly so that the ball can't get out of the way and the starter keeps running. Check and see if these haven't been worn away as well. Hope this helps; - good luck!
Be advised that the wires going to the carb switch are not fuse protected and if shorted will fry your wiring harness. If jumping across the terminals on the carb switch with the wires connected and the ignition 'on' does not activate the starter, try jumping 12v to the black wire on the starter solenoid. If no joy remove the starter for diagnostics and repair. Willie
Thanks everybody for all your tips! .....sorry it took me a while to get back...I've been a little frustrated about not being able to get her started...So, we've tried a few things, and now, I can tell you that if I jump start the car, then it will turn over. Initially, when I was trying it out, it was clicking when I depressed the pedal, but I think that was because it was cold, because it's not doing that any more. Now, if I depress the pedal, no sound. ....still looking at other things tho...also I noticed that my reverse lights are not working any more. So this might also have something to do with the neutral safety switch...but for now, I'll keep trying till we figure it out!
The job of the neutral safety switch is to stop you cranking the engine in Drive , Low or Reverse. Are you trying to start it in Park or Neutral ? Try both and see if it will start. Work the gear lever slightly back and forth in park or neutral while you depress the pedal and see if it wants to crank. If that happens then the switch may need to be re-adjusted on the column. Also the reverse lights feed comes from this switch. What confuses me is that when you jump start it the engine cranks ? Sounds to me like your battery is no good , or terminals coroded or not tight. If the battery is good and the clicking sound comes from around the starter motor area then seems to me the solenoid contacts are burnt. Be aware that cold weather will severely limit the battery capability if it is only marginal to start with. Try some of those and get back. Ken.
