Diagnostic tool

Hi all. Still trying to get my 93 year old dads 78 Buick Electra running properly. Can anyone tell me if there is a scanner / code did reader for z 78’ Buick Electra limited?

 

That year had a Device that plugged into an Orange terminal in the engine compartment . It was only an outlet test terminal that had a variety of thing you could tap into . Such as RPM , Volts and other areas to test . I still have one . There are NO CODES to read .

First thing to do is figure out what engine you have . Most probably a 350 buick or 403 Olds . Then look at Vacuum hoses and such things .

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2842175012...MIyd_Xjqif8wIVCuKzCh0pCwu5EAQYBCABEgJhMPD_BwE

This is what one looked like

 

LOL!

 

Thanks SO much! This has been of immense help. MyDads taking the car back to the shop for the third time It’s stalled on him several more times since the last post. Can I bother to pick your brain one last time.
The shop put a black and white vaccum check valve on the line I think he said on the egf line. But in the gm service manual they don’t show one ever being present. Do you have any idea? And if you charge a consulting fee , we would be very happy to pay it. Considering the money he keeps putting out, getting little in return.

 

Truly thanks for all the help!

 

yes you need a vacuum gauge, tachometer, timing light, and pull the spark plugs to inspect them. A compression test would help if it’s needed. It’s getting back to basics here. We need compression, spark and fuel

 

Pops (93). Saw the quote, thought it was about him, in an ethnically insensitive way.

 

No, he simply meant we need to use old school wrenching techniques to solve these types of problems.

where are you located? We may have a member close who can give you a hand in Person.

 

h took it to mean if to “hang” someone. I explained, switching convo back to the car. And to appreciate the help they provide for FREE. I mean I’ve spent two days trying to find a machanic who could work in the car. No one! Three Buick dealerships won’t touch it. It’s a triple A certified shop, so my dad filed a complaint. The regional manager talked to the shop. Said they recommend o take it back to the shop for the third time. It's fine when he starts it. When he goes to the store, comes out again, it won’t start. And now he’s smelling gas in the cabin. He said something about the gas being too rich.
I’m definitely going to question about the car orator..
I think it’s the vaccum check valve they put on the EGR line. According to the 1978 Buick Manual there never t mewas that valve for this make and model. If you know of anyone, who might even know of anyone anywhere who might be willing to work on an older Buick, in California in the San Francisco Bay Area PLEASE let me know. Thanks

 

Unplugging the egr valve is a good start but it's more important to make sure it's not stuck open or leaking!

 

The latest. Water in the gas line, and carburetor. They had the car for 3 weeks the first time the car was in the shop. How did they not find this the second t ttime (my Dad has only used Standard unleaded). They found a leaky radiator, fixed but same original problem. Now water in gas line and carburetor. Plus a leaking manifold, even though they just put a new one and gasket in a few weeks ago. His reply, “the parts aren’t fitting correctly, but that’s what we have to work with.
Late night call. You’re probably going to need a new carburetor.
It’s a AAA approved shop. District manager talked to shop. Same reply,
“Well, the parts are under warranty…” Suggesting if there are more problems, we take it back to that shop. In the meantime my 93 year old Dad has to drive around in a car with an extremely high idle, that keeps cutting off, after driving even a short distance, and you can smell gas when in the cabin!
He also had them reinspect the carburetor while in his presence and he noticed it had some tar like substance around it.
Think it’s time to request a refund til I can find someone around where I live here in San Francisco. With all the speciality auto shop there has to be one that can work on an old Buick.
We’re going to have that talk again about letting her go, which is difficult for him, understandable. When my mother was alive, they we went everywhere in that car. Before that was the 1970 Riviera, preceded by a 1965 Riviera
Speaking of Moms I must again apologize to Buick 64203 for the comment.