I have a problem I need some help with. The accelerator pedal on my car does not have enough stroke to engage the starter. If I manually move the linkage at the carb it will engage the starter but I have to almost open up the carb all the way. I noticed in the shop manual that this can be corrected by adding shims into the vacuum switch. I can't figure out where to place the shims and what they are supposed to look like. Is the shim like a small washer that goes someplace inside the switch or does the shim go between the switch and the carb?

I hope someone here is familure with this and can be of some assistance.

Thanks,

Glenn

It goes in the switch itself. There were two kinds of shims used, one kind was shaped like a w the others were little round washers with a square center.

If you remove the switch very carefully you'll see which kind of shim you need. I would guess probably two.

Straight Eight,

Thanks for your reply, Do you have any idea where I might pick up some of these shims?

Thanks,

Glenn

I can make a few guesses where to try. These won't be a NOS item, but used. Try the Antique Parts Cellar, oldpartstom@aol.com, as they rebuild carbs and may have a junk carb they'd sell you, and you could just swap the switch.
Then there's www.bobsautomobilia.com.
Also you might try Pat Riley his email is buickp@texas.net. He advertises NOS parts in boxes. His prices are a little steep, but where else can you find Buick parts in original boxes.

Lots of luck,
Make sure you know which shim shape you will
need.

I would do some things first before buying switch or shims.

1st, try adjusting the accelarator linkage per shop manual and see if that corrects the problem.

If that does not work, then investigate any wear and play in the linkage. If the car starts with the carb linkage opened up by hand, that tells me that the linkage could be your problem.

2nd, if all that does not work then go to plan b, the shims or switch.