Guffin

The Buick series 80 was made from 1931 to 1933. It was only made in two body styles, Victoria Coupe 86, and 5p Sedan 87. It used the same engine as series 90 cars. The difference between models 86/87 and 96/97 was the wheel base which was 8" longer for the series 90, which also had covered wheel springs. In other respects they were very similar. Jan

According to the shop manual the cylinder head bolt tension should be 65-70 Ft.lbs. I recomend you to buy a new printed copy of "Buick Shop Manual 1940". Jan

Bob's Automobilia are selling modern seals with rubber lips. Better than the old leather or felt seals. On my 40-56s I used a modern thicker inner seal with double lips and turned a metal ring to fit it to the outer diameter. Jan

Tetraethyl led is forbidden because it is extremely poisonous. Especially when concentrated as in an additive. Other chemicals are used is today in additive's. These are not as effective as led. Several years ago extensive tests were made in England (unfortunately I lost that reference) with different led substitutes and they could show that modern substitutes have a positive effect. However, it seems as different make of engines different cast iron properties, and are more or less sensitive to valve seat recession. Newly prepared valve seats are more prone to this, so it may be good to use some additive to star with. I usually use lead substitutes only when driving 50 to 60 on longer tours on the highway in my pree-war cars. I don't know if I need it but just in case... Jan

Many stated using chrome in 1928, e g Hupmobile. Jan

Restricting the flow through the radiator does not increase heat transfer. It would do the opposite. A low flow will decrease the temperature of the water going into the engine but increase the water temperature getting out of the engine. A high flow will give a more uniform temperature in the engine. I don't understand where the intake sucks air. After the carburetor there should not be any air intake except for the vacuum pump or viper motor. However, if there is a leakage it is usually difficult to set the engine to idle well. Jan

Yes! My English is not so good to understand the difference.

"Bruden" means "The Bride". How do you gather so many girls? Easy! You buy a 1932 Buick model 87 (97 will also work), park it in the street and just wait. These girls wanted me to drive them to a party. Five in the rear seat and floor (sic) and three in the front. Coozy!

Vacuum pumps are good and reliable if they are in good order. One drawback is that the gas may leak out through the carb if the car is standing for a while. It may then be hard to suck up enough gas to start. This can be helped by buying a 6 V electric valve from the nearest A-For parts dealer. The valve screw on under the pump tank and should be coupled to the ignition switch so that it close when turning off the ignition. Jan

Now it is done! I learned that a brother to a friend of mine had a complete workshop for cars and I could borrow it and even have some help from the retired owner. We managed to push on the drive shaft on the pinion shaft without loading the pinion bearings. This was done by pulling against the big nut on the pinion shaft. It went very smooth and we didn't have to use heat. At the same time we cleaned the bearings and changed all oil seals to modern rubber seals. We also changed the torque ball seals, the u-joint and bushing. To our surprise the seal at the u-joint rear end was missing but oil had not been leaking down the torque tube, probably because the torque ball was leaking so badly. Jan

If they are filled with oil and not leaking, they are probably OK. Jan

With no lights on: 1: Does it show minus 20 A at idle and is not changing when revving the engine or 2: Does it show minus around plus/minus 3 A at idle and minus 20 A when revving the engine? If one is true the generator does not generate any current and something (perhaps the generator?), besides the ignition, takes a lot of current. If 2 is true the ammeter seems to be connected with wrong polarity e. g. showing discharge when it actually charge. This old Buick has no voltage regulator (but you can add one electronic). It has a so called third brush generator and is essentially a constant current generator. The current can be changed by moving the third brush (loosen the locking screw on the generator end plate first). You should disconnect the generator at the cut out when engine is running and see if current discharge becomes smaller (generator loads the battery?). At the same time check the voltage before and after the cut out and see if the cut out is working and the generator gives a voltage polarity out which is same as the battery. The voltage out should be much higher than the battery voltage with no load on the generator. Never disconnect battery when engine is running because the generator voltage will increase too much and blow all lamps connected (generator is current source!)! If generator is not giving any voltage out the the brushes may be worn out. Jan

If it is the old type, there will be a small container screwed into the engine block. From this container goes a narrow tube to the gauge on the dash. In the container is a liquid with low boiling point, often ether. When the liquid boils the pressure inside the container rises. This pressure activates the gauge. If there is a leakage the system will not work You have to take out the gauge, the tube and the container and have it repaired. Jan

If it is the old type, there will be a small container screwed into the engine block. From this container goes a narrow tube to the gauge on the dash. In the container is a liquid with low boiling point, often ether. When the liquid boils the pressure inside the container rises. This pressure activates the gauge. If there is a leakage in the system it will not work You have to take out the gauge, the tube and the container and have it repaired. Jan

Many times I have read at this forum, don't give out your bank account number. There is no risk in leaving out your bank account number. If somebody illegally manage to draw money from your account the bank is responsible and have to reinforce you. Most transactions here in Europe are made by direct transfer to a bank account. This is the cheapest way of sending money. I paid both of my Buicks from the USA this way. If you get a check and the bank knows you, you can get the money before they check if the check is valid. If they later find out that the check is fake, they want their money back. It may take up to three weeks for the bank to get a foreign check cleared. So getting the money for a check doesn't necessary mean that the check is OK. Sending money to your bank account is fast, and when the money is on your account you can be safe. Jan

I must show my darling again. Buick 32-87 Jan

I thought so. So the pins are press fit in the lifters so that hole is not worn!? I understand that the warning in the shop manual for using a special tool refers to the tool for pressing the pins in without deforming them!? I have been working with old cars as a hobby since 1954 but I am new to Buick Jan

Thank you Bill. So you can take out the lifters without removing the whole unite! Interesting. I hope my lifters are OK but the rollers are worn I think Thank you Joe. You seem to know everything worth knowing about old Buicks. You have helped me many times before. Two years ago I looked inside the side covers but didn't' do anything then because I had no pars. Now I have rollers and pins and hopefully I can use the old lifters. Or, do you think it is better to try to find new lifters before starting the job. Are they often worn out? I don't want the car to be stranded in the garage for a long time. Jan

My 1932 344 ci engine is noisy. It is not bearing noise and valves are adjusted correctly. It seems to be the valve lifters. I am planing to take out the lifter guide units and have some question to somebody who has done it. 1: Can the lifter guide units be removed from the side of the engine without removing the oil pan? 2: How to take out the push rods? I tried to pull them up but couldn't. How are they fastened to the lifters? 3: Are there any special things to consider when installing new rollers? The manual says that you have to use special tools! I am thankful for any advice I could get. Jan

You may be right The Old Guy. And I should probably not afford to put in an overdrive. I have an 3.9 rear end lying in my garage. The rear end in my 40-56s is 4.4. I wanted a 3.6 but it is impossible to find in Sweden. Very few US made cars were imported at that time. If somebody has a more suitable rear en for my car I would like to buy it. I can arrange transport from Hershey to Sweden. Jan