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A few pictures, a little help please!

TTA579

TTA579

South Bay TTA "Barn" Find
Ok, so a few pictures to show you where I am with my TTA.

I just bought it yesterday and had it towed. It doesn't start. I suspect a fuel problem: spraying a little starter fluid down the intake and it coughed to life. Otherwise it just turns over.

I think some of the hoses I've found disconnected from the engine are important though, so I'd like a little help identifying them and figuring out where at least one of them goes.

Image 1 shows a large pipe that goes into the valve cover, this has been disconnected. What is it? It also shows a vacuum line that's been disconnected from somewhere (it's the line laying across the valve cover) where does this go?

Image 2 shows a vacuum line broken just underneath the turbo.

Image 3 shows the condition of the retaining ring for my drivers side headlamp.

Also, can someone point my in the right direction for the fuel pump relay? I can't find in in my Chilton's Manual or the Owner's manual. (looks like I need to get some service manuals)

Thanks for any and all help!
 
The vac line going across the valve cover should be going to your cruise control or your egr vac ragulator I think.

I know for sure that the black tube goes from the valve cover to the turbo inlet, this is to rid the engine of blow by gas and have it sucked into the intake.

the vac line under the turbo I think is for the wastegate seleniod.

I'll check the manual for the fuel relay tomorrow for you, I have to find my manual.
 
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TTA579 said:
95,000.

I think I'll need to invest in some vacuum hose.
Click to expand...

It probably needs an entire hose kit under the hood with what you've described by being out in the California heat for all this time - (dry rot)

You'll love it once you have it up and running properly - the fun factor of these cars is pretty sweet!

:thumbup:
 
I would do all the basics first. Change all the fluids, Plugs, Wires, and get a scan tool and check all the sensors. A Scanmaster is worth it's weight in gold on these cars. I would also replace ALL those vacuum lines. The one under the turbo is for the waste gate and with that off you could over spool the turbo and really do some damage! Take it very easy and slow on it till you get all the basic stuff done to be safe. You could always take off the cap on the fuel rail to see if any fuel pressure is there by pushing in on the shader valve. Those injectors almost look original. I would look into a new set of those as well! Also take some time and read over this entire site.. http://89tta.turbobuicks.net/ you can read up on that vacuum line that is under the turbo going to the wast gate as well. You need a certain "Y" in those lines.
 
Ya I gotta agree with 89MNTTA the fun factor is ridiculous with these cars. I drive a tta so much I feel I am wasting my other cars.
 
TTA579 said:
Repaired the headlight retainer... I think. Will superglue hold?
Click to expand...

No wont hold ... those were spot welded from the factory so either get them welded (drill small hole in the tabs and weld through that hole) or drill hole through both pieces and use a rivet of some sort and use a hammer to tap the rivet as flat as pissible after installation. Or just go buy a new one as they arent that expensive.
 
Hey TTA579 - how have things progressed since your last post? It looks like you were on the verge of fixing some vacuum lines and cleaning up your engine. Have you done anything that really made a huge difference in how the car runs?
 
Yes, some updates and pictures would be nice to see. I would have had to pull that motor and clean everything in site if it were mine. These motors are so easy to remove and then you can start cleaning everything. Makes me want to pick my car up from storage and start cleaning it. Spring is here, Spool it up!
 
To my disappointment, I have spent very little time working on the car in recent months. I won't make excuses, but I'm back at it now. I've got plugs and wires on the way (any help on the appropriate gap would be appreciated). I have a fuel filter ready to go, but getting under the at will be tricky. (am I really supposed to Jack under the rear diff?). I've checked the egr valve, it's not stuck. I'll pick up some vacuum tube this weekend from pep boys or the like. And the car will need another turbo the original has seized. (any advice on a replacement/upgrade would be appreciated).
 
(typing on my iPhone so forgive the multiple posts, this forum is blocked at work?)

next up I'm looking at the MAF, fuel reg and injectors. Basically I'm replacing almost everything. So I appreciate the help and support and especially enthusiasm you are all showing.
 
TTA579 said:
To my disappointment, I have spent very little time working on the car in recent months. I won't make excuses, but I'm back at it now. I've got plugs and wires on the way (any help on the appropriate gap would be appreciated). I have a fuel filter ready to go, but getting under the at will be tricky. (am I really supposed to Jack under the rear diff?). I've checked the egr valve, it's not stuck. I'll pick up some vacuum tube this weekend from pep boys or the like. And the car will need another turbo the original has seized. (any advice on a replacement/upgrade would be appreciated).
Click to expand...

The TA49 is a great stock replacement turbo.

Buick Grand National, Turbochargers & Related Parts | Cotton's Performance Buick Grand National Parts & Service

My dad put one on his nearly stock Grand National and it ran great.
 
Rodimus_Prime said:
good lord that needs alot of cleaning
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's... going to be a chore. I'm tearing down the interior to nothing, going to replace everything that needs it. Exterior needs the two dents knocked out, spoiler replaced, and everything repainted. It'll need a new set of badges. And, like I said, once I get the engine bay figured out, it'll be time for a steam clean. Once it's back in running shape, I'll start my magic on things. I have an eye for detail, and I like to apply polish and powdercoat liberally.
 
A small update: I removed the rotting spoiler today. I found 20 years of dirt under it, and some rust staining. It had rotted from the inside out. I plan on installing a new one down the line, and you can be sure I'm going to apply some caulking of some sort to keep that crap out.

An interesting note: the right hand bolt threads had rusted away in the middle of the bolt, right in between the spoiler and the deck.

I replaced the spark plug wires last weekend, it sounds like it starts stronger... but still dies.

Up coming, I'll be placing an order for a scanmaster, powerlogger and a netbook (my laptops are macs!). After that, we might find out what's wrong with her.
 
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