Car is a 1972 cutlass supreme convertible, orig. engine was a 350 2-barrel, now has a 455 4-barrel. automatic trans.

The gas pedal has 2 cables connected to it, one is broken. It drives with the one cable just fine. I traced the second cable (the broken one), it goes near the destributor, then I can't tell where it goes after it goes down behind the motor on the passenger side. What is this cable for and how can I fix it? It is broken right at the gas pedal.

Thanks

Mechanical kickdown for the trans?

after some research, I am pretty sure that it is the kickdown cable. It is frayed right at the end by the pedal. Does anyone know how to fix this? Maybe a splice?

It's the Kickdown cable for the original TH350 trans. 400 kickdown was actuated by a switch at the gas pedal. If it has the TH400 that matches your 455, it's not broken, it's disconected.

Norm

How else would the downshifting be actuated, manifold vacuum?

how can I tell which tranny it is?

http://www.oldsconnection.com/forum/tech_trans.php



Sorry, that's a 12V electric switch.

Norm

My brother-in-law had a 76 Cutlass, and the vacuum sucked tranny fluid into the crankcase.

So one day we change the oil in the garage. We raise the car, open the drain, and let the oil pour into one of those triangular catch pans.

After several minutes I look to check on it, and there is oil pouring from each of the three spouts on the pan. There must have been six quarts or more in that engine.

I don't know anything about trannys. Is that possible? Please explain how.

In vacuum modulated automatics, trans fluid can be sucked into the combustion chamber, via the manifold, through a leaking diaphragm in a vacuum modulator. It goes out the tailpipe, in the form of smoke.

Norm

I checked it and it turns out to be the TH350. Today I am going to try to repair/replace the cable. Thank you.

That Cutlass didn't smoke.

However, when he first told me he got it, I immediately asked "Is the back bumper still on it?"

(edited to add) yes, it was.

I spliced in a new piece of cable, ran it through the gas pedal, and crimped on the stopper. Works like a charm. I got everything I needed from the local hardware store for less than $2.00. Thanks for the help.

If you can't explain it, say so.

Norm

??? Looks like you're quoting yourself, quoting me.

Yes, and in it, the question was asked a second time.

Here it is a third time: How is that possible?