General questions
September 14th, 2018, 08:33 PM
#1
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Location: Pulaski Wisconsin
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General questions
Im kind of new to the Oldsmobile game so I have a few (probably dumb) questions. Let’s start by saying I have own an 84 Delta 88 Royale Brougham, With the rocket 307. Number 1. Once the high beams went, I can’t figure how to turn them off again. Number 2. How much work is it to change the cam gear. Number 3. Is there anything I should know before daily driving the car.
September 15th, 2018, 06:02 AM
#3
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
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Welcome. I don't know what you mean by the high beams "went", but you turn them off and on by pulling on the turn signal lever. If that doesn't click and work, that switch is probably bad. You need to disassemble the steering column to replace it. The timing chain and cam gear replacement requires disassembly of the front of the motor, along with some specialized tools (harmonic balancer puller and installer and a flywheel holder). There are also some tricks to getting the front cover back in place with the oil pan on. How long has the car sit? If it's been any length of time, I'd suggest replacing all the rubber parts in the brake system (hoses and seals).
September 15th, 2018, 07:39 PM
#4
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Well when I bought the car I made sure the lights worked and I tryed the high beams and ever since they haven’t turned off. Other than actually turning the lights off themselves. It’s either high beams or off.
September 16th, 2018, 06:13 AM
#5
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Location: Northern VA
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There are two possible causes of this. First is that the dimmer switch has gone bad. The second is that the rod that actuates the dimmer switch has popped out of place. That is unlikely, but it actually happened to me on a GM steering column. As I mentioned above, either of these requires disassembly of the steering column.
September 16th, 2018, 07:31 AM
#6
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Before I’m forced to do that what actually lever or button actually turns on the high beams. Because the blinker lever only does cruise and wipers. But I can say that there’s a blue switch behind the shifter and under the gauges.
September 16th, 2018, 07:35 AM
#7
Old(s) Fart
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On a 1984 Delta, you pull the turn signal lever to turn on the high beams, then you pull it again to turn them off. There is a rod that runs from the inboard end of the lever down the steering column to the dimmer switch. The switch is a push on/push off type of switch.
September 16th, 2018, 07:40 AM
#9
Old(s) Fart
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How about some photos. The mind reading still isn't working. I don't know what you mean by "under the gauges". Are you talking about the ignition switch on the top of the steering column down towards the floor?
September 16th, 2018, 08:06 AM
#13
Old(s) Fart
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"Doesn't look aftermarket"??? Have you ever seen anything like that in any GM car ever made? That's a cheap Pep-Boys switch. It is NOT factory. There is no way for the rest of us to know what this does - you'll have to ask the previous owner who installed it.
September 16th, 2018, 06:40 PM
#17
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You can access the dimmer switch without steering column disassembly. If you remove the dash trip plate under the steering column, and then remove the 2 15mm nuts that hold the column to the dash mounting brace you can drop the column enough to see the dimmer switch. Once you find the switch, hopefully you will be able to see the rod that is suppose to push the switch plunger in. When you pull the turn signal lever forward, you should see the rod push the switch plunger. If it does in fact move, either the switch is defective or the switch is out of adjustment. There are 2 small screws tuqt hold the switch in place, tue screw holes are enlongated to allow adjustment. Loosen the screws and move the switch towards the top of the column. Hopefully that will fix your issue.
If the rod doesn’t move, or there is no tension on the turn signal lever, then something has most likely broken inside the column. You will need some special tools and a service manual (and lots of patience!) to repair it. You will need a steering wheel pulled, lock plate depressor, and pivot pin puller. I’m pretty sure you can rent those tools from Aitozone or advance auto.
If the rod doesn’t move, or there is no tension on the turn signal lever, then something has most likely broken inside the column. You will need some special tools and a service manual (and lots of patience!) to repair it. You will need a steering wheel pulled, lock plate depressor, and pivot pin puller. I’m pretty sure you can rent those tools from Aitozone or advance auto.
September 17th, 2018, 05:51 PM
#19
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September 18th, 2018, 06:43 PM
#21
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Im kind of new to the Oldsmobile game so I have a few (probably dumb) questions. Let’s start by saying I have own an 84 Delta 88 Royale Brougham, With the rocket 307. Number 1. Once the high beams went, I can’t figure how to turn them off again. Number 2. How much work is it to change the cam gear. Number 3. Is there anything I should know before daily driving the car.
September 19th, 2018, 03:59 AM
#23
'87 Delta 88 Royale
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Margate, England
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To the next questions; There is no rocket science with these engines, they really differ much from other American V8 iron. To access the timing sprockets you need to remove the timing cover and anything else in the way,you might need to pull the oil pan, although if you know what you are up to this shouldn't be necessary.
Before putting it into daily use change all the fluids and filters, check out the brakes thoroughly, and have a good look at the tires, paying particular attention to the date codes. Not forgetting the obvious like making sure the lights work properly, the exhaust isn't leaking, the seat belts are ok etc.
No different to any other old car really.
Might be a good idea to find out what the aftermarket switch is for....
Roger.
Before putting it into daily use change all the fluids and filters, check out the brakes thoroughly, and have a good look at the tires, paying particular attention to the date codes. Not forgetting the obvious like making sure the lights work properly, the exhaust isn't leaking, the seat belts are ok etc.
No different to any other old car really.
Might be a good idea to find out what the aftermarket switch is for....
Roger.
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