Hi Gang,

Don't know where else to go with this, so here goes. My stepson has a '84 Delta 88, with the V8 engine, and I have a couple questions:

1. Off of the catalytic converter, there is a small tube, I guess it'* an air tube. Anyone know where this is connected to, and what is used to make this connection?

2. In general, what would restrict the flow of coolant between the radiator and the overflow tank? Would a faulty rad cap cause this? Would a faulty cap cause too much pressure in the cooling system, to the point where coolant would be forced out of the water pump gasket area? The water pump was replaced last May.

You guys have been great with the help with my Bonneville. Hopefully you can help with the Olds. BTW, this boat will be for sale soon. And my wonderful Bonneville will be going to him, so if you are in Raleigh, NC near NCSU, be on the lookout!

Thanks,
NCC

Unless there is a blockage in the hose or it is cut/nicked..the only thing possibly holding coolant back is the cap, if the hose to the overflow is located right at the spot where the cap is on the radiator.

Hi Bill,

Yes, the overflow tube connects right to the neck of the radiator, above where the cap would seat against the inner lip. It makes some sense that a cap not opening at 15psi (or ever) might cause both issues. I suppose it'* easy enough to replace it.

Any thoughts on the air tube on the cat?

Thanks,
NCC

For the AIR tube on the cat, does this car have the AIR system installed? If so, I think there is supposed to be a hose of some sort connected to that from the AIR pump or pump purge valve. If not, this car may have the AIR system that has the small pipes mounted directly into the exhaust manifolds, but I am sure it is the type with the hose that connects to the cat. Having this disconnected will possibly make the car overheat, BTW, unless timing has been adjusted accordingly with the system blocked off.

Air tube isn't really my specialty... makes sense it would need to be something high temp...

Bonneville94V688,

Well, that might explain another mystery, if true. The car has been overheating slightly, which I assume was related to the radiator issue. But tell me a little more about the AIR tube. Right now, all I can see underneath is a rubber (perhaps neoprene) hose hanging from the cat, onto the ground. The engine is a small-block V8. Where is the most likely place that this hose would connect to? I mean if it is an air pump or purge valve, where is the likely location?

Thanks for the assist!
NCC

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. BTW, the Delta (aka...freeway ship)has the Olds 307 V8 in it. I bought a "kit" at the local 'zone for the air pump-to-cat connection. I guess this is more common than I thought. Some kit: it'* a length heat-resistant hose with adapters on each end, and 2 hose clamps! Looks like someone got a couple hose clamps, a length of garden hose, hacked out some instructions on a copier, then stuffed it all in an unlabeled Baggie! Anyway, I will be installing tonight.

Another question for the crowd: On the Delta the cruise control button is gone. I have a spare multi-function stalk from the Bonneville. I know the functionality is the same, but I wonder will the stalk from the Bonne will work on the Delta? I don't want to force anything and make matter worse.

Thanks,
NCC