Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Malc, I will try the high detergent diesel oil first. Thank you for that suggestion, it was exactly what I was looking for. Anyone have any opinions on whether or not this will work? Prayers?
Regarding the hand brake: The pawl is not rotating freely and therefore the button is not moving it readily. As of right now it has no hope of being actuated by the spring force alone. I have sprayed Aero Kroil on the rotation points and have been able to tap it down to catch the ratcheting grooves and move it back up with significant pressure on the button. After having done this 10-15 times I am now letting the penetrating oil soak and see if it makes a difference. If not, I will have to disassemble the handle from the body and take it to the bench to move it with pliers of something as such. Has anyone done this?
I am still unclear on the whole venturi switch issue. I do have a kickdown passing gear and the auto trans shifts are not teeth chattering but merely abrupt, albeit with a clunk in the shifting down at a stop. I think that the venturi switch must be hooked up, at least partially, or I would not have passing kickdown according to Joe's post. Regarding the clicking that I am supposed to hear by moving the throttle linkage with key on: where exactly should I put my ear, and should I be able to put my hand on a specific piece and feel a solenoid engaging, or is it entirely electrical? If so, where exactly?
Oh, by the way. I did finally find some rust! Beneath the passenger side carpeting there is a little rust on the floor. I think it is from the condensate from the A/C not getting out of the compartment. That too was rigged with hoses that were not routed correctly. (sigh) Anyway, I just had to share that with the previous poster who said that these cars will rust on the moon. He was right. There was no other significant oxidation anywhere else though, save a little scaling beneath the battery tray. I can certainly forgive that on a 40 year old car. If I had not read what a rarity it is to find a rust-free Pagoda previously I would be in a state of despair. The car and I have not been getting along too well up to now. While I was at the back of the car rummaging in a box the hot tailpipe extension tatooed my bare calf. While I was getting ready to check something under the hood, still not used to the safety catch location, I almost ripped the ear off of my head on that same safety catch. It hasn't been pretty so far, with oil leaks, wiring not hooked up, etc. However, when the car is underway it really is a joy to drive. Alas, a love/hate relationship.
I'll change the oil as soon as I can and see how it goes.
Ed
P.S. I am sorry if I didn't reply to previous postings earlier. I just learned to "subscribe to topic".
