Trouble starting and back drive cable

[Donw]

I have a 350cu 300HP 1969 Corvette. Just replaced the linkage and it seems ok except there is a back line cable or some name like that. It is suppose to hook up to the reverse arm It is stuck other then being able to pull it a little. Is this needed? Also the little steel wire that I believegoes on to one of the bards too.

Other problem, sometimes I can go out and it will start up and run great. Turn it off make some changes or whatever, come back and it just cranks trys to start but won't. Any ideas?

It has original 350 block but heads are off a 74 or so. Do I still need to run premium leaded in it. Thought that might be the starting problem. Plus it is the original Roochester carb.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Don

 

[JohnZ]

The backdrive cable goes from the reverse lever on the trans up to the bottom of the steering column, where it connects to a lever; the lever turns a tube inside the steering column which allows (or doesn't allow) the key to be turned to the "lock" position. That feature requires that the shift lever be in reverse in order to turn the key to "lock" and remove it - it's described in your owner's manual. If your cable is stuck and won't move, it must be disconnected from the lever at the bottom of the steering column, or you wouldn't be able to remove the key. Sounds like you'd benefit from a thorough tune-up and a check of all your wiring connections, including cleaning up the battery cable grounds.

 

[Stingray6974]

Hi Don,

It sounds like you are refering to the shift lock cable. It prevents you, or a thief, from moving the shifter out of reverse without the key turned. You don't have to have it. I'm assuming you have a 4-speed.

"Also the little steel wire that I believegoes on to one of the bards too". I'm not sure what you are refering to.

The starting problem sounds like hot soak. The well plugs in the base of the carb leak fuel into the intake causing a flooded intake.

Mike

 

[mlt503]

Reverse lock-out problem w/my '72!

:cry I sympathize bud, wish I had some help for you but I've got a
problem you might encounter later on.
I finally cleared some time to replace the rag-joint and I was
very pleased with the improved steering control....that is until I took
if for a test-drive. Seems I can't position the lever secured to the
firewall properly for the lock-out cable. All too frequently, I hear this
horrible metalic clicking sound and I'm sure it's coming from the cable area.
I noticed the key wasn't returning all the way to "home" position
after starting...what have I done wrong?
This is hurtin' bad, here in Arizona we can drive with the T-Tops off
any day of the year but this is embarrassing! :ugh
Thanks in advance for any help....
take it easy, Mark