Re: 1972 Eldorado wiring harness

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Larry,
Not to muddy the waters but I too suggest you get a factory shop manual and determine what wires are where.  I do see a lot of disconnected wires and that in itself could be part of your problems.
Greg Surfas

[Stoverlarry]

Ok thank u I'm afraid to move any further don't want to mess up anything else I did order a shop book but it will take a week before I can get it I have way too many wires that are not connected to anything and thank you for helping me out

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

And it seems you have a few missing devices

Greg Surfas

[Stoverlarry]

I don't know if one time they had a electric choke on this reason for the wires on top of the engine that are not plugged into anything

[Stoverlarry]

Good thank you I could use all the help I can get right now won't get my book for a week

[Stoverlarry]

Do y'all need better pictures

[Stoverlarry]

Do you need better pictures of the motor and everything

[Stoverlarry]

Ok

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I can see that you are missing the Anti Dieseling Solenoid, and the Transmission Kick-down switch for a start.

The Auto Choke was a linkage on the right side of the carby that went down into a covered spring on the top of the intake manifold.

Pictured is mine before I switched over to a Predator Carby.

Bruce.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Here is the Alternator on my car.   A bit different to yours as I have relocated it following the removal of the AIR Pump, etc.   But, the wiring is the same.

Bruce.

[Stoverlarry]

I can see that you are missing the Anti Dieseling Solenoid, and the Transmission Kick-down switch for start are are these parts available to buy

Bruce.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

are these parts available to buy

I would think they could be, but the Trans Kick-down Switches are expensive.

They would be the same for all years, '71 to '76 and possibly later, with the Carby versions, so they should be plentiful in wrecking yards.   Not just Eldorados, but all the Cadillac range, and possibly Buick , Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Chevrolet.

I made my own for the kick-down switch when I changed carbies, and used a simple micro switch.

Bruce.

[Stoverlarry]

I see you went with a HEI conversion how do you like that

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I had a '75 or '76 HEI and decided to upgrade, and as I also had an Acell Coil and cover, I decided to use that as well.   BUT, as a direct result of the added height of the coil cover, I had to trim it down to clear the new replacement hood insulation as it got in the way.

I thought I did a good job of trimming the cover, and everything works well.

Plus, I have spares, as I am a long way away from parts suppliers.

Bruce.

PS.   Plus, the GM HEI really tidies up the engine by getting rid of the external coil and lead.

[Stoverlarry]

So this wire here I take it goes to my transmission kickdown it has 12 volts with the ignition on where does the kickdown get mounted to

[Stoverlarry]

And shouldn't I have a ballast resistor going to the coil I have a resistor wire

[TJ Hopland]

The transmission kickdown circuit is a +.    + down to the trans puts it in kickdown mode.  No voltage normal mode.

I think I see the original coil resistor wire in that last photo.   Its an odd looking solid wire with a cloth like insulation.    That is the one that comes from the bulkhead connector and the key.   Usually at the coil it meets the one from the I terminal on the starter. 

[35-709]

You should NOT have a ballast resistor, Cadillac stopped using a ballast resistor in 1959 or 1960, a resistor wire took its place.

A picture of the kickdown switch is below.  I believe the kickdown switch is odd to Cadillac alone, most other GM kickdowns were mounted inside the car on the firewall.  Call Cadillac Tim at 864-348-7732, he may have one.  They are indeed expensive and if you get one be sure to follow the shop manual's instructions for installation and adjustment.  The switch lever is plastic and that is the first thing people break, rendering the switch useless. 

[35-709]

The incoming wire to the switch should have 12 volts when the ignition is on, the switch passes the 12 volts to the transmission kickdown solenoid in the tranny when the throttle is depressed to about 60% of wide open throttle.

Edit:  The switch bracket is mounted to the coil mount bracket which places it at the left (driver's side) of the carburetor. I can pst a pic. of it later if need be.

[Stoverlarry]

Okay thanks I just have to find where that wire goes down to two transmission it's a front wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado