78 NYB brake

[Brad Hogg <roadhogg@xxxxxxx>]

Bruce.  The brake should release when the selector is moved FROM either the
Park or Neutral positions (in other words, into any forward or reverse
position).  What you have would be either of two situations.  Either the
valve that does the switching is messed up, or the shifter is out of step
with the transmission.  I suspect the latter.  If the valve fails, it
usually just starts leaking and allowing air to enter into the vacuum
system, which is undesirable.  That little valve is about half the size of a
deck of cards and is mounted to the top of the steering column just above
where the column goes through the floor/firewall.  Again, I DO NOT suspect
this to be the problem.  The problem sounds like the linkage adjustment
between the shift lever and the transmission is not adjusted properly.  I
believe the only way to reach this linkage is from below.  You need to raise
the car and get under there to where the shift linkage goes down.  On that
downward link, there is an adjusting nut and a spring.  You can adjust the
linkage longer or shorter as needed to align the shift lever with the
transmission detents.

Consult the online FSM here...
http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1977/ServiceManual/21/image16.htm

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bruce Stubblefield" <audiblefeast@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2003 11:18 AM
Subject: IML: 78 NYB brake


Hello all,
    Here's a variation on the vacuum brake release
question.  My '78 brake releases about one or two
seconds after I start the engine, even if the shift is
left in "Park".  Is this right?  I would think it
would release when I try to shif OUT of park?  Any one
know?

thanks
Bruce S
78 NYB
69 coupe