Giving up the wagon! Going to trade for a Cadillac (try)

You have to do this more than a few times :banghead3: and then you feel all :banana:. Now get those engine parts and "git 'er done!"

 

Sounds like maybe an exhaust restriction problem. I know you don't have a converter on a '72, but mufflers have been known to come apart inside and exhaust pipes collapse inside. Wind it up in park and make sure you have plenty of exhaust coming out the tail pipe.

 

Yeah, this was mentioned by several people and there is plenty of air coming out of the tailpipe, despite all of the exhaust leaks.

 

Well... still not repaired. The "mechanic" that was supposed to come today to check it stood me up... never showed up. Oh well.

Why do I even want to try anymore? :banghead3:

 

I am totally unfamiliar with GM engines, but if they are set up like small block Mopars, there is a heat riser in the right exhaust manifold that channels hot exhaust through the intake. If it is stuck shut and the passage through the intake is stopped up, the right bank will not get rid of exhaust. Just a thought...............

 

Cause you know we know you care about it. After all this pain, something has to break open for you.

 

I know how you feel. Several years ago, I built a Dodge 383 Magnum. I had a lot of machine shop work done and put the best stuff in it I could buy. I dropped it in a '73 Satellite thinking it would light up the whole end of the neighborhood when I put my foot into it. I am talking head work, new cam, new Holley 4 barrel and a lot more. The SOB fell on it's face. I never did find out what the problem was. It ran decent, but about like a 318 2 barrel. Got disgusted and I sold it, but often wondered what the deal was as to why it didn't perform a lot better. Hope you decide to keep the old wagon and find the problem. Sooner or later, you'll find what it is. I had a Dart that was driving me nuts running lean. Finally found the fitting on the brake booster was cracked and sucking air. Good luck...................you'll feel a lot better if you don't let it whip you.

 

Damn, I follow this thread like it was my own car. That suxs. How far are you to a city? You can consider getting AAA and let them tow the wagon to a good shop there. These wagons are kinda expensive because they are pretty old, and were used hard. Its not like many people bought a wagon to stare at in their garage. I wish you were here, I know some good mechanics.

 

Yeah, thats exactly how I feel. Hopefully something will break soon. I have never had any good luck with cars. I have a 1991 Lexus LS400 that is my daily driver that despite being perfect as far as the engine and transmission go, has a ongoing power steering issue that has me so frustrated I am about to have it crushed. I had fixed a leak, plugged a valve and now its started doing something new, a shudder on low speed turns and now its getting hard to turn when first started. Not sure if the pump is going out or what. One thing, then another.

I am only about 3 miles from the city limits, but I really not had the time or money to throw around and this mechanic coming to the house was going to be the perfect solution. There are really not any good shops around here anyway for older cars.

I had undercovered it and everything for him to come and check it... here it still sets as of this evening...

 

It may not run well, but it still looks good sittin there.....

Send me that mechanic's phone number and I'll kick his ass for you...

 

Thanks. lol.

Yeah it needs a kicking. My dad talked to my uncle about him, since its my uncle that knows him and recommended him. My uncle said he had told him that it rained all that day and he couldnt check it, but strange I recall it was sunny and warm that day.... and why hasnt he bothered to call or come since then? Several days have passed... a week today to be exact.

I dont even care anymore. Thats the sad part. Cant find anyone to fix it.... maybe I would be better off just selling it at a huge loss and just forget about it.

 

If it has a 4 bbl carb make sure the choke is opening all the way,if not the secondaries wont open up.

 

This is a BIG thread, and I haven't read every reply, but I still think the problem can be found. Restricted exhaust or late timing, either ignition or valve might be to blame. I believe you said something about having a new cam installed, I hope whoever did it installed a new chain and sprockets. Late valve timing will slow an engine down. Does it have HEI? Have you verified you have plenty of fire? A coil is often overlooked.

 

I'm with Dodgeguy. I'll bet the cam timing is off.
There is nothing tricky about tuning that engine, something is wrong with it.
If you want to dump it contact me, I'm wagonless and could fix this thing in my sleep.

 

I had a Dodge one time with a 400 big block. The timing chain was stretched and it didn't have hardly any power. I can't see any mechanic replaceing a cam and not at least the chain, assumeing the sprockets were ok and steel, but it happens. Probably got charged for new ones, anyhow.