Just bought a 66 dart 4 door. Has 34000 original miles, got her home changed the oil put some good gas in her. Reason I bought the car was engine was so quiet. Drove around for about three days, happy as could be. I was sitting @ a light and all of a sudden she sounds terrible. Still running fine but sounds like its got an exhaust leak and bad tapping. So I can't pinpoint exactly where its from. Pull the valve cover off and listen still here it but not really from there. As a matter of fact its quieter, except for the exhaust sound. Anyone help, I want it back to quiet! [/quote]

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66 dart 225

Welcome on the board! You'll want to get the three books described inthis thread as soon as you can. Tune-up parts and technique suggestions in this thread. Sounds like you've got an exhaust leak. It is very much worth your while to get the good gaskets for the manifolds-to-head and intake-to-exhaust junctions.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Hold you hand where the manifold and exhaust pipe joins and it will be pretty obvious if there is a leak there. Just don't break the bolts on the manifold if you change the gasket and it should be a pretty easy fix

I'm a body man not engine. Should I heat up the bolts first to llosen them, like pulling a bumper? Where do I get a good gasket? Napa already sold me the wrong cover gasket.

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66 dart 225

Click the red text in my post above to go to the source for the good gaskets. Only work with the manifold hardware when it's stone cold.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Amen. I use and recommend Kroil as a penetrating lube on rusty hardware of any sort.

If you're having trouble finding the exhaust leak, suggest putting driver's side of car on jack stands and start car. Stuff a rag in the end of the exhaust pipe. It should make the leak hiss loudly. The reason for jacking up the car is so you can get under it to check out the source of the leak. Do this in a well ventilated area.

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You can't fix stupid. - Ron White

Well, bad news about my 66 " all original" dart. The motor is a 1982 slant 6. Still haven't checked the exhaust leak, because I just put the valve cover on this morning. Now I have no ambition to keep this car all original. Maybe drop an eight, anyone want to trade engines? I'm dissapointed but I still love the car. Just confused as to what to do. Any advice?

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66 dart 225

How about just fixing the exhaust leak and driving it with the slant six?

Keep the slant! Keep the slant! There are plenty of things you can do to modify the slant to get more horsepower, economy, whatever. And this board has a wealth of info for whatever mod you want to do. My vote, unsolicited of course, is to keep it.

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63 Dart GT Convertible

I can understand the disappointment with finding out it's not what you thought it was, but I'm offering another vote for keeping the slant - especially if it's only an exhaust leak.

I always get comments from big block guys saying how much they like my 170. I've been told never to get rid of it - it's something special.

Oh, and WyoCowboy - love your 63! I just ordered the patch panels for my 63. Hope to have all body work and paint done this year.

I heartily agree! Keep the slant six in there and it'll last you for many years.

Back in 1993 when I bought my '78 Volare, I had every intention of removing the slant six and installing a 360 or 318 V8. I had even bought a Volare station wagon with a 318 to use as parts. Over time, the slant six won me over with it's reliability, and low maintenance appeal. Now I have an extra engine in my garage to swap in if I need to, but it's also a 225 slant six. To me, the moral here is kinda like the old story of the tortoise beating the hare.
It's your car, and your decision, but I recommend that you give the slant six a chance.

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"Ja, Ich fahre ein altes auto."
'78 Volare 225
'67 Charger 318

You guys are right, ill keep her besides I have to many other projects going. I appreciate all the advice and help. I'll be needing it. I'll try to posta pic of her soon!

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66 dart 225

If you REALLY want I can trade you a 66 slant six engine for your 82.
Frank

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Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

Driving home last night, had to stomp on the brakes a bit. Well, the fan ate the radiator! You guys recommend a place to buy a new one? Ill need a fan too! Thanks

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66 dart 225

Loose motor mounts....loose radiator?

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1954 Ford, Tudor Mainline
1976 Plymouth Valiant, 4 door


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