Let's see; new engine mounts, replace oil pump, pull oil pan to inspect bearings, check for sludge & clean pickup screen, pull cylinder head for a teardown & rebuild, and install new timing set if needed.

And her dad still insists that it's easier to do all that with the engine in the car!

He'd rather have some backyard mechanic work on it, even though it seems that the guy's never touched a slant.

Just had to vent my frustration

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

You have to lift the engine a little to swap mounts and pull the oil pan out anyway... the only thing left is what, exhaust and transmission/flexplate bolts? Especially since your removing the head your going to have to disassemble all the little things as it is...

Pulling the oil pan out from under the car isn't fun, thats a lot of time spent on your back, esp when your trying to seal it all up during reassembly. I spent a bunch of time squeezing RTV in all the places while the engine was on the stand to get the oil pan to seal right, and once everything was together I ran a bead of RTV all around the pan and smushed it in with my finger.

Exactly why I'd much rather do all of the work with the engine out of the car. Plus everything's covered in a thick coat of sludge/dirt and I hate having that stuff frip all over my face. I don't mind getting my hands and arms dirty, but having that crud all over my face isn't fun.

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

Hit it with a hose, or take it to a pressure washer and some degreaser before you rip apart into it. See if you can get any "Oil Eater" brand degreaser, it works very well. I used it full strength to clean up the passenger side of the engine when I was trying to find my oil leak, and the stuff bleached the paint on the engine/valvecover/head white on the spots I let it sit for a while.

Hehe, he's got gallons of that stuff. He stockpiles everything, which is both handy and a major pain. He wants to use up all his (looks to be a dozen or so) cases of 20w-50 oil before putting any different weight or type (ie: synthetic) oil in

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

If you feel so passionate about putting synthetic in your girl's slant then buy it yourself
Just remember to break it in for a few hundred miles with dino first.

"Whoever said getting greasy isn't fun hasn't spent much time underneath a Mopar" - Jopapa

I think it's time for you to do your time!

"DW"

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If it ain't broke, fix it!

Get that girl out there with some Simple Green, a stiff scrub brush and warm water...

She needs to really feel like it's her car, and after cleaning all the crud off the engine she will have a real attachment.

Joe

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My 63 Valiant
http://www.readersrides.com/rides/class ... aliant.htm
<img src="http://www.readersrides.com/slant6-02.gif"/>

I agree that you want to get the owner involved with some of the repair work, that is a part of what "owning a classic" is about.

I also agree that pulling the engine is the way to go, the repairs go a lot easer with the engine out on a stand. Another advantage is the owner can reall clean the engine bay and do a little painting so when the engine goes back-in, it really looks nice.
DD

Yes but it's when you get it in your eyes that it really gets aggravating. And for some reason the dirt and grit always manage to get up under my safety glasses...

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

She actually has been doing alot of cleaning on the car. Got most of the crud/mildew/moss and whatnot out of the trunk and got the interior nice and clean. Hasn't gotten to the undercarriage yet though. I oughta have her do that whenever I'm doing something that doesn't need an extra set of hands...

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

Nothing beats the feel of tranny fluid sloshing around in your sneakers!..Dave

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Troops on the battlefield have a far better view of the battle then the generals who lead them

Or dribbling down your shirt. At least it ain't coolant though. That stuff's nasty.

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

Wouldn't know don't use coolant, unkind to my cats and wifes flower beds. Running straight distilled H20 with one quart Napa cool added...Dave

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Troops on the battlefield have a far better view of the battle then the generals who lead them

How's that do as far as rust and buildup prevention?

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me