Well I just got to bring my new Swinger home today. It is a 75, 225, single barrel carb-- all stock from what I can tell so far.

I took it on a test drive and it drove nicely, engine sounded great while parked and revving, driving, but did not get a chance to get it on the freeway.

Saw no apparent leaks or drips.

Well when I drove it home (a risk I know after it has been sitting for 6-8 years... last registered in '01 but stickers last applied in '99-- this is original owner car and original owner died at 86 and his wife sold it-- she is 84).

Long story short... when I got on the freeway when I got up to around 45-50 there was a loud "drone " for lack of a better turn. I shut the windows and it was extremely loud. When coasting, no pressure on accelerator, no noise. Under load at around 50mph is when I get the noise. I have never experienced/heard this, and it also seemed like there might be resistance, but I am unsure because I could have just been so put off by the noise.

Driving an LA freeway (118, 23, 101) I had to maintain 55... whenever I could not coast the noise was ever present.

When I got the 35 miles home, on the road up to 40-45 nothing sounds/feels out of the ordinary.

Any ideas from the gurus on here?

Additionally when I pulled on my block I lost the lower radiator hose... the belt nearest it had rubbed through it and caused it to slowly leak and then just give way. I monitored the temp gauge the whole way home (knowing it is a used sitting vehicle) and it started to climb about last 5-10 miles home... gauge never pegged, but when I pulled up to my house, the hose went, steam shot out, and I shut off the car.

Thanks in advance.

I have had one slant previously, a 70 dart custom, but it was awfully reliable and never required any "work" of this nature (just regular maintenance).

PS.

Bought some 75 factory service manuals on ebay and they are on the way.

_________________
-Kevin
cyberbackpacker

75 Dart Swinger

Without hearing the drone I'm not going to be of much help. Is there vibration or just noise? Almost sounds like an exhaust leak since the noise goes away when you lift the throttle.

When you replace the lower radiator hose don't put it on upside down. That's the #1 cause of the belt rubbing the hose. Also check the motor mounts. If the car has been leaking oil the passenger's side mount can get soaked and turn into goo allowing the engine to sit lower.

_________________
Joshua

Vibration as well.

It is a 3spd auto too btw.

_________________
-Kevin
cyberbackpacker

75 Dart Swinger

Ok, it's time to examine the driveshaft. Look for bad u-joints, dents, etc. Make sure the trans mount is in good shape. Make sure the clips are on all 4 caps of the rear u-joint and that the joint cannot be moved side to side in the rear end yoke or driveshaft. I've also seen worn output shaft bushings in transmissions that allowed the slip yoke to wobble. You also can't rule out the pinion angle being off. They angle is frequently off from the factory. Sagging springs and bad spring bushings will only make it worse.

_________________
Joshua

Thanks for some "starting off" information... will have to wait a day or two to climb under, but will fill you in with what I find out.

_________________
-Kevin
cyberbackpacker

75 Dart Swinger

As mentioned, check the u-joints. You should also take the time and give this thing a clear and fine tooth once over and check/change everthing. Look at the rear end fluid level, change/flush fluids, etc. etc. The last thing you need is for the car to take a dump when you don't want it to because you failed to make sure everything is hunky dory.

Any car that has sat more that 2 years, you should replace every hose, belt and tires.

Check the rearend fluid and replace all the other ones.

I will definitely do this... as well as give everything a once over, and had planned on checking/replacing belts, hoses, plug wires, etc.

Will have to wait for the weekend though... will fill you in afterwards.

_________________
-Kevin
cyberbackpacker

75 Dart Swinger