[Darth Menace]

Hi, i have a 69 tempest with a 1970 400ci motor in it. I dont know much about the history of the motor, etc but I just picked it up last month. We had throuble starting i and on the journey home it idled low and stalled while at the lights. I am assuming this is a fuel issue I can solve over the winter. otherwise the car sounded good, but I was wondering when do we know if we should rebuild a motor or not. Are there any dead giveaways as to when it is time, or should I just do a general tune up/lifters and see how it goes from there.

[Txbobcat]

I think when it is smoking leaking or making wierd noises it is time.

[paint guy]

I agree with Txbobcat. None of the symptoms you posted necessarily indicate the need for a rebuild. I would concentrate on the fuel system (you could have a plugged fuel sock in the tank, plugged filter, marginal pump, etc) or you also could have a weak ignition system. I would look at those two areas before considering rebuilding the motor.

[FrankieT/A]

Maybe it just needs a twist on the idle screw......

[Simple Man]

Unless you have specific plans, like 550 HP, or a blower, or such, I would leave it as is.

[heups1629]

I bought a '69 LeMans a couple of years ago (350 2bbl), and it had similar problems (stalling after a stop, idle would fluctuate). I installed a rebuilt carburetor, and it solved all those problems - runs like a champ now. I had never installed one before, and it took me less than an hour - it's pretty easy.

[GOAT WHORE]

You could do a leak down test to get a basic idea of the health (condition) of your engine. Can tell you how well the rings are sealing the bores and if you valves are seating properly.

[salem1912]

" or should I just do a general tune up/lifters and see how it goes from there"

What do mean lifters??

[android 211]

is it smoking when you accelerate? When you coast in gear? Have you done a compression test? Is it using oil? Whats the fuel economy?

[rexs73gto]

I agree what do you mean tune up & lifters???? Why would you consider doing anything with the lifters?? Are they noisey???

[69lm69gp]

Don't forget to check dwell and timing. The problem could also be a vacuum leak.

[Darth Menace]

wow, I didnt check my email and there are a tonne of replies. Long story short I dont have the answers because I just bought it and drove it about an hour and all I can say it low idle/stalling issues. I havent been able to drive it enough to find out the mileage or oil consumption. I guess I should do the basics and drive it in the spring and get more stats on it.

[Andre]

I would drive it a few hundred miles before I did anything. Sounds like trash in the carb. How new is the gas in the car?

[MCronkGTO]

It's time to rebuild it when the rods kick out through the oil pan. LOL!

Seriously as Andre said you need to drive it and "tweak" it before determining it is DOA. A leakdown test is a good idea but general performance and oil pressure can be your guide.

Mark C