Re: IML: 73 440 Timing Chain/ Smoke & Plug Fouling

[randalpark@xxxxxxx]

The blue puff at start up is usually valve guides or valve guide seals. 
This means that the engine needs some work, probably at least the 
heads, but IF you can make it run well, you should be able to enjoy it 
for some time.

I don't care which brand of plugs you use, if too much oil is burning 
in the cylinder, the plug will foul. Since you are fouling one out, try 
moving to the "next hotter plug". This will extend the amount of time 
it takes for the plug to foul out, or maybe eliminate it. Most parts 
houses can look up the spark plug for your car, tell you what it is, 
AND THEN YOU SAY, "Can we try the next hotter plug? I am fouling out on 
number six and would like to see if this helps". A good parts store 
will, say "sure" and sell you a set of plugs for your car that look the 
same, but don't foul out as easily. If you really don't want to change 
them all,JUST BUY ONE and put the new hotter plug in number six and see 
how you do. If it doesn't work, you have only spent the price of one 
spark plug.

How much oil is your car burning??? Does it only puff at start up, or 
is the continuous blue smoke while running, only maybe not as bad? Have 
you had the car out on the highway at freeway speeds? Frequent driving 
on short trips or running the car in that garage without going anyplace 
will foul plugs on a great engine, much less one that already has wear.

Good luck!!!

Paul W.

-----Original Message-----
From: tdkd99@xxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Fri, 26 Jan 2007 7:26 PM
Subject: IML: 73 440 Timing Chain

List,

I am debating whether to have the timing chain and
sprockets replaced on my 73 440 with 101,000 miles, or
rebuild the entire engine. I am oil fouling the number
6 plug causing an annoying miss and I have a slight
leak in the rear main oil seal. When I had the valve
covers off, the engine appeared to have had spotty oil
changes over the years judging by the amount of sludge
on the heads. The prevous owner had the valve seals
replaced a number of years ago, but, not the timing
chain. I get a pretty big puff of blue to white smoke
at start up.

I can't afford the whole rebuild job until next year
and I would like to drive the car occasionally in the
mean time. My question is: How much more $$$ will it
add to the overhaul if the engine jumps time between
now and then? According to the archives, there was
much discussion over whether or not the 440 was an
interference engine. (I think it is).

Also, has anyone ever used those spark plug non
foulers that attach to your spark plugs on a 440
before? Did they work?

Thanks,

Tim Durrer
73 LeBaron Blue Sky




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