Re: IML: Several problems

[David Whitney <hazegreen66@xxxxxxxxx>]

Welcome to the wonderful world of mid-'60s Imperials.  In addition to Kenyon's excellent advice, here's a couple thoughts.

 

The most frequent cause of valve cover leaks is warped covers due to overzealous tightening.  No gasket can cure this, you need straight covers.  The source of oil, if not the valve covers, is likely your oil pressure sending unit.  Remove the air cleaner and inspect the line running into the tap at the top of the block and the area around it.  You may find what looks like black fuzz all over the top of the block, or liquid oil if it's really bad.  Did you look at the exhaust pipes to see if the oil is burning because it's dripping on them?  An easy fix if the threads in the block are still okay.

 

Before you do anything else to the tranny, check the fluid level.  Pull the dipstck when the engine is cold and check the color.  Red is good, brown is bad and black is death.  Check for foul odor, an indication of fluid overheating and imminent tranny death.  To get a proper level reading, the fluid must be warm, so you have to drive a few miles first.  Put the car on level ground with the engine running, cycle through as many gears as you can and then put her in NEUTRAL before checking the dipstick.  Don't burn your hand, the exhaust manifold is hot hot hot and right next to the dipstick pull ring.

 

If the fluid level is okay and the cable/shifter assembly is properly aligned, the next piece of operator maintenance is band adjusment. This procedure is outlined clearly in the FSM.  One is adjustable from outside the tranny, the other can only be done when the pan is off and the valve body is exposed.  The difficult one is the one that affects reverse gear.  If any of this intimidates you, take it to someone you trust.

Happy motoring,

David

'91 K-Imperial driver
'66 LeBaron dual air and every option known to man

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