Re: [FWDLK] The plot thickens...the oil thins

[David Homstad <Dhomstad@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Eli,

These may not solve your problem, but I would also address 2 issues.

1. Sediment in the carb indicates the fuel filter is not removing dirt from
the fuel. Also the source of the dirt is probably the fuel tank. You might
want to have the tank cleaned and use an additional in-line fuel filter. If
the sediment is red brown, it is probably rust from in the gas tank.
Sometimes the original ceramic filter in the glass bowl can start to crumble
and contribute to particles in the carb. There are paper replacement
elements available. Dirt in the carb might be the cause of rough running.
Cure the source of the dirt before contaminating a rebuilt carb.
2. If the diaphragm in the fuel pump develops a hole with age, fuel will
pass through the hole into the crankcase oil. This happened to me once on a
383 that was about 10 years old. The additives in the gas turned the oil
gray. Stock type fuel pumps rarely develop excessive fuel pressure. Usually
they put out less as they age, until they can no longer supply enough fuel
to keep the engine running. This usually shows up first during hard
acceleration when the carb runs dry.

Dave Homstad
56 Dodge D500

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List
[mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of David Collins
Sent: Sunday, November 25, 2001 7:30 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [FWDLK] The plot thickens...the oil thins

     I am impressed by the quick responses to my carb questions!  Lots of
good and practical info.  I wanted to say a bit more about the overfull
crankcase.  Looking at the dipstick, the oil appears to be about a quart
overfull.  The oil is more ashen gray than brown and doesn't feel like it
should on my hands.  There is no white sludge on the dipstick like when
water invades the oil.  I changed the oil a year ago (5 qts + filter).  I've
only driven the car around the yard in the past year, so I'd say there is
less than an hour run on that oil change.  I like to change the oil every
year even if I barely run the car.  So... the level went up a quart with
almost zero miles run.  This is probably related to the rough running.
Unless I keep my foot on the pedal, it bogs down and stalls.  Could this be
caused by excessive fuel pump pressure overriding the floats?

Thanks for the help!
-Eli Collins


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