71 dart 225 SL6

Runs and drives, but shakes at idle. Whole engine shakes sideways. Would ths be needing a valve adjustment? Timing chain?

Not misfiring and getting fuel.

Thanks! drew

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71 Dodge Dart Custom 4-Door. 86K original. A/T. Blue with white vinyl top. Blue interior. 225 SL6. 1 barrel, new fuel pump, autolite platinum plugs, fuel line upgrade, new shocks, new drum brakes and hardware, A/C, all stock

Yes, start with a valve lash adjustment.

If it still shakes after adjusting the valve lash, perform a compression test, it could be a burnt exhaust valve(s) or broken piston ring(s).
DD

thanks dr dodge. I took the head off the other day and am in the process of changing my head gasket. I'll adjust the valves for sure when i put it back together and get it running hot

The bottom of the valves (all closed right now) are looking good. besides some minor surface rust from the water in the chamber from the gasket blown, they look ok. Any way i can look at the "back side" of the valves while the head is off and see how much carbon buildup is there?

what else should i be looking for while my head is off besides cracks?

thanks again, drew

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71 Dodge Dart Custom 4-Door. 86K original. A/T. Blue with white vinyl top. Blue interior. 225 SL6. 1 barrel, new fuel pump, autolite platinum plugs, fuel line upgrade, new shocks, new drum brakes and hardware, A/C, all stock

Check your dwell and check for distributor shaft movement as well. A loose shaft can cause an annoying shake at idle.