Hello Everyone.

I'm the proud owner of a 1972 Dart Swinger. It has a / +1 BBL (holley) with a 904 out back. I have owned several old Mopars but all were 8s.

My problem is this: When cold, the engine sounds like the crank is trying to leave the bottom end. When the oil pressure light goes out (which I might add takes more time than I believe it should) then the racket stops instantly. I realize this is due to loose crank-->Bearing fitment, and that it's made worse because the oil pump takes what seems like forever (timed at 4 seconds) to provide adaquate pressure.

My Question is this: I want to get input on possible courses of action that DON'T involve me getting evicted for performing major auto repair in the trailer park! So far I have considered a Pre-lubercator, and I know I need a new oil pump, but is there something else I am missing? I don't have the money to put in a new /6 or to convert to an 8 (I like my / anyway). I need this car as a daily driver, and I can't take it out of service for more than say 72 hours.

Any information or suggestions are welcome

_________________
When in doubt, empty the magazine.
'72 Dart Swinger /6 - My Yard Dart!
'01 Ranger P/U 4x4 X-cab
We buy and sell MOPARTS & Ford Parts!!!
http://www.usironauto.com

First of all, make sure your oil pump still has the standpipe where the filter screws on. This has an anti-drainback valve inside and is usually not included with replacement pumps (you have to swap it over). The next thing is to make sure you run a good oil filter. In my experience, Frams along with some other "budget" brands are complete crap as far as drainback, which is a problem on /6 due to the filter orientation. Last time I checked (and admittedly it's been quite a long time ago), Fram and others used a die-cut piece from sheet rubber to control drainback to the pickup, and I have seen this roll over (curl up) inside the filter. Wix (which I swear by), Mopar, AC and some other better quality filters utilize a molded piece. This is what you see when you look at the bottom of the filter around the perimeter through the small holes (this is where the oil goes in).

Of course, you already realize that you have some wear in the bottom end. If doing the above does not fix your problem, which I think it will, you might want to consider a high volume pump. That job is such a bitch on an A-body (my opinion) that you might as well pull the motor and freshen the crank and bearings.

D/W

_________________

If it ain't broke, fix it!

Hi Again,

The Filter is a FRAM. I normally perfer a higher quality filter, but the ol' dart has been doing this since before this filter. I will check on the standpipe. I will also be replacing the oil pump with a high volume unit (any brand recomendations?). The manual (haynes) says that the external oil pump on the / is easily accessed with the engine in the car, but since the manual covers more than just A's... What points make that such a bit#_? As always, any information greatly appreciated...

_________________
When in doubt, empty the magazine.
'72 Dart Swinger /6 - My Yard Dart!
'01 Ranger P/U 4x4 X-cab
We buy and sell MOPARTS & Ford Parts!!!
http://www.usironauto.com

The pump is in close proximity to the crossmember, therefore you must take the mount(s) loose and jack up the motor. Getting it loose is the easy part - getting enough clearance to get the pump and driveshaft/gear clear of the motor is the bitch part. perhaps someone knows a neat trick...

D/W

_________________

If it ain't broke, fix it!

Ahh,

Yea, after you said that I went out and poked at the car. That pump is really close to the K. I am under SERIOUS restrictions about doing major work here in hell... i mean the park, so I think redoing the entire bottom end right now is out of the question, but I can prolly sneek the time in to jack up the engine and swap the oil pump. A few more quick questions though...

Is swapping in the "black spring" advisable (to increase pressure)?

Can you get a new standtube if the original is MIA?

Is a prelubercator worth the $$ of admission?

Who's high volume pump would you recomend? (price/life length)?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

_________________
When in doubt, empty the magazine.
'72 Dart Swinger /6 - My Yard Dart!
'01 Ranger P/U 4x4 X-cab
We buy and sell MOPARTS & Ford Parts!!!
http://www.usironauto.com