Ive got a 71 Duster with a 225 and its getting horrible gas mileage. Im hovering between 10-12mpg. It has 96,000 miles on the original engine. The exaust leaves black stuff all over my driveway. I heard from a few people that a valve job needs to be done on it to get rid of the black crap and to fix the gas mileage. Ive changed carbs and tuned the engine plenty. I think its something deeper than just the simple things. Does anyone know if these are the symptoms of needing a valve job? And how much it would cost to get this done?

How about starting with adjusting the valves first? May be that easy...

If things are bad after that still, then do a compression check.

Is it burning oil?

It burns about a quart, maybe slightly more between changes.

is it an automatic? i had a torque converter go bad on me and my car did the same thing. the way to tell is if it takes excessive throttle to maintain highway speeds. it will power brake fine and seem to be fine but the stator has seized inside.

zedpapa

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1970 dodge dart w/225 /6 bored .040" over, holley 390cfm w/vac. sec., compcams 252s, clifford shorty headers w/2.5" exhaust w/flowmaster, f-body 11" front discs, aluminum A-833OD, 8 1/4 w/3.21 SG
soon to have 5 gears!!!

Does your engine oil smell of gasoline?

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

No the oil doesnt smell like gas at all.

The car is really slow. I mean REALLY slow. I dont even think I could beat a Geo Metro with it. Im not sure if it takes excessive throttle on the highway. It probably does. But around town it takes a whole lot of throttle to get going.

slipping tranny?

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Juan Ignacio Caino

Please use e-mail button istead of PM'ing. I do log in sometimes but I'll be answering quicker thru e-mail.

Timing chain coulda jumped a couple of teeth????????????

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Tranny doesnt slip at all. The car just doesnt go. I have a feeling the wasted gas is because i have to get on the gas so hard just to get to the speed limit. Anyone know why the engine is so slow? Its in time and tuned correctly.

"Black stuff" from the exhaust is pretty much a dead give away. Slugish runing, soot. Sounds rich to me. Might want to consider visiting a service station and having an exhaust gas analysis done to confirm the rich condition, but sounds pretty likely to me. Make sure your choke is opening all the way, colder weather is coming and a sticky or malfunctioning choke will kill power and waste gas money.

Had your timing checked lately? Sounds like it is very retarded.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2