IML: Re:73 440 Timing Chain

["Klebert L. Hall" <swampyankee@xxxxxxx>]

> From: Tim Durrer <tdkd99@xxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: IML:
>
> List,
>
> I am debating whether to have the timing chain and
> sprockets replaced on my 73 440 with 101,000 miles, or
> rebuild the entire engine. I am oil fouling the number
> 6 plug causing an annoying miss and I have a slight
> leak in the rear main oil seal. When I had the valve
> covers off, the engine appeared to have had spotty oil
> changes over the years judging by the amount of sludge
> on the heads. The prevous owner had the valve seals
> replaced a number of years ago, but, not the timing
> chain. I get a pretty big puff of blue to white smoke
> at start up.
>
> I can't afford the whole rebuild job until next year
> and I would like to drive the car occasionally in the
> mean time. My question is: How much more $$$ will it
> add to the overhaul if the engine jumps time between
> now and then? According to the archives, there was
> much discussion over whether or not the 440 was an
> interference engine. (I think it is).

  It would surprise me if the engine failed catastrophically at only 
100,000 miles, even with previous bad maintenance. I generally think of the 
440 as a quarter-million mile engine unless somebody sets out to wreck it. 
My car seriously oil-fouls two plugs, and slightly oil fouls two others 
(very rich operation and gas leak-down from a *very * bad carb previous to 
my ownership wrecked the oil retaining rings), and. I have more-or-less no 
upper main seal. These problems were present on the car when I bought it, 
and I've driven it 40-some-odd thousand miles since then. I'm not expecting 
to rebuild for two or three years. I don't really get smoke on startup, but 
I drive it every day usually so there's no time for seep. When it sits for a 
few days, then I get smoke.

  You might try Autolight 86 plugs instead of the 85s, for the fouling - 
they're hotter, and take way longer to foul. In my car, I went from needing 
to replace the plugs every 2-3 months, to them lasting 6-8 months.

  I didn't think interference was really a problem before the OHC / timing 
belt cars, but I guess that shows what I know.

> Also, has anyone ever used those spark plug non
> foulers that attach to your spark plugs on a 440
> before? Did they work?

  Never heard of these.
    -Kle.
    '69 Crown 4DHT 




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