As you all know, I have been having problems with my 302. It just started running like crap on the way home a few weeks ago. I just got around to running some tests. I've been putting it off. I rebuilt the Holley street avenger carb (no difference). Cliff from Vancouver, BC helped me. I changed the stock distributor to a MSD, plus the 6a box (no difference). Replaced the coil (no difference). I was at witts end. Then I decided to try a compression test. I had 140psi in all cylinders except #8 (zero). Hummm! Took the carb & intake manifold off. I managed to find my coolant leak that I've been trying to find for over 3 years (intake gasket). Took the rocker arms off, did another compression test 95psi. Getting better. Then I noticed the exhaust valve was moving when turning over the engine. Both valves shouldn't have moved at all. Guess what? I had a broken exhaust valve spring. I just happened to have a new valve spring in the trunk. Put it on & did another compression test on #8 (145 psi). Just had to get an intake manifold gasket set & coolant. Oh, figured I better replace the spark plugs while I'm at it. Hopefully I'll be back on the road this weekend.....WooHoo!!!!!! I love when a plan comes together.....I hope this answers your question, Cliff.... Yes, I figured out what the problem is....
Glad to hear that it'll be up and running soon. Mine won't start turns over, and I can smell gas. So I'm not geting spark, it might be points, condenser, coil. Haven't had the time to look at it. I hope it's a simple fix like yours.
Glad you got this figured out Coop! I was felt sooo bad that I coudn't figure out what was wrong. But a broken spring would definatly do it! Once you get'r going...let us know!
Coop, glad to hear that you figured it out. Not your ordinary problem to find especially when you just thought it was a carb issue but I guess when things just dont add up you have to dig deeper. Now you can enjoy your baby once again.
Glad to hear it turned out great..last time i went trough that i found a split block to go along with the broken spring mine also was on #8 but it was the intake.
oh yes! your finally gonna be able to drive it again. i would have died if i had to wait that long to drive my Maverick
WooHoo! She is up & running as of 9pm Pacific time, Aug 7th. I still have to get her timed. But I took her around the block. What a thrill! I sure missed her. Think I'll take her to Auburn Days car show this Sunday. She only made it to one car show this year. I miss the people & talking Mavericks/Comets.... She sure does sound good.
