Questions and Answers
1977 Dodge Pickup
Q. Hi Vincent, I just purchased a 1977 Dodge ¾ ton pickup with a 360 engine and a full utility bed. I'm having a couple of problems, not unexpected, but I'd like to get everything working right if I can. The truck has basically been sitting for about three years. The up side is there is only about 5,000 on the engine and transmission and a recently rebuilt carburetor, but it's still a 25 year old vehicle.
I have several questions. The fuel gauge works sometimes, but it'll only go to ½ full. That part is probably where the float is set, but why would it function off and on? What can I check to have it work full time? Next thing is the windshield wipers don't work. I'm going to check the fuse when I can see it in the light, but I'm wondering if it might not be the fuse, but the motor instead? Is there some way I can test the motor to see if it works?
Okay, the next thing is the idle and the timing. The truck cuts out at stop signs and it can be tough getting it going again. I ran it on the freeway and it seemed to help a little bit, but it's really a cold natured girl. From the smog check, I see that the timing is set at 1 btdc, isn't that a bit off? I've never had a Dodge anything before, but from my memory of some other old vehicles I've owned in the past, I was thinking it should be around 5 or 6 degrees?
Also, looking at your suggestions on carburetors and talking to a friend, I'm thinking the idle jets in the carburetor might be dirty. How do I clean them? Do I have to tear the carburetor apart? I'm hoping there's an easier way to clean the jets. Carburetors are beyond me.
Oh yeah, the guy said I could buy a couple of parts and turn my manual steering into power steering. A friend said it's probably called power assist, which is something you add if you don't have power steering. How difficult is this? Are the parts available for an old pickup? I'm not a really skilled mechanic, but I can usually muddle my way through stuff that's not too technical. I did manage to replace a clutch on my 1979 Firebird once. It took 12 hours and I managed to dump 90W in my hair, but it did work when I was done. :-)
I can manage stuff like plugs, wires, oil changes, points, condensers, thermostats, etc. I've always been mechanically inclined and can figure out how most things work if given the time. I appreciate any help you can give me with this.
Joy
A. Okay Joy, as for the fuel gauge. Unplug the connector at the fuel tank and watch the needle on the gauge, it should go to EMPTY. Now ground the fuel gauge wire and the needle should go to FULL. If it does, then the sending unit inside the gas tank is bad and needs to be replaced. If not, then the dash gauge is bad.
The timing on that engine, assuming it is a non-California US light duty vehicle is 4° BTDC if it has a 2-barrel and 12° BTDC if it has a 4-barrel manual transmission and 16° BTDC if it is an automatic transmission.
The inside of the carburetor is probably gummed up from sitting for so long. Also the gaskets may have dried up and cracked causing internal vacuum leaks. Short of taking the carburetor apart there are some things you can try. Take the mixture adjusting screw completely out and with a rubber tipped air gun, puff some compressed air into the screw hole. This will blow the idle jets clear. Another thing you can try is to shoot carburetor cleaner into the bowl vent hole while the engine is running. This will help clean out some of the gum and varnish that has built up inside.
The other thing requires some caution and care. What you do is rev the engine up to about 3,000 to 3,500 rpm and hold it there during the whole procedure. Then cover the top of the carburetor and cut off the air supply. The engine will start to die. Just before it stalls, remove the cover and let it come back up. Do this two or three times. This will suck any loose dirt and junk right out of the carburetor. Be careful what you use to cover the carburetor. Don't use your hand or a gag. Most times the cover of the carburetor cleaner can is just the right size to cover the carburetor. If there is no improvement after this, then the carburetor will have to be opened up.
Converting that truck to power steering is fairly simple. If you can find a similar truck at a junk yard with power steering, you have it made. You'll need the power steering pump, P/S pump brackets and the steering box. Grab the metal P/S lines but go out and buy new rubber P/S lines and hoses. In short, take everything P/S related off the junk truck and put it on your truck. A lot of work, but it can be done.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
