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Classic/Antique Car Repair/74 nova running rough stalls at a stop

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Expert: - 7/30/2009


Question
Hi, I have a 74 nova with a 350 TBI with electric cooling fan, and it has a 700R4 with Corvette valve body that is running a little rough and is leaking a little oil and the oil kinda smells like gas and when I start up the car you can smell a lot of gas, it stalls sometimes at a stop and it makes a static kind of noise when your going fast particularly when your going up hills(I drove it kinda far the other day). I just bought it and don't know a whole lot about cars. I'm taking it to a specialty shop on tues. but wanted to get some idea of what could be wrong. Any info would be great! Thank YOU!

Answer
Hi Melissa:
Sounds like you may have a bad engine. The gas in the oil is most likely leaking from around the rings and the rough running is most likely from foul plugs. A good tune up should fixed the rough running problem and will help with the gas smell.

You didn't mention any smoke for the tail pipe, but I'm assuming there is some amount present.
The amount of smoke will determine how bad the rings are. A heavier oil with a good oil additive will help.

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Vern Bullock

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Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

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I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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