My 1978 ClubWagon with the 460 engine has suddenyl decided to act up. It still has a little less than 100K miles on the engine and was running strong.
The van was borrowed by another driver just prior to a very cold front moving in. It leaked a bit [more] of oil during the freezing temperatures and refused to even turn over until it warmed up a bit. The battery was quite low as well.
I charged the battery and turned it over that afternoon no problem. After a few turns it chugged and bucked and blew smoke all over running extremely rough. I opted to check the carb and plugs and found the two front cylinders on either side (#'s 4 and 8?) were most likely not firing at all or well - one plug-wire loose and on the other side the spark plug itself was loose.
I have since cleaned the carb, replaced the plugs and the wires. It runs much more smoothly and doesn't smoke -- but it has a very loud sucking noise coming from the rear (this is in an econoline, so without the engine cover I am sitting right next to it. It is also racing quite a bit.
I am worried running the engine for more than a few moments or even driving it might do damage. The oil pressure guage reports OK, but could the oil pump have gone? What other areas should I be checking to make sure I am not harming the motor?
For an engine this old should I use the dealership or find an independant?
The body has rust holes in it, but the vehicle is still aweful useful, so I would like to get it running nicely again without spending a fortune. I know it leaks a bit from the oil pan, and would consider having a new gasket done if the engine is still in good shape.