I have a '64 283 that is running poorly. I took it to a local independent shop. Here is their findings and recomendations:
points and condenser bad (replaced)
fuel fouled plugs #2,3,6 and 8 (replaced)
note: did not fix problem
Diagnosis: internal engine problem possble bad camshaft.
Any comments or suggest welcomed ! Where sould I go with this replace cam and lifter?
Do something else?
The engine has 30k on it since overhaul.

6t (Name ????)
Judging from your question, you are not very mechanically inclined so my suggestion would be to ask around and find a shop that can do the proper diagnostic procedures to find the problem. The problem is....there are fewer and fewer "technicians" around that really know how to properly troubleshoot internal engine problems, either that or they do not want to take the time to do it. Word of mouth is the best way to find a shop...ask others that have old cars for a reccomendation.
The fact that the plugs were "fuel fouled" points towards a carburetor problem, but not always. I think a compression test would be the next thing I would do, but I am not there to listen to the engine run either. A wiped cam should be pretty easy to find also by running the motor with the valve covers off. There are a number of items that can make an engine run poorly, it takes some time to find them.


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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100

Answer to Billk username: 6t45837 that is my attempt at cuteness 1964(6t4) Chevelle Malibu SS(5837). You guess right on mechanically inclined (1. do not like to get hands greasy,2.left-handed,3. way too old to change,4.have a tendency to cause more damage than repairs!)
additional info they did compression check #2,3& 6 weak.

[This message has been edited by 6t45837 (edited 10-18-2002).]

6t4..........what Bill was trying to get is your real first name. He, like myself, like to refer to people by their real names.

With that being out of the way, I suggest you do a search on the link I've displayed below. Usually people who belong to this association have decent cridentials.

http://www.asashop.org/



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TC #143 Gold
ACES #3056
'72 Chevelle SS
'83 Malibu Wgn/498 cid,
current best
1.454 60ft
10.31 1/4
130.45 mph

old engine blew up today. one of the valves on #2 cyl took a trip inside the engine. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif
Now it has real internal problems and runs barely. Has a real problem now but I don't think it is a bad camshaft of if the cam is bad it is the least of my problem.