Hello I have a 47 Chrysler T&C Sedan with the original 251 Spitfire engine and fluid drive transmission. I got my car back from having the engine and transmission rebuilt. The car now noticeably shakes/vibrates especially when idling but also when running more than it ever did before. The second time I drove it when I parked it would not come out of gear. Now the only way I can shift gears is to turn the car off. The gears shift perfectly then. Any ideas on how to address these two issues?? Thank you so much and Happy Trails, John
An easy check would be the wiring to the coil. There are three leads. The + lead goes to the distributor. The – lead is the ignition lead. The 3rd lead goes to the positive lead and is the ignition interrupter that goes to the shift kill switch atop the transmission. Make sure the + and- leads are connected properly and disconnect the transmission switch lead. If it upshfits without letting off the throttle and has to have the clutch depressed upon stopping to downshift the interrupter is bad or hooked to the wrong coil terminal. Another common error in motor replacement is the use of the more available Plymouth/Dodge rear upper motor mounts which are taller and smaller in diameter. Check to see if vibration is a result of improper clearance from the bell housing to the crossmember or floorpan. Upon engine replacement mechanics are tempted to remove stuck exhaust manifold heat riser valves. When properly functioning they direct exhaust heat to the floor of the carburetor to aid in cold operation and away from the floor to prevent vaporlock on hot engines. A stuck or removed valve results in poor performance and vapor lock. George Taylor
Not much detail to go on, but I would guess that if the engine shakes with a regular beat, one cylinder is not running which would be an ignition problem. Have the mechanics ever seen a set of points before?
I have seen some really bad attempts at assembling the clutch linkage. I would look there first. John T.
Make sure a valve lifter hasn’t come broke. I had that happen in high school to my 1970 Z28 Camaro. Ran on 7 cylinder. George A.
Torque converter was probably taken apart and now it’s not working correctly?
Michael R. Warshaw
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