I just got my car back after many new parts and lots of work being done to it. I bought a new motor, transmision, radiator, carb, hoses, wires, etc. It took 2 weeks for the transmision to arrive and it turned out to be the wrong one, so i had the guy put it back together with the old transmision. He finished it today and ran well for about 15 minutes. I stopped to put gas in it. After filling up the tank I tried to start the car, it did not start right up as it did before. After about a minute or so it finally started. As I pressed the accelerator it went straight to the floor, the throttle cable broke. I used a paperclip to tie the end of the throttle cable to the carb and got it moving again. All the way home I had to fight with it to keep it running, it stalled when I stopped at lights. The brakes have to be pressed all the way to the floor to stop the car. When i got it home it wasn't idling right, it would idle fast for a few seconds then slow and fast again and eventually slowed down and stopped. I took the breather off to adjust the idle and noticed gas shooting back out of the carb. There a few wires that do not go anywhere. Too many problems to list them all. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I don't think this guy knows as much about cars as he said he does? :x

I forgot to ask my question. He said it will take a few months to work out all the bugs. Is this his way of saying he didn't install the engine right, or is it normal to have so many problems from a new engine?

Hi Jason,Sorry to hear your having so many problems But thats not normal for so many "Bugs"when you install a new[or used]engine.Sounds like maybe the timming isn't right if gas is spitting back from carb,not idling, not starting ect.I would also check the vacumn hoses, fittings and connections especially the large one to your brake booster.Also post the color and info on those wires that are not connected and I,m sure you,ll get help.Since you said it run great for a while than things went bad,see if the distribitor is loose by trying to turn it with your hands,maybe he didn't tighten the hold down bolt. Lots of Luck!!!

It's normal to have a bug or two, especially since you had so much work done to your Elky. However, it's obvious your mechanic didn't put enough time into road testing the new drive train before he turned it over to you and had you pay the bill.

What carb did he install?

:mrgreen:

Sounds like a vacuum leak. Big one too.

I agree the mechanic should have done some extensive road tests with the vehicle after it was all done. I would even think that with that much work being done and the amount of cash you probably spent there he could have at least filled up the tank before you picked up the car.

All that being said yes you are going to have a few problems at first. This could be as simple as a vacuum hose coming off, or a timing issue. I'd think if it was a timing issue he would have noticed it at the shop. My guess is something, other than the throttle cable, came off during your ride to the station.

Working out the bugs should take only a trip or two back to him for correction. For him to tell you that it could take a few months to work out the bugs is not acceptable. Sounds to me that now that he has your money, your on the back burner. Just out of curiousity who ordered the wrong transmission, you or him? If it was him that ought to tell you something about him right there!

:cool: Hey Jasno, sound's like your getting a runaround from someone who think's he's a mechanic...I would find someone else to fix the mess he has gotten you into before you have to take a 2nd out on your house :cry: ! Like theelcaminofactory said, he's got your money & now your on the back burner, hit's it right on the head! I had a friend that took her car to a "so-called" mechanic that wind up pulling out the motor & tran's & had them in piece's on the floor...long story short...all that was wrong was a "CRACK IN THE DIST. CAP"!!! I wouldn't let this guy do anymore harm than is done...buy the way...is his name MICKEY...as in "MICKEY MOUSE"??? :lol: "SKULL"

I sure wouldn't consider it normal to take a "couple of months "- If this guy is a reputable mecahnic, he'll be able to diagnose and repair a vacuum leak or timing problem quick enough.

If he's NOT legit - don't throw any more good money after bad. Find someone that you can trust, (either through this site, AAA references or even ask around the local machine shops) and get a second opinion. Good Luck.

Thanks for all the advice. My dad is going to fix the problems, and he is the one I would have wanted to do the original work but he didn't want to touch it. As for the transmission, I ordered it from Advance Auto Parts. The salesman said that was the only transmission that would fit that engine for that year car. When I took it back another salesman said wrong numbers were written down when it was ordered by the first salesman.

Unless you are running a six then most GM transmissions will work. Some will require additional goodies or devices but as far as bolting up there should be very little to no problem at all.

I don't know for sure but I am thinking that the bolt pattern on the back of the engine (Small block Chevy) hasn't changed much in like 30 years. So most anything from a 2 speed "Slip and Slide" to a 4L80e should "fit" the engine. You will in some cases have to relocate the Crossmember and or change drive shafts.

If that is true I am not sure that would be much help. I don't think the guy who did the work knew enough to make the conversion, but it could be helpfull info if I do have to change the transmission in the future. Thanks for the advice.

Advance Auto SUCKS! They wonder why they're going bankrupt. As for your carb shooting gas it sounds like a sticking or poorly adjusted float.

Hi jasno.

Ya should get rid of that Volkswagen you have so many prob's with.

I've had a similar experience than yours. I've wrecked that rabbit and bought me an ElCamino. ...and had no such problems anymore :)

...
Or did you have the engine probs with an Elky?