Sounds like a nice build. Right now I’m gonna just enjoy mine down the road I do plan some mods to the motor or maybe putting a stroker in it. Have to see where the funds are at.
My 1971 Dodge Polara
- Thread starter MAGNUM77
- Start date
Went to change the valve cover gaskets tonite because the drivers side was leaking. When I pulled the drivers side valve cover off I found these plastic pieces on top of the head. Mostly at the bottom left and bottom right of the head. Look at the pics and u can see. Feels like plastic and it’s not magnetic. Am I correct in this is the plastic timing gear has broken loose? Car has been running fine etc.... just went to change the gaskets. Also I had already taken the broken pieces out of the one side. 383-2 barrel.
71Polara383
Kid with ballcap
Either that or the valve seals fell apart.
Probably both.
Time to tear the motor apart.
This is my 70 383-2...
The chunks you cant see found a home in the oil pick up...I'm sure of it.
polara71
Old Man with a Hat
Why would timing gear nylon be on the head? ( read as how'd it get there)
70NEWYORKER
Well-Known Member
Those are chunks of disintegrating valve stem seals.
I just thought it could be pieces of the timing gear that circulated up there somehow. Valve stem seals make since there right there.
It was running fine etc.... I just went to change the valve cover gaskets and found that.
It’s only supposed to have 37,000 original miles but it is 50 years old and who knows what kind of maintenance was done to it etc..
I’m assuming my best bet would be to tear the motor down and freshen it up? Obviously needs new valve seals.
And thinks everyone for answering my questions and being helpful. I know a little but not a lot about these cars and your knowledge is very helpful! And I truly appreciate u taking the time to help me out etc...
It was running fine etc.... I just went to change the valve cover gaskets and found that.
It’s only supposed to have 37,000 original miles but it is 50 years old and who knows what kind of maintenance was done to it etc..
I’m assuming my best bet would be to tear the motor down and freshen it up? Obviously needs new valve seals.
And thinks everyone for answering my questions and being helpful. I know a little but not a lot about these cars and your knowledge is very helpful! And I truly appreciate u taking the time to help me out etc...
JIM ROPER
New Member
Had one. Great car!
Beep Beep Dave
Senior Member
Doesn't look like the oil was changed enough in 37,000 miles...that is nasty.
Dave
Dave
In looking at least the front seat bottom (attachment 450735), it appears it has been redone, which might suggest higher miles. On the other hand, the dash pad looks good, the exhaust manifold intake heat shield is still present and the pretty good looking windshield washer fluid bottle suggest lower miles.
Last edited:
3C's & a D?
Senior Member
I definitely believe it's low miles. My '71 Polara suffered the same fate, as many low mileage, old car's do, being parked for long periods of time without moving. Hence, the low miles. They present very well, but there is some work to do to get them back up to snuff.
Thanks for the interior photos! I thought that looked too plain to be stock. Although I think some fleet car's had the seamless treatment for ease of cleaning.
polara71
Old Man with a Hat
Our seats were bad in 1975/6 when the car car was bought with 47000 miles. Dash pad even had a few cracks in it.
Little update I put the valve covers back on- got what I could see of the pieces of the seals out and. And the oil has stopped leaking. Changed the oil and filter.
Yesterday I picked up a 76 400 out of a truck dirt cheap so I’m gonna build that for the my Polara. Almost have it completely taken part 4 pistons and the crank left and that’s it. Ran out of time. Don’t know if I well stroke the 400 or just try to get higher compression pistons for it. Will be getting a cam, 4 barrel intake, heads etc... I want more power so I will have to plan all that out. Will take me awhile to build this but that’s my plan.
In the meantime I will just drive the Polara as is and enjoy it.
Yesterday I picked up a 76 400 out of a truck dirt cheap so I’m gonna build that for the my Polara. Almost have it completely taken part 4 pistons and the crank left and that’s it. Ran out of time. Don’t know if I well stroke the 400 or just try to get higher compression pistons for it. Will be getting a cam, 4 barrel intake, heads etc... I want more power so I will have to plan all that out. Will take me awhile to build this but that’s my plan.
In the meantime I will just drive the Polara as is and enjoy it.
Little update on my Polara got the radiator recored and got it back today. It’s back together and all looks good. Been working a ton so haven’t posted much. Here is a couple pics of the radiator after I picked it up today.
White letters even better, especially with the B7.
Being a sharp 4 door reminds me of the Gator McClusky Ford, Just need a 4 speed lol
Those are some of the best looking Mopar wheel covers ever.
Also love those red stripe dodge dog dishes.
Sounds like a great idea to build the 400 and have minimal down time, probably should consider rebuilding the trans too. Do you have an extra trans?
JIM ROPER
New Member
I'm not an expert, but aren't those exhaust manifolds the HP ones?
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