Back From The Dead! Dodge Dart Swinger Revival - Will This Neglected Mopar Survivor Start And Drive?

[@UncleTonysGarage]

A couple of notes based on comments: It's not possible to prime the oil pump on a Slant Six in any external way. The pump is driven off the same gear as the distributor, but at a different angle. Priming it would not have provided any oil to the cam/lifter area. The Slant does not have the oil galley along the lifter bores that most engines have. 100% splash oiled from the rods. I DID check the integrity of the plastic drive gear. Watch the video. First thing done when I removed the cap was grab the rotor and twist. If the gear was bad, I would have felt the movement. Top end lubrication was provided by the extra healthy squirt of gas at the very beginning. YES, I KNOW, gasoline is not a lubricant, but for the purposes of cranking the engine over a few revolutions before it starts, it will do the job. Why no oil down the carb throat or through the spark plug holes? I was shooting for instant start (due to the splash lubricated cam on these engines) and oil in the chambers would only hinder that. I DID rotate the engine by hand ahead of time, and felt no drag or resistance, which told me the cylinder walls were clean. If I had felt any sort of drag, I would have then used a light oil or penetrating fluid way ahead of time to dissolve the rust before I attempted to start the engine. As for some of the siphon comments...I'm a mechanic, not a ballerina.

[@nickbonvino]

We’ll said!!

[@JOMaMa..]

The lifters are lubricated from oil being force fed unto camshaft lobes and outer surface area of valve lifter between camshaft bushing and camshaft bushing journal

[@JOMaMa..]

@@donaldperson948 what transmission you running?

[@BrewBlaster]

Outstanding video. I'm curious what kept it from running before and made it sit? You think they just sat it because of the oil light?

[@natevanlandingham1945]

This follow up is awesome!! Proving his knowledge even on e more to the keyboard mechanics !🤣🤣🤣

[@mikemeyer1791]

Uncle Tony's smile is priceless.

[@kontrarien5721]

Right when it fired up. Gold.

[@johnnypaycheck2244]

"I have like 14 of these things. They all over the place. I don't want another one." Best quote ever- Keep rockin' it Uncle Tony!

[@geoffkeller5337]

wondering if he would like to sell one of them...

[@spacecat7247]

The next video will be about he picked the car up after all. Lol. Like the motorcycle thing.

[@shangrila73eldorado]

Uncle Tony is hands down the most impressive mechanic I've seen on the internet. He made everything look simple. He explained it well. He siphoned out the gas using his mouth; he tasted the antifreeze to see if it is good. So badass. I'm wishing I could have grown up with a man like this. Or have him be my friend now. I'd pay to be his friend. I'm thinking he was once a Dodge engineer and then he took acid and grew his hair long. Tremendous mechanic.

[@mikesawyer4707]

You gotta love that leaning "tower of power" when you find them. They were practically indestructible. Good luck with her uncle Tony.

[@davesweet7061]

i have a squeeze bulb in line of my siphon hose never have to taste the fuel lol

[@timsacco6g694]

Here in Florida, no TV after BS Ian, about 10 beers deep, this is pure entertainment!

[@tomcox2565]

Tony! The grin on your face when that old 225 fired up was priceless!

[@mikesawyer4707]

Who in the hell needs car payments? Find em and give them a little love. Happy driving.😊

[@cfmechanic]

I have a tech tip for rony.. If you use the oil filter pliers on that locking gas cap it will come right off. Learned this during apprenticeship at smog shop

[@loganlovescarsandmotorcycles]

My grandparents had a '75 Dart 4 door 6 cylinder. They used it as a motorhome pull behind. I asked to use it to learn to drive. It's not a desirable car but I still would've had fun and kept it in the family. My 🐜 and uncle sold it. They are gone. The car is still on the road. Saw it the other day.

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

Never seen a windshield washer pump with fluid even work after sitting 5 years...w/ evaporation and rubber-plastic hose deterioration and all. That was impressive....And BOTH washer jet-ports worked...not just one.

[@BlackheartCharlie]

Q: Before a first start, would it make any sense to pull the spark plugs, squirt in a bit of oil and turn the motor over a few times to free up any stuck rings and get a bit of lubrication on those dry cylinder walls?

[@BilgePump]

Alright u communist

[@frightenedskillet1051]

Instead pour weedwhacker gas (50-50gas and oil) down the carb and it’ll do the same thing, DON’T POUR DOWN VENT TUBE ONLY THROUGH THE CARB

[@jasonw7497]

I would think he checked the engine turning free before going into starting. If the motor spins freely, soaking the rings isn't necessary.

[@1DEADBEEF1]

@@frightenedskillet1051 how is 2 stroke mix 50:50 ? Since when?? What the heck are you talking about- and how is that have anything to do with freeing and lubricating rings if it don't sit in the cylinder even for a minute

[@frightenedskillet1051]

@@1DEADBEEF1 50-50 gas and oil is just what I use when I’m operating sitting engines because it’ll lubricate the walls as well as not be too Hard on the engine so it won’t start dry, if you use something else or have another method that works I’d try it but it’s just what I do and has had a lot of success in my opinion. If you want I can run some tests on piston ring and cylinder walls wear or something with both methods because I’m sort of interested now?

[@jeffsr8300]

Those little motors are Too legit to quit!!👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@danielboone72]

Those slant sixes are good motors and they are bulletproof!

[@MusicFandom]

those fuel cap locks are very easy to pick. It is always good to have a set of picks around. I have seen people drill out ignitions and even destroy the column when they could have just picked the ignition and turned it to the release position.

[@stanmorinaka4551]

Nice to see Tony happy and smiling. The last few videos were kinda depressing about replacement car parts not up to spec etc. Like a kid in a candy store. Thanks for all of the technical and old school knowledge. Love this channel!

[@shelleyking8450]

What a smooth little six. Nice car for everyday, cleans up for shows over time.

[@hayneshvac2]

Love it...glad to see the old dart is still alive...but what is to be expected from a bullet proof slant 6...great job Tony...hope to see more in the future.

[@johnlarsen9891]

And that is why I never took the 225 our of my '69 Barracuda convertible. You can't kill it.

[@BilgePump]

Luvin on that combo, 225 & a convertible. Maybe it’s a throw back to a simpler happier time 🚙

[@bbb462cid]

Dodge swinger 1973, top down, chassis low, Panel dim, light drive, Jesus on the dashboard. Dodge swinger 1973, flaps down, chassis free, Buzz Aldrin, Armstrong, or maybe just me.

[@drumsybatabamboom8022]

My first car, a hand me down, was a '66 Dodge Dart Wagon. 225 Slant six, 3 on the tree. I could NOT kill that war-wagon! And I tried!!!

[@upfactoryracing4148]

One of the more rare moments of UT working on camera. I like it man! You know your stuff so don't listen to the haters!

[@jeffkeni]

Huffin' gas through a siphon hose. Licking coolant from the fingertip. I love it!

[@WhitentonMike]

A couple of notes on the Mopar electronic ignition. You can check for spark by waving a screwdriver by the magnetic pickup instead of rotating the engine or moving the reluctor. You want to take a look at the ignition module "box" to see if it is the stock unit. The silver or expecially the gold colored box you need to take care to stay clear of the spark because they are high output units and will light you up if you get shocked. Also some of the racing coils from Mopar are stock sized but are high output as well. The black coils are stock but the chrome ones could give you a nasty shock.

[@morelanmn]

Thank You!! You taught me something today.

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

Even the black stock coils give a nasty shock. I had an 80k mile good original off our old dodge van and was testing it on a sun engine analyzer and put some spark in my day that is for damn sure!

[@britjohnson1990]

I remember my brother had a 67 cuda 383 833 with a dana 60 with 3.54 gears and 60s for tires. He had an orange box and we just took it out and put in the chrome box. We took the car right back out and it went from chirping 3rd gear to spinning it. Yeah they are hot👍

[@BillyBob-tt7hy]

I’m the old Ford guy that never misses your videos, I learn stuff, I love learning❤.

[@mikedsautowerks]

I love the look on your face when it lights. Pure joy.

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

Tanks are about 140 buck brand new replace and the carb will be happy UTG.👍

[@pauljohanson7643]

As with many slant sixes of that era with a few miles on it, it sounds like it could use a lifter adjustment. They really are much quieter when adjusted. Just my experiences.

[@focus82grothm.84]

Love the sound of a Slant Six 💖 Great work Tony 😊👍

[@unclejoe6811]

Why do people try to give Uncle Tony advice on the slant 6...this man is the professor of the Mopar world

[@MPRiley-dw2nd]

A 1977 I bought evidently sat for a long time without the gas cap. 8 fuel filters of silt while running it over a year and 30K miles. Got lucky. No issues. Will totally clean up when I replace sending unit and float.

[@Geoduck.]

I know this has been done 1,000 times before on KZbin. I've even done it a few times over the years but there's something about the mystery start-up on a broken or long time stored car engine thats fun to watch.

[@Monaco-BuilditFixitDriveitEver]

Yay! More click -bait! I’m sucked in-gotta watch. Actually I like how you, Tony aren’t full of BS. You’re just real. Thanks for your channel.

[@Carstuff111]

Leaning Tower of Power runs pretty darn good! Thing of beauty to see running again! I love muscle cars, but as I have gotten older, I appreciate economy cars just as much as the muscle cars too. Sad to see the oil light on, but the car has potential! Now I would love to have one of these to drive daily.

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

I always take the plugs out first an put inox or light oil in each plug hole an before you even try to turn it as if it turns over by hand the cylinder walls are dry get some lube down those holes leave the plugs out Then use 2 stroke down the carb as this will help lube the top end Then after a while see if it turn buy hand if so use a drip line to the carb an close of your main line an turn it over then by the key 🔑 with the plugs out as it will turn over easier as you won’t have compression if this all works out but the plugs back in check for spark ⚡️ an she if she 🔥alway use 2 stroke due on start up to help lube it some as these modern fuels ⛽️ are the death 💀 of your old car . Ps don’t start it dry or try to turn it over dry you will of already marked the bore. All the best on your new barn find. 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

You can also but a fan heater under the sump to warm the oil this way it’s not starting on a cold motor works for me. Check the oil switch could be disconnected or it’s had it.

[@johnlarsen9891]

Watching the video at double speed in the hopes of commenting first. Then Tony asked Uncle Kathy to fast forward the gas tank draining and things took a turn toward the surreal.

[@xIxAmxKh2xI]

man, the day this video came out was the same day i finished my 318/390 stroker for my 74 swinger. never realized we were working on them at the same time!

[@ramoncasillas4490]

I freaking love this channel and love TONY. People usually say this when people like him are no longer around, but I’m going to say it now out of pure love for what tony means to the automotive world... he’s more than just a video for me....he gives me confidence and the know how to work on my own car. He’s a LEGEND. THANK YOU TONY 🙏🏼💯

[@stoker261]

And, no major evap leak code from the gas cap being off! 😂 another bonus !

[@TheWhitetailrancher]

LAUGHS, seeing you suck on that syphon hose reminds me of "borrowing" gas from the Bus garage when i was a teenager! YES, there were gas busses back then as well as diesel ones. I called it the midnight gas station!

[@Jethrosgarage]

I grew up in a really small midwestern town. K-12 school, with a fleet of about 7 busses mostly 50-60 passenger. All gasoline. Most in the big steel bus garage but the school owned an old house with a wooden barn across the street with a couple in it. A local miscreant (if anything was missing, it was him or one other delinquent...) had been I guess siphioning a long time. A few gallons here and there, from this bus and that bus, not noted- until he was I guess smoking while siphoning and burned the bus barn down!

[@leeburtt5453]

Love the look on your face when she fired up.

[@lau12342]

New oil pressure sensor and she's perfect 👍

[@gregmason6302]

Last 2 motors I tried to start that had been a sitting had stuck valves. Got out the dead blow hammer, took off valve cover, sprayed with carb cleaner and hit it till it returned on its own, then with some light oil till they all sounded the same when stuck. I do this now to all of them. Started and ran after this. You can prevent possible damage and excessive wear on valves and guides. Good insurance.

[@truglife13]

I had a blue 72 swinger...named Gloria. I dropped it to the cross member on white walls..metal flaked roof and matching metal flaked valve cover. Car got me through a very hard part of life....damn.

[@ironmike7339]

When that slant 6 fired I got a smile on my face 😃

[@waynefergusson9987]

Haha Tony also instantly had a painted on smile too

[@tonyt8805]

Same here 😉 😇 😉

[@stevenbean9706]

Love this car, what a great mini muscle car they were and this one looks to be extremely solid ! What a lucky find

[@shoominati23]

There's something calling a 'dropping' diode that goes between the positive terminal of the starter motor and the positive terminal of the coil on points cars. It's so when the starter is engaged the coil gets the full 12 volts to start which is okay for short burst, but it would burn it out in short order. The diode stops the power from going the other way

[@livewire2759]

Why would that even be necessary? There's a switch inside the starter solenoid that literally turns that wire (the resistor bypass) on while cranking and off when not. The only way for that switch to stick is if the whole solenoid stuck, and then the starter wouldn't disengage, which is much bigger problem. I don't know, maybe Chrysler did things differently, my experience is mostly with GM but I've never heard of anyone using a diode on that circuit.

[@1575murray]

@@livewire2759 There is a ballast resistor on the firewall and even though this was the first year of electronic ignition on these cars they still had a ballast resistor that used to fail quite often. I had a 1976 Aspen and I always carried one in the glove compartment.

[@livewire2759]

@@1575murray I understand that... but I still don't see any need for a diode. If the electronic ignition was designed to run on the full 12 volts, you could just bypass the resistor, splice the two wires together and never have to replace it again. For that matter, on electronic ignition, you could also simply eliminate the step up circuit from the starter... still no need for a diode.

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

You wouldn't want a "freewheel diode" to dissipate the magnetic field on the HV coil anywhere (want to maximize spark to the spark plugs)....BUT you would want a freewheel diode on the starter field to loop the energy around when the starter is disengaged....that would help with any AM (amplitude modulation) affecting the vehicle's radio too. I'm an electrical engineer that loves cars and tractors....and works on them.

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

"Dropping ballast resistor" for the 6volt coil on a 12 volt system....yes. Freewheel diode for the starter field dissipation.

[@davidball4706]

On the slant, you are supposed to service the bypass on the sending unit. Pull the sender, then remove brass fitting. Remove varnish with emery cloth. Reassemble. Oil light will likely turn off

[@locolunch]

How the hell did Tony not spit after getting that siphon going?? Major props.

[@billybradyjr6008]

He should have lit a smoke up like a boss.

[@hunnybunnysheavymetalmusic6542]

On many occasions we would start up a vehicle which had sat for a long time, but we just added fresh fuel to the old fuel and then primed it, and once its warm/hot it will burn the old fuel easier [the heat of the plenum vaporizing the old fuel] and just not shut it off until it runs a lot of the old stale fuel out and then gradually work it from 'all' old fuel to all fresh fuel.

[@tcullen5895]

There are few things that bring me more joy than getting an old car back on the road. Thanks for posting.

[@NMTRUCKER]

I used your trick today of reviving fouled plugs with a propane torch. Cleaned right up!

[@uncommonsense5876]

7:00 love it. Old school 100%..

[@richardsmith-qy6vl]

That would be a nice car to really clean up. Put some tires on it fix the front seat bumper and fender and drive it as a savior ì had a duster that had the slant 6 and a 3 speed manual that was a cream puff I drove for a Lil while the car got great gas mileage and was super clean

[@jayl8034]

For a minute there I thought you had my old car. Same paint and vinyl top except I had a 318 V-8. Lotta memories in that car! 🙂

[@cachekielbasa6857]

This truly is the best automotive KZbin channel I’ve ever stumbled upon. This guys legit, a real mechanical genius, guys that are just fluent with everything like this are rare. wish I had someone like him growing to show me the ropes, thank you uncle Tony! Your channel has given me a ton of extra confidence wrenching on my cars. Pretty amazing how you can make everything feel so doable!

[@pghgeo816]

I have heard Tony say revival videos are played out and a bit boring. I'm not saying he is wrong about that. But there is something pretty cool about an old, been sitting, forever engine coming back to life. The big smile on Tony's face when it fired up proves the point. He had fun.

[@DanielP-c9g]

Uncle Tony you sir are a gem, and a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Thank you

[@12yearssober]

It's a slant 6 of course it will run.

[@evanc6110]

We meet again, Mr. Epstein. Still posting in Lamonts comment section?

[@RockymountainRobert]

Aren't you a perv

[@12yearssober]

@@evanc6110 He'll yeah!!!!

[@raywagner8016]

Not to be a stickler but you even mentioned it just prior to using the key. For a first fire, always use the key so you get the full 12 volts to the ignition. In the run position you are reducing voltage to 9 volts. Cranking in the on position probably dropped your ignition voltage to 7 volts or so. Anyways, always a joy!

[@maxwedge1]

That step bit is BAKED! 4:50

[@Sedan57Chevy]

Sweet little slant six. I remember you did a video a while back about how happy these motors are, and even this one that's been sitting for all those years still sounds like a happy motor! Bringing his machine back to life is a very happy day.

[@morelanmn]

My Plymouth Scamp has a Chrysler WO race motor in it. It was last raced in 1975. I have the cylinders soaking with Marvel Mystery oil. 150 total miles on the car. Wish me luck.

[@BobBob-je9hs]

I wish I had a barn full of darts 💪

[@thomasconnolly7452]

That was cool. With a little love the owner is going to have a fun car that is rarely seen these days.

[@user-tl3qi5uy9u]

He has a channel, He has a car, He's on the next level of his dream in life. Way to go T, helping Al...

[@chiefkikyerass7188]

I love watching Tony's expressions, true car lover, bless you bro

[@3rdpig]

That takes me back to my high school days and the Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest. I think it was 1975, with a Dart much like that one.

[@BearBudgetgarage]

Had a very similar Swinger back in 84-85. Used to pay about 250 for an "old" Mopar like this in fair condition and running. Did pay a whole $750 for a super nice Dart an old guy sold me. 318. Low miles. Kept in garage. Interior great. Good running reliable car. Wish I still had it. No foresight at all☹️

[@donaldhalls2189]

Great old rig, runs like clockworks, all the best to yous and your loved ones

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Tony next time on the locking gas cap shoot a self tapping screw in it around the 1/2 " from center it will lock the 2 halfs together and it will operate like a regular cap

[@KEYSTONELIGHT69]

HOLY SHIT. SPARK FILLED BRUSHES ON A 1/2 INCH DRILL MOTOR, OVERHEATED STEP DRILL AND CAP JUST FALLS OFF!!! WTF. THAT WAS AMAZING. LUCKILY NO FUMES OR PRESSURE IN THE TANK ON A HOT DAY. GREAT OSHA VID.!!

[@olsketchmo]

The most down to earth grass roots real America every-day-guy awesome idea and event the NNN's ! Thank You Tony !

[@dchachacha5663]

The gas on the camera actually gave a KILLER 1970s vibe to the whole video. LOVE TONY AND CATHY

[@enriquelopez9124]

Awesome job you got the 1973 Dodge Dart started 👏 👍🏿

[@arthurleino]

Good interesting video. My Mom kept our 68 Valiant until she couldn't drive it. That slant six was indestructible.

[@oldtimerf7602]

Putting that gas covered hose in yer maw 2 or 3 times is some fairly hard core shizz my man. Nass Tee.

[@gittnjiggy2]

I'm glad there were no gas fumes around the gas cap with that electric motor drill!!

[@choochoo9436]

One thing to watch for on the slant 6 is to confirm that the rotor is actually turning. The slant 6 distributor uses a plastic gear that can break. I had this happen once. I pulled the dist replaced the gear, lined it up and it took right off. /but those gears even 40 years ago got brittle. I imagine now most are turning to dust.

[@lubesEquipment]

A broken distributor drive gear on a slant six left me stranded once.

[@79tazman]

I have never had that happen to me and I have had many slants but I have heard of i happening. I know all engines run a nylon gear or a brass gear something that is softer then the gear on the cam that way it shears the distributor gear before it shears the cam gear if there is any issues.

[@greggcollins4215]

Had a 76 Duster w/ a slant and one bbl carb. The float in the carb was a foam block that would eventually start to soak up gas and sink in the bowl. Really the only problem in 10 years and 106k miles.

[@RobertSquirrell-n4v]

This was exact year, color, top and engine I had as my first car❤

[@charlesgall7829]

Nothing better than a first start!Even if not a fresh build.

[@mikepoint4717]

Let’s recap here , a hose to syphon the gas , a screw driver , a squirt bottle of gasoline , a gallon or two in the fuel tank and checked a plug wire and a few other minor things , did I forget anything ? then a twist of the key and it fires right up !! . Uncle Tony your awesome. Thanks for sharing

[@chrishensley6745]

Your spot on man.....Great job.....especially the diff. on how gas does today compared to years back man....I deal with this normally here in East Tn. on cars being bought like that won. This is the close as real life on old cars on you tube man!.....your alright man for a Yankee!!! just ribbing ya man.

[@knockrotter9372]

bringing back memories of putting lawnmower gas in my 69 dart on a sunday night so I could make it to school in the morning, that and the soul crushing sound of a worn out mopar starter trying to crank a slant six to life, the screeching gradually slowing as the crappy battery loses its charge good times

[@LoveWhatYouDrive]

“Can you make it so fast that I’m a blur?” Classic…thanks for the awesome video and being real!

[@allancaspers6471]

Hell yeah it will run it's a Mopar.

[@chaosopher23]

I was shown to take out the plugs, pull the center wire, and turn the crank for 10 seconds. By the time you put the plugs in and reconnected the wire. it was cool enough to start and lubed right away.

[@rondrew2857]

OMG, I love the siphoning gas thing, learned from my Dad, been doing it for years.

[@428eliminator3]

Wrong terminology for "Siphon Hose" it's known as an Oklahoma Credit Card in my parts 😂

[@googleusergp]

Superstart batteries I believe are sold through O'Reilly's and yes, that J (October) 2 (2012) should be a battery produced around October 2012. I believe Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls) supplied them. No doubt "will it run?" as the Slant Six is a venerable tank of an engine, and is one of Chrysler's best engines of all time. Even though it sounds like an IBM Selectric typewriter at full speed, it's still a great engine.

[@livewire2759]

Theoretically, it could mean october of 2002... but a 20 year old battery isn't very likely! LOL

[@googleusergp]

@@livewire2759 Sure it could be. Later on they actually started putting a month and a year to be clear for warranty in case the receipt wasn't available.

[@beerguy1320]

The smile on your face was priceless. Tony I have a 73 that has been sitting in storage for about 25 years. The front clip was rotten, thanks WI. The body metal, interior, engine and trans are good. Have you ever swapped a front end on one of these things?

[@kevinclancy.]

this is my favorite part of the hobby. congrats

[@richdiscoveries]

When I get a vehicle in to the shop from a customer that lost their key and wants the locking gas cap taken off I just use one of my pics. I use the one that has the hook on the end. I hook it right underneath the edge of the cap and grab the white plastic inside, just lift and spin they pop right off. Hopefully this helps if you or anybody runs into this issue again. Been doing it for years and I've never had a problem

[@tarstarkusz]

Drilling it out seems excessively dangerous, especially if your drill has a brushed motor. I would be extremely worried about sparks meeting vapor in the neck of the fuel tank.

[@BilgePump]

@@tarstarkusz your pills 💊 😮

[@beatglauser9444]

You are really old school: No fancy flashlight, no fancy pump for syphonning out the old gas. I am amazed how you can see small things without glasses. I drank old gas once to much so I will no longer suck on a tube coming from the tank: It gets you nearly every time. Newer cars are a nightmare to pump out gas. And by the way: They are a nightmare in nearly all aspects.

[@bradcoutin6569]

Enjoyed this! I found it as I'm going to have to sell my 70' dodge dart swinger slant six 225 and this came up in my search. Unfortunately, it has become time to let Tessie go. It was my Grandpa's. I had the engine rebuilt and Tessie, runs great w/ some caveats to that. Give me a shout if you want additional details.

[@Goldenhordemilo]

that fuel cap removal WAS very cool.

[@junk250]

utg , The front and rear bumpers on that Dart are Awesome , 400 lbs of Chrome and steel, with rubber over riders . Mad Max style

[@agostinodibella9939]

Uncle Tony acts like a kid with a new toy. A great will it run video!