Was it stolen? Will it start? V8 78 Ford Fairmont Futura!

We are back with another will it start video. This time its our V8 302 powered 78 Ford Fairmont Futura that we saved from the junkyard after sitting there for 32 years! These cars were the very first fox body platform cars ever produced. Can we get this thing running again and get it back on the road? Let"s find out together.
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[@bobbell5928]

Dude...that starter deserves some kind of award.

[@Sleeperdude]

No doubt

[@lovetocrank]

I love the sound of that starter!

[@mynamewastaken29]

I came here to make this same comment lol

[@VintageCars999]

It gets the MVP award. Doesn't care that it's getting 24v.

[@JohnnyBoy1969]

It really does!

[@cb-gz1vl]

I love how you interact with your son like a partner.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@RobertDickens2002]

I've also noticed that he doesn't act like his ideas or opinions don't matter just because he's a kid.

[@mattmalone524]

@@Sleeperdude There is definitely a valve timing issue or the valves aren't seating after sitting so long and having so much debris in it. You may have to pull the valve covers to see if any valves are stuck.

[@vidguy007]

And Rocky

[@cb-gz1vl]

@@vidguy007 Well Rocky of course. If any chewed by Rocky is Rocky approved.

[@hunterkline2516]

The bearded child hiding behind the fender at 5:50 was hilarious

[@Sleeperdude]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it

[@dianneestes8515]

You have probably figured out that the timing chain has skipped a cog or two. I had a 75 Ford 400 that did just that. The Cam gear is made out of alluminum and plastic, and in combination with a worn and slack chain, will skip cam timing. My wife and I love watching you and your family and animals. You all have become a must watch for us.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you so much we appreciate it

[@DKing-jg7fl]

Quick check for slack in the timing chain , pull the cap and watch for rotor movement while rocking the crank back and forth. If you don't see movement of the rotor after a couple degrees of crank movement the chain is probably stretched enough to allow it to skip. Ralphie got me with the"reminds me of something" comment.

[@bensymington5550]

Maybe burned up the coil???

[@markmiller8137]

it acts just like when the timing chain had stretched in my 351 windsor motor in my 76 torino

[@ruwithlee1970]

@@markmiller8137 I had one of those the 76 Torino was a good car

[@BladimirBartolini]

Maybe bad timing marks.

[@joeyjennings9548]

remember the woody allen movie "sleeper" i think? there was a 200 year old volkswagon that started right up.. lol

[@raysummers4284]

Josh, I really like you videos, i know that they will be clean for the whole family to watch. and i`m an old motor head like yourself. and it`s good to see your wife and kids enjoy doing this also. kid`s now a day`s have their faces in their phones, ipads, etc. the world is just passing them by. God Bless you and your Family.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@TrustyZ900]

In '86 , I bought a '78 Forest Service green Fairmont wagon. This car had 100k miles of abuse. $400 It was wasted by an HVAC contractor. Gave it a basic tune up and oil change. I drove this car from Idaho to Calif. 50 times out in the Nevada desert. Little 302 automatic ran like a champ. Never broke or stranded me. Put 150k on it and sold it for $400. Went thru hell in Idaho at -25 degrees. Hell of a starter. One of the toughest cars I ever owned.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@keithfrank1303]

Years back Ford was famous for nylon teeth cam gears that would give up and shed teeth . I used double row roller chain and steel cam and crank gear kits . I believe they were made by Cloys . The nylon cam gears were short life items . Try removing fuel pump and try checking for chain slack .

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@garysimonson9593]

Pontiac had that issue too, they'd shed the nylon gear around 60K miles a lot of times. The Ford timing chains would do it too but in my experience, @ 100K or more.

[@kraventhearcher]

It's still enjoyable to watch the struggle, mainly because the kids are learning from the failures and successes. Probably you're right that it was stolen and might have been blown up by joyriders. Now there's room to ponder what engine you want to put in it. It's a good candidate for a 351c or 20 other things. Nice to see you facing challenges and keeping your cool when a lot of people wouldn't. You're a good dad and good husband.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@stevenmessinger8067]

Call VICE GRIP GARAGE UP...DERRICK BIERDO

[@redwave4454]

You guys made my Sunday complete! Thank you my friends

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you for watching

[@Jerkwad152]

When the choke bounces a lot like that, it often means there's a stuck intake valve. That would also account for the low compression in your #1 cylinder. But, it should also make it backfire like crazy, too. That's super-weird.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah I thought so too

[@starsportscards8688]

@@Sleeperdude I hope you get to see this. I ran in to this on my Fox body 302 Mustang. I fought for like six months doing so many different things. I can tell you what it turned out to be. It turned out to be the ground inside the distributor. Since the distributor grounds internally, when the shaft gets grimey & dirty, it kills the ground or weakens it severely. That's why you have some spark but with a weak ground, it's very weak. Trust me, been there done that. The simple solution is to make an extra ground coming out of the distributor and grounding it to the frame. Also, weak grounds can burn out ignition modules quickly & the rotating contacts inside the distributor too if it ran like that a long time. Hope you get to read this & it helps.

[@davidthompson62]

@@starsportscards8688 -That makes a lot of sense but he replaced the whole distributor. I assume he grounded it correctly when he put it in Unless the grounding wire at the other end of ghe distributor somehow got chewed up by rodents or is loosely connected, giving power at times then shutting down at others.

[@starsportscards8688]

@@davidthompson62 That could be but these ignition systems depend on the ground coming from the inside the distributor to the surface of the engine side of the distributor shaft. If the engine side gets corroded & grimey, it causes a weak ground, no matter what distributor you use. In my case, once I added an extra ground ran from inside the distributor to the frame, I no longer had ignition issues. I found out this is a flaw in this type of Ford ignition once many miles get on an engine. That's why I add the extra ground if I'm dealing with an old Ford setup like this, especially it keeps from having to go through ignition boxes because of weak grounds.

[@rolandocurro9]

Stars Sportscards • Thank you. Sounds good. Almost all 80's Ford Escorts have an ignition problem. I know this is a Fairmont. But it's still a Fix Or Repair Daily family candidate.

[@jasonmurphy844]

Whether or not you all get a vehicle started, I love watching your videos SleeperDude. The fact your family interacts / helps out makes it all the more worthwhile. I have faith y’all will get that Fairmont running again and driving down the highway !

[@andreamills5852]

That car must've had every option Ford offered that year.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah I think so

[@j2kinflarc768]

Great video. I love that you take Ralphie’s suggestions and show him the results. He’s learning so much. That car deserves to be back on the road.

[@flyboy2610]

Something for Ralphie to drive in a few years.

[@k-dawg3893]

You gave it a good shot anyway. Nice work SD & family!

[@jon020275]

I had A 1981 futura about 20 years ago I absolutely loved it.

[@Sleeperdude]

Awesome

[@butler386]

I love the family interactions you have with all the kids, wife and animals. They are learning patience and systematic strategy of repairing something. My vote on the engine is a valve issue. Stuck valve or valves, push rods or cam chain. Looking forward to the engine autopsy or auto psy. Thanks for the videos.

[@MrAmartin8]

Remove the dist cap and rotate the engine back and forth while watching the dist rotor which will give you a crude idea of how much slack you have in your timing chain . Like Cropduster said also you prolly have some bent push rods on the dead cylinder . The other cylinders have good enough compression to run . So I'm saying your timing chain is junk and possibly the cam . But can be repaired in the car .

[@johnhols]

We learn more from setbacks than easy victories, don't give up hope on that engine, devise a plan from some of the suggestions in the comments, use it on this engine and for future projects. Don't let the urge to publish a video get in the way of your judgement, there is no rush to get something out, we all can wait. Loved that the video was released at an early time, got to watch it on the TV with the family in the evening (UK time) rather than just before going to bed.

[@Sleeperdude]

Awesome thank you

[@kevingregory750]

Out of all my you tube car channels I watch, y’all’s is the only on my whole family will watch and enjoy with me. Love family atmosphere and Rocky! Lol

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome thank you

[@diegoburgos5420]

Here we go, one more comment, I love how the whole family is involved, you guys are awesome, I love your love for “old” cars. Keep it up, your son is going to be a master mechanic in no time.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@cropdusterpilot1937]

Josh, I would say pull the valve covers and check the push rods, I bet you will find 1 or 2 bent you may even find a rounded-off cam. EITHER WAY, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PULL THE ENG. What does the underside look like? from the look of the front radiator support, it must not be good :( Looking forward to the next woods retreavel. :) pilotcropduster

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you yeah your probably right

[@smartestpersonontheplanet7467]

I’m thinking similar but the no compression cylinder has a stuck valve bending at least one push rod and will a stuck close exhaust bend a push rod and have compression?

[@dgrcgrl]

I was going to add that it sounds like it firing with a valve open. Might be bent valve or stuck valve.

[@smartestpersonontheplanet7467]

@@dgrcgrl stuck valve was my first guess with the compression test. Believe the damage to the piston was from forcing it past the stuck valve.

[@smartestpersonontheplanet7467]

Follow my thinking here. Exhaust valve stuck closed. Intake works fine. Compression stroke same sparke plug fires power stroke exhaust stroke valve stays shut adding a second compression stoke to the other cylinder on its compression stroke making the hard stroke in the starting cycle ????? Not only that but exhaust working into the intake ruins air fuel mixture. Which is why when it sits it almost starts right up but then exhaust in the intake shuts it down

[@martinbaxter2616]

I'm as stymied as you. If you had the time, I'd abuse that you just tear into the thing and examine it piece by piece. Great video, and thoroughly entertaining! Thanks!

[@philemon2802]

Way to go squeeze 5:52. Yes. I'm leaning timing chain too.

[@Sleeperdude]

I’m glad you liked it. I agree

[@colinhealy4437]

It's a lot of work not to have a result but your tenacity is very impressive. You're living the best life with your family and I love watching the interaction between you guys. Take care and keep the videos coming.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I am blessed

[@Vinegar73]

You're going to get it running! Just got to walk away some time to think about it. Otherwise thanks for the videos and your time. God bless you and your family!!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@snookiefarris8510]

The power of positive thinking Ralphie...never let that go.

[@Sleeperdude]

Exactly

[@cole8100]

Ralphie and Wawa with the one liners is gold! Y’all are great! Major props to Tosh for hanging out in the heat with you while you were doing this!

[@andreamills5852]

5:54 Is that Charles Manson ? The Manson Edition Ford Fairmont . came with it's own serial killer option .

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s great

[@davidgwin4540]

I absolutely appreciate the effort on this car. I'm a fox body guy but I'm bored of them and would love to build a Fairmont or Ltd to keep the scene alive and fresh. Strange engine issue here.🤔 Thank you guys for the hard work and may God bless you all. 🙏 love you brothers and sisters

[@darinberend2103]

Sleeper dude...when I was a kid my family owned a dark green 78 Fairmont. It's final demise was when the tail pipe got bent and pinched closed backing into something. We didn't notice it and my older brother took it out on the highway. I have priceless memories of it.

[@bradbroadfield2646]

You're not the only person who likes fairmont's I had a 79 2-door 4 cylinder 4-speed was my very first car absolutely loved it

[@Sleeperdude]

Awesome

[@TheKeymaster316]

MVP goes to that starter. After all of that cranking and she was still going strong! 😁

[@Sleeperdude]

For sure

[@klapaucius77]

Nobody can say you didn't try! I'm looking forward to the teardown to see what's wrong with that engine.

[@angelcespedes6960]

El mejor motor de arranque que vi en todo KZbin. Que familia tan unida inteligente y amable trabajando por un mismo objetivo

[@intrepid5684]

I've had days like this. Still good content. Keep up the good work.

[@melindaivey4772]

I so enjoy you and your family and all your car and truck updates. Totally loved the RV repair, and vacation. Sorry that you had to sell it and your bike but there will be others down the road. I would love to see a clean up and organization video of your shop and work area. Tools and parts and trash in their place and ready when needed.

[@alanmoore78]

That uneven starting gallop brings back memories of a '79 318 I kept running long after it should have been scrapped for rust issues. Never figured out why the car only ran on 6 cylinders but it still drove long enough to get me enough paychecks to get something else. If I had to guess it would have been a broken camshaft.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes maybe so

[@tombryant1104]

A 318 with broken camshaft would not run at all, distributor driven from rear of cam. Engines with front dist acn run with broken cam.

[@alanmoore78]

@@tombryant1104 I meant the 302 issue. That 318 was just worn out, and combined with the legendary gear reduction starter sound, it was an odd startup experience. WAAAH wa wa wa wUUU wuh WAH wa wa wa wuuuuu wu. Fast normal slow fast normal slow.

[@sirgaryo]

The whole combination of your lovely family and your beautiful , crazy animals , makes your channel’s absolutely wonderful viewing, keep em coming you awesome people 😂😍👌🐶🐈🐐🐓🦃🐖🐄🫏🦆🦄

[@wolfgangricky]

The Best that Fairmount looked is with some Tye Dye Crocs on it , LMAO, Ty for taking us along

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@floydmarseeii4007]

I love these Fairmonts!! I’d probably have to go with a distributor module, in the distributor. Or replace the distributor with a different one. I’ve also seen the advance plates short out, in points distributors.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah I love them too

[@MegaPastorn]

Just keep these vidoes coming! Love watching them and all your work ya put in on your cars!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you will do

[@michaelperez8946]

@@Sleeperdude hi guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@michaelperez8946]

@@Sleeperdude HOW ARE YOU DOING

[@davidprice5771]

Everytime I see a Fairmont, it reminds me of my grandfather. It's all I remember him driving.

[@OBIOsim]

1978 Fairmont....brings back memories. I had a "baby blue" 4-door with dark blue vinyl interior. I got it for free because the transmission wouldn't shift right. A $4 modulator valve corrected the problem and I had trouble free driving for over 50,000 miles. I drove that car so like it was a truck....off road, through the mud, across creeks....and it took every thing I threw at it and kept on cruising like it was just another day. The casings of choice....the cheapest retread tires that the local casing shop made...they did their own casing retreading....truck like treads on passenger car casings...superb casings for $25 each.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome 👏

[@bentaylor6175]

Man this one is a tease! I don’t think that I’ve ever heard a car so close to starting without actually doing it. It really wants to run so don’t give up on her. The best things in life are worth the wait 👍🏻

[@benjaminmikerlee6814]

Great to see you again. Beautiful family

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I am blessed

[@differentgroove1]

You'll get her running. I love the 2 door landau roof. Got behind on vids , I need to catch up ! And Rocky's growing and Puddin's a cutie !

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you …

[@mlynch001]

Love the video. Hate that it won’t run. I was surprised it even turned over. That starter deserves the medal Of honor. Never saw one that would last under that much cranking.

[@mixerman1]

I admire the perseverance but at this point you know it isn't a "good" engine so it is time to tear apart the top end...love the Fairmonts...all the best to you and the family Josh..you can't win them all but you damn sure played the game

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I agree

[@gunnertramel8914]

You’re right the time chain is loose !! I’ve bent the vales in the engine trying to crank it !!

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@christopherhallmark7206]

Loved the videos with you and the family. I pull the valve covers and check

[@Hardy_H_H]

14:00 those old spark wires you keep, use the rubber boots as 90 or 45 degree adaptors on vacuum hoses if you need to route them and don't want them kinked.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok good tip thanks

[@gusa8852]

Awesome video as always! Before starting the LTD you might wanna pull the valve covers and check that the valves aren't stuck.

[@herbnalis3723]

Yes, I've seen valves stuck in the open position on engines.

[@dancarney106]

I'm use to a distributor rotor POINTING at Cylinder #1 while the engine itself is at cylinder #1 TDC on the COMPRESSION stroke. Then the ignition cables MUST be inspected to prove that the ignition cables are going to the correct cylinders according to the factory firing order. Sometimes the engine's firing order as well as cylinder identification is on a sticker under the hood or use a factory service manual. Never trust a previous person's work.

[@Hanzyscure]

I'm sure he double checked that.

[@noamz1740]

Yes, it sounds like the firing order. Like some of the cylinder wants to run and some are fighting back...

[@thomasward4505]

I would say after watching this video that car has the best starter I've ever seen in my life

[@Sleeperdude]

I think your right

[@kristymcnett5746]

I'm a 66 yr old grandma who's a closet motor head. Had a boyfriend yrs ago who had a 73 Camero w/an LT1 block & a 65 Chevelle. He thought I drove like an old lady. I DID, when he was w/me! Love your family, videos, animals, etc🥰😍❤❣

[@kristymcnett5746]

Thanks!

[@jodycopeland1]

That has got to be the toughest starter I’ve ever seen in my 50 years of working on engines

[@ae86hachi]

Oh dear god... You aren't the jody they warned me about in the Army are you!?!?

[@wendygarner4443]

Loved this video love them all, the kids are having an awesome childhood learning about cars with you. Never in the house so wholesome!🥰🥰

[@rustyyoungblood6652]

I thought for sure it wa going to start. You gave it more time than I would have. Family;y project good deal.thanks for the try. Blessings Rusty

[@Sleeperdude]

I thought so to, we tried and tried

[@garysoykin2783]

I’m watching some of your older videos because I like your show a lot and I enjoy the vacation because I could watch it for like three hours lol I dug that

[@Sleeperdude]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bryanstruble8927]

You have to make the goats a jungle Jim. Goats love climbing on things. Sounds like it had a few teeth out of the timing chain. And the valves were stuck open and the piston drove them back down. Probably some push rods are bent.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah your right

[@karaokekid66]

This is my first time commenting .... I've been watching for a couple of months now & I love your channel. I don't know much about anything mechanical, but love the videos, because of how you Involve your wife & kids & how you make it funny also. It makes it so wholesome.... A GREAT family type show. Keep doing what your doing! My ONLY regret is that they do not sell RC Cola here In south Eastern MA. A BIG thumbs up to such a GREAT FAMILY!!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you so much we really do appreciate you watching

[@karaokekid66]

I did want to ask you.... Are tires really called Casings out there?,,, or is that just a funny name you give tires. My sister & her husband moved to TN about a year ago & never heard of that name

[@therealdavis2788]

Good candidate for a Coyote swap. My dad had a 79 Futura. Same color interior and everything except vinyl seats instead of cloth. It was baby blue and had the 200 in it instead of the 302. He always said he was going to put the 302 he had sitting in the garage in it but never did.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes

[@ginomorris4873]

I loved this post I look forward to seeing what’s next for this ford .You have a wonderful family thanks for sharing!!!!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks for watching

[@sebastianghindea6441]

Great effort.You can't get them all.But very nice insight on the ignition system.Have fun and stay safe.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@michaelnevanssr206]

I had a '78 Fairmont wagon and it started acting very similar to what the problem you had. It did turn out to be a stretched timing chain that I had to replace. Once replaced ran like a charm. Book says it takes eight hours to change out the timing chain and sure enough it took eight hours. Good luck with his engine it is a good little engine I thoroughly enjoyed my Fairmont that I had.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@DavidTorres-tm6ff]

Good job working together as a family should God bless you all

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@johnnysechrist6313]

Little ol lady paid me to haul a 78 Fairmont wagon off her property. Got it to the shop and cranked it.....with all the 200 CI vacume lines lose, but it ran. plugged them all in.... ran perfect. Used for fishing and hauling parts......after the motor got tired I put a used 429 in it (Stock) did a few tricks and raced it at dragsrips all over NC for about 7 years. It was a white wheelstander.

[@frostyworks8810]

Hate to see the Fairmont not start but I love your determination and ingenuity to come up with just about everything to throw at it to try and start it! You provide such great content and even without the car starting it’s still an enjoyable video! Always looking forward to the next one!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I really appreciate it

[@leonardpugh9561]

May be the lifters

[@exarkenobi]

I can't believe it didn't start when you hit it with the 24v! I hope you do a follow-up so we can find out what's wrong with this thing. Great video!

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@helmutkrahn9337]

A family spending a sunny afternnon sitting around troubleshooting an engine? Wow! Talk about teaching logic, reasoning from first principles, processes of elimination, use of tools and measurement, hypothesizing and, crucially, humour... Can one even buy an education like that anywhere? (Poetic, modern, slant on a basic survival skill: Learning to start an internal combusion fire.)

[@Sleeperdude]

Wow thank you

[@borikennautical6649]

Josh, you are something else LOL!!!! Make me laugh but at the same time make me happy to see you working in your projects with your familie and Ralphie is going to be a pro in old muscle cars. Keep up the good work.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@sallyb3]

You guys always ❤bring a 😃 smile. Look fwd to a teardown.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@scottdavis5736]

Hi Josh and family. Love your videos you have a awesome family there and the goats are fun to watch as well. Was hoping you would check left bank with scope to see if any valves were hitting as i think the valve is stuck on the no 1 cylinder. W hen you pull the motor apart, start with timing chain it might be all it needs and hope no bent valves! Good luck my friend

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@korajerry2553]

How does he manage to spin the whole motor with no belts attached

[@brandondavis7105]

@@korajerry2553 Hey what he’s doing is the bottom pully is bolted to the crankshaft and that has a big bolt in the center of that bottom pully. So when you put a socket on it and turn it it turns the internal parts of the motor. In simple terms, You’re turning the crankshaft which turns the inside of the motor. Including the timing chain which connects to the camshaft and I think that’s where the problem is that the chain has jumped on the sprocket that hooks to the camshaft. I hope that answers your question

[@ericd2791]

that starter needs starter of the year award. it went thought a lot.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes it did

[@mikecarbiener2137]

17:44 - I've owned two and loved them! Both Futura models, both red. One with white interior, one with red. The red on red was. 4 cyl 4 speed, the other was a 302 w/ an automatic. Wish I still had the V8 one!

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@imkwuzn]

I always look forward to your videos. You have the patience of Job. Most would have given up long before you did. Personally, I agree with a stuck valve, bent pushrod or both. I’d pull the valve cover and watch the valve train on the cylinder with the low compression. Might get lucky and just need a pushrod or even a valve spring. Still super enjoyable to watch the interaction with the family. I really appreciate how you listen to their suggestions and try them even if you don’t think they will work. It teaches them that you value their input and that they are important. Good job, Josh.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I really appreciate it

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

Good job on trying to make the old car run again. I almost think that the camshaft has broken up near the distributor but still has enough friction to operate the valves and everything is out of time. I like to see a tear down to know what exactly went wrong.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@joe08867]

Man, you gave it your all in this. Sometimes they just don't go.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes thank you

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

Stuck valves, bent valves. Betting valves, Pull heads and check, before tearing whole motor down. My guess it got over revved and floated valves, game over. Great vid anyway, fun watching the entire family pitch in. GOD BLESS Y'ALL!

[@randyriggs5463]

Sounds like a jumped timing chain. Would love to see you get this one fixed and running. Also like the plastic hand 9000!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@branchsnapper2228]

Was that a samsquamch peeking up over the engine?

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes!!!

[@amandaconner7563]

I had to rewind I was like what in the world was that!!! 😆

[@legioner9]

Man, you sure tried a lot to start that engine. It will, hopefully. You have a beautiful family, btw. Great kids helping out their parents.

[@chylimzbydzi]

You must be the best Ameican family in the world! Thanks for your work and a beautiful testimony:)

[@Sleeperdude]

Wow thank you

[@tdavis4278]

A Fairmont was our drivers ed car in 1977 lol and the car I used to get my first drivers license

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@billywhite3020]

Timing chain might have broken

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah maybe so

[@RobertDickens2002]

Then it wouldn't have compression

[@michaeldickens7493]

I think that's funny when Charlie Manson pops up over the fenders

[@Sleeperdude]

He’s hilarious

[@danielheartsill4269]

I remember those power modules. They were junk and the way they would fail was when they got hot. Everyone knew if your Ford died, pour ice water, coke, beer, or what you had it would run a while. I had one in a 77 Ford pickup and always carried a spare with me. Never had to use it. Most people did have to replace theirs. I only drove the 77 one hundred eighty thousand with very little trouble. Would love to have another just like it.

[@txnetcop]

Sounds like bent pushrods and you know what that means pull the valve covers and intake.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes I think your right

[@bolambert6457]

I'm glad y'all went full time...y'all are the best...even if you do like ford's....hahaha

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@robertjensen403]

I received a 1979 Fairmont Futchra as a graduation present. I loved it for 7 months till a Corvette hit the side of it doing about 70 mph. It was the end of my car. Surprisingly I only had a concussion.

[@NoBs48]

I don't have a wife and kids anymore but watching this video makes me feel like a part of the family. My guess is we got a rod knock .I remember my buick Regal sound the same way after I blew the motor .

[@Sleeperdude]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks for watching

[@foxfixes4533]

:) loving the family content! it will run , you will figure it out :) my wife says total engine rebuild but i remind her about the envelope . keep it coming :)

[@josephschaekel5293]

Possibly a broken camshaft . I ran into this on late 70 ford v8 truck engines . Also lifters being stuck .

[@billywhite3020]

Plastic timing gear

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@arthurwhitehouse1199]

Always good to see the whole family involved in your videos. Love seeing all the different personalities! And it's always a fun time.

[@andyallen5504]

Pick up in dist is bad

[@ffield12]

Whenever I get in a position like your are experiencing, I STOP and walk away and comeback another time and try again. That way it gives my mind plenty of time analysis over and over. You will get it to run. Great Job “as always”.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@johnroof2663]

The grand thing of it all all is that you spent time you spent time with all of your family. I was once told by my Dad "a person can be wealthy beyond imagination but If the person doesn't have his family he has nothing". Too bad you couldn't get that little 302 to run It could be a bunch of things.

[@chumleye1112]

A good idea before trying to start a stuck engine is to pull the valve covers {although that would be a chore with all the emissions junk on it), pull the rockers and tap the top of all the valves gently with a hammer to make sure they are all free. My guess is your timing chain may have jumped a tooth or two. I've had that happen a couple of times over the years and it is virtually impossible to get the car going although we were stuck about 500 miles from our destination on a trip. The timing chain jumped when starting after a gas fill and I moved the distributer and after much trouble did get it started, however as you would expect the performance was down and we made it about 50 miles until the car packed it in. By driving it like that I bent all the exhaust valves - lesson learned. Personally I wouldn't be putting 24v on it as the wiring and electronics definitely won't like it. There are advantages to the good old points vs the electronic ignition. Good luck getting her going, you and the fam certainly put enough effort into it.

[@alankinsella2948]

I enjoyed it. I learn something every time. Major kudos for effort.

[@jameshausler5259]

Once I saw the ignition timing jumping around, I was thinking: TIMING CHAIN!!!