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Chevy Nova Car Repair Questions and Answers

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Question: 1976 Chevy Nova mileage: 77,000. 2-weeks ago I overhauled my kids 2-bbl. carburetor, replaced all plugs & wires, pcv & breather, air & fuel filters, rotor and freed up the dist. & weights, vacuum tested dist. adv. & choke pull-off, set carburetor choke, idles & air screws, timing was set & both centrifugal & mech. advs. Checked. It ran like it was new, then after our blizzard this past week it started running like poorly, vibrating and not wanting to idle and trying to stall when it's put in gear (automatic), I rechecked timing, seemed to have moved so I reset to 8 btc adv. unhooked & plugged, no change, I reset carburetor, checked egr, removed & blocked it, I tried diff. carburetor. Tried diff. cap & coil as it is GM HEI, still same problem, I looked in manuals for ideas, no luck, vacuum is 18-20 in. starts but it doesn't run smooth, put it in gear and it wants to stall. I know it's something I'm overlooking, I've been working on cars & semi-trucks since 1970. THANKS & HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Answer: Check the timing chain to see if it has jumped a tooth. Also, check for vacuum leaks.

Question: I have a 1979 Chevy Nova. I have a leak in my radiator and I am looking for a quick and easy fix to get me through until I can replace the radiator. I have tried stop leak, it did not work. Could you please help me?

Answer: The correct way to fix your problem is to remove the radiator and take it to a radiator service center. They will be able to tell you if it can be repaired or if replacement is necessary. A quick (temporary) fix you might try would be to drain the radiator. Clean the area around the leak and apply epoxy putty. Epoxy putty is available at most hardware stores. Also, try replacing your 15-pound radiator pressure cap with one with less pressure.

Question: 1978 Chevy Nova mileage: 160,000. I just discovered water in my oil. Cracked block, head gasket or maybe a warped head. How do I do what I need to do? Thank you for any advice on the matter.

Answer: Water in the oil is probably from a head gasket blown, remove the head and discover the unknown. Have the head resurfaced and check for cracks too, put it back together to make it good as new.

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Automobile / Chevy / Nova