1972 DODGE POLARA

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle and poor performance at startup, Rattling noise from timing cover on cold starts, Check timing finds retarded ignition despite distributor adjustments, Backfiring through carburetor

Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and tensioner. Often find nylon cam gear teeth stripped or chain stretched 1+ inches. Requires timing cover removal, new gaskets, and degree the cam if performance matters. 4-6 hours labor plus parts.

Estimated cost: $400-750

Symptoms: Flooding or fuel smell in engine bay after sitting, Stumble or flat spot on acceleration, Hard starting when hot, Raw gas dripping from carb base

Fix: Rebuild kit addresses most issues—brass floats sink, pump diaphragms harden with ethanol fuel. Factory Carter BBD and AFB models are straightforward. Full rebuild takes 2-3 hours if experienced, 4-5 if first-timer. Many opt for Edelbrock replacement instead.

Estimated cost: $250-500

Symptoms: Delayed or no downshift when flooring throttle, Transmission stays in high gear during passing attempts, Sluggish acceleration from stops, Linkage rod bent or disconnected at carb or transmission

Fix: Inspect and replace worn rod ends, bushings, and return spring. Entire linkage often rusted or bent from improper service. Adjustment critical—too tight causes late upshifts and heat, too loose kills performance. 1-2 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $150-350

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Fluid seeping from sector shaft or input shaft seals, Excessive play in steering wheel (more than 2 inches), Groaning when turning at idle, Low fluid reservoir despite no visible hose leaks

Fix: Sector shaft seal replacement can be done in-car (2 hours), but worn gears require box R&R and rebuild or replacement. Federal steering boxes are rebuildable; some shops recommend Borgeson or AGR reman units. 3-5 hours for full replacement.

Estimated cost: $300-800

Symptoms: No-start condition with good battery and starter, Stalling when hot, restarts when cool, Intermittent cutting out at highway speed, Burnt or melted ballast resistor on firewall

Fix: Stock dual-point distributors are reliable but many have been swapped to Mopar electronic. Ballast resistor overheating and control module failures are common. Carry spares—both are roadside replaceable. Diagnosis and replacement: 0.5-1 hour labor.

Estimated cost: $75-200

Symptoms: Front end sits low with fenders near tires, Unequal ride height side-to-side, Clunking over bumps from lower control arm, Rust visible at torsion bar hex sockets in crossmember

Fix: Torsion bars rarely break but anchors rust, adjustment bolts seize, and bushings wear. Re-indexing bars or replacing anchors requires frame contact and alignment afterward. Rusted bolts can turn 2-hour job into 6. Full front suspension refresh: 6-8 hours.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Fuel gauge reads empty or full regardless of tank level, Erratic gauge movement or pegged at one extreme, Stranded due to trusting gauge showing 1/4 tank

Fix: Mopar swing-arm sending units corrode and float foam disintegrates after 50 years. Gauge itself can fail but sender is usual culprit. Tank drop required. 2-3 hours labor plus new sender unit.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Ticking or exhaust leak sound from engine bay, Smell of exhaust in cabin at idle, Visible cracks near center ports on driver side manifold

Fix: Cast iron manifolds crack from heat cycling, especially driver side. Aftermarket replacements available but original castings can be welded if caught early. Studs often break during removal. 3-4 hours per side labor.

Estimated cost: $400-700