1973 PLYMOUTH FURY

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: hard starting when warm, erratic idle, backfiring through carburetor, rattling from timing cover at startup, loss of power under load

Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and tensioner. On 318/360 engines, budget 4-5 hours labor; on 383/440 big-blocks, 5-6 hours due to accessory packaging. Must verify camshaft gear condition—nylon teeth deteriorate and can grenade into the oil pan. Always replace oil pump and timing cover gasket during job.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: intermittent no-start, stumble off idle, hunting idle speed, check engine light or no spark, dies when warm

Fix: The early Lean Burn electronic ignition control boxes fail with heat cycling. Most techs bypass the entire system and retrofit a traditional points-style or aftermarket electronic distributor (2-3 hours). OE replacements are scarce and expensive. Wiring harness corrosion at the bulkhead connector compounds diagnosis.

Estimated cost: $300-700

Symptoms: front end sits low, uneven ride height side-to-side, clunking over bumps, rust visible at lower control arm anchors, wandering steering

Fix: C-body front torsion bars are heavy-duty but the anchors rust through on rust-belt cars. Sagging bars can be adjusted but often need replacement along with lower control arm bushings (6-8 hours per side with alignment). Inspect frame rails for structural rust—if compromised, repair is not economical.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Typical onset: 50,000+ mi

Symptoms: poor fuel economy, rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, black smoke from exhaust, vacuum leaks audible at idle

Fix: The 1973 models have complex emissions carburetion—Carter BBD on sixes, Carter/Holley on V8s—with multiple vacuum ports that crack and leak. Full carburetor rebuild kits run 3-4 hours labor, but many owners convert to Edelbrock or Holley aftermarket carbs for simplicity. Always replace all vacuum hoses and inspect EGR valve function.

Estimated cost: $350-800

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: whining noise at low speed, fluid drips under engine, heavy steering when cold, squealing during full lock turns

Fix: Pumps develop internal seal leaks and high-pressure hoses crack at crimp points. Replacement pump is 1.5-2 hours labor; hoses add another hour. Flush system and check steering gearbox for leaks—C-body boxes often seep at the sector shaft seal, requiring gearbox rebuild (5-6 hours) or replacement.

Estimated cost: $400-900

Symptoms: fuel gauge reads empty or erratic, fuel smell inside cabin, rust particles in fuel filter, rust perforation visible on tank

Fix: The 22-gallon steel tank rusts from the top down due to vent placement. Sender unit corrodes and fails even if tank is sound. Dropping tank requires 2-3 hours labor; replacement tanks are scarce so most get professionally cleaned and sealed ($200-300) or use aftermarket. Always replace rubber filler neck and all hoses.

Estimated cost: $500-1,000

Symptoms: intermittent gauge failure, dimming lights, blower motor works intermittently, ammeter shows discharge, smell of burning plastic at firewall

Fix: The multi-pin bulkhead connector that passes through the firewall corrodes internally, creating high resistance. Symptoms are maddeningly intermittent. Proper fix is to disassemble, clean all pins with contact cleaner, apply dielectric grease, and reassemble (3-4 hours). Some bypass critical circuits with dedicated relays. Ammeter circuit carries high current and can overheat—upgrade to voltmeter conversion recommended.

Estimated cost: $200-500