1970 PLYMOUTH SATELLITE

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: rattling at startup for 2-3 seconds, rough idle especially when warm, backfiring through carburetor, loss of power and poor throttle response

Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and tensioner; requires front accessory removal and timing cover R&R. With engine in car: 4-6 hours labor. Smart move is full timing set kit with double-roller chain. Original single-row chains were marginal from the factory.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Symptoms: clunking over bumps, excessive dive when braking, uneven tire wear on inside edges, sagging front end on one or both sides, visible rust through frame rail where torsion bar anchors

Fix: Torsion bar anchors rust through the K-member requiring welded repair plates or K-member replacement. Lower control arm bushings dry-rot and ball joints wear out. Complete front rebuild: 8-12 hours including alignment. K-member replacement if severe corrosion: add 6-8 hours and subframe connectors highly recommended.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800

Symptoms: ammeter pegged or not reading, intermittent charging, melted bulkhead connector plastic, burning smell behind dash, complete electrical failure, dash lights flickering

Fix: Chrysler ran full alternator output through the ammeter and bulkhead connector — both become resistance points. Ammeter bypass with voltmeter conversion: 2-3 hours. Bulkhead connector cleaning/repair or replacement: 3-4 hours. This is a fire hazard on high-amp alternators. Must also verify alternator isn't overcharging.

Estimated cost: $300-700

Symptoms: hard starting when hot, fuel smell in garage, flooding and black smoke, flat spot on acceleration, rough idle that improves with choke on

Fix: Carter AVS and BBD carbs plus Holley 2210/2245 models have brass floats that develop pinholes and sink, causing flooding. Accelerator pump diaphragms harden. Complete rebuild kit: 2-3 hours for experienced tech, 4-5 for DIY first-timer. Ethanol fuel accelerates deterioration dramatically.

Estimated cost: $200-450

Typical onset: 100,000+ mi

Symptoms: oil dripping from bell housing inspection cover, oil spots under transmission area, clutch slippage if manual transmission, low oil level requiring frequent top-ups

Fix: Two-piece rope seal design common to Mopar V8s seeps with age. Requires transmission removal. Manual trans: 6-8 hours. Automatic: 8-10 hours due to torque converter handling. Upgrade to modern split neoprene seal recommended. Some try stop-leak additives but results temporary at best.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: harsh ride over bumps, clunking from rear on acceleration or braking, rear axle appears off-center, visibly rotted rubber bushings, rear end hopping under hard launch

Fix: Original rubber bushings dry-rot and metal shackles rust solid. All four bushings plus shackle hardware: 4-5 hours. Penetrating oil soak required days before, sometimes torch needed. Polyurethane upgrades available and recommended. Spring U-bolts often corroded and snap during removal — budget replacements.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: excessive play at center — 2-3 inches of wheel movement before wheels turn, binding when turning lock-to-lock, groaning when parking, wandering on highway requiring constant correction

Fix: Manual steering boxes can be adjusted via sector shaft screw but often worn beyond adjustment. Rebuild kits exist: 6-8 hours due to pitman arm removal difficulty and box bench work. Used cores from dry climates better option. Power steering cars suffer similar wear but less common due to lower effort.

Estimated cost: $500-900