rebuild, valve job, or give up?

[Wag Chip]

So, My wife has an 86 GW with 155k. It's always had carb problems that no one could seem to solve, we've just lived with it. It runs a bit too rich, but that's really all. Over the last few years the oil leaks have gotten worse and now I'm really needing to add a lot more oil, I think it has started burning as well. I'm noticing a real loss of power and an occasional miss. Intermittently it will also stall when coming off the gas while it's warm. So, the question is how to proceed. She loves the car so we want to keep it alive. Should we just rebuild the head, swap out the intake and switch to a holley? Or, is a full on rebuild the way to go? I don't know anyone to trust to do it right here in Portland, Or so I fear it would just lead to more headaches. So many questions...

Thanks to you all, this is truly the best board around.

Chip

[Al Johnson]

At 155K miles, it's most likely time for a full-on rebuild. You should definitely do some tests first, to make sure this is the case. Compression, leakdown, and so on. But really there is little doubt.

Do the rebuild, install a Summit K8600 cam or your choice, a 4 barrel carb, and you wouldn't believe the difference!

DO NOT give up!!

[badaboom]

Build and boogie you won't regret it.

[Langdon]

Chip, it may be a simple problem...you should check the compression dry then wet and post the results here. At the same time you can inspect/replace the spark plugs. If the compression is good then you can look to ignition or fuel problems... :cool:

[Wag Chip]

Thanks to you all for the replies. I will do that, I'll test it up and post my results. I know it'll need the rebuild at some point, maybe we can put it off a little while.