The Chrysler K-Car Club

Hello All

I just recently purchased a 1984 LeBaron Convertible, Mark Cross Woody with the 2.6L. It's in the shop getting a Used Car Inspection. However, I was just called and told it has some rust issues, AC leak and the Carb needs some adjustment. They wanted me to see the rush before he did anymore checking to include checking the brakes since it appeared there was some rust on the brake lines.

The shop is well known, tells me the carb is electronic and they do not have the proper equipment to hook the carb up to for a diagnostic and adjustment. He suggested I call Dodge.

I called Dodge and was told by the service guy, that a 30 year old Lebaron does not have computer electronics Carb.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks

Joe

Hi Joe,
Welcome to the club, you'll find the help you need to keep your 84 running well. Those convertibles are very nice cars.

Rusted brake lines are very common up here in New Hampshire where the roads are covered in salt every winter. The lines in my 99 Dodge Ram only lasted about 7 years. I've replaced all the lines in my 86 Plymouth Reliant. It's not a big deal to replace brake lines. All the lines in your car are 3/16" common steel lines. Any competent mechanic should be able to replace what needs to be.

The Mikuni carburetors on the 2.6 did indeed have a very simple electronic control system. These cars were some of the first to have computer control systems, although by today's standards they are very primitive. No special test equipment is required other than a simple volt-ohm test meter and the factory service manual. If you are going to keep your car, I would suggest you find a copy of the factory manual as it is full of information on how to service these cars that today's mechanics have no clue about. The 84 manual is a two book set and you want the one that covers the front wheel drive cars. They often turn up on Ebay in both original book and electronic form on a DVD. Your local dodge dealer has long ago forgotten these cars were ever made. I would look for an independent shop where the owner is in his late fifties or early 60's who will remember these cars.

Good luck with your car and feel free to post any specific questions you have.

..

A couple of good replies and good advice. Seems the fog around those 2.6 engines is not going to clear in a hurry. We had them here in Australia and they have a good name as reliable engines. I don't think that ours were laden down with as much pollution gear as your cars though (although our politicians are trying hard to play catchup - duh!).

Good luck and keep us posted.