1985 Dodge Diplomat - Need Reliable Help

Hello. I have a 1985 Dodge Diplomat that I bought a few months ago. It is giving me some problems so I wanted to get some advice and/or help.

These are the problems I'm having with it:

1: Sometimes while driving the car will begin to buck (stutter) and also begin to shake when I slow down and stop.

2: Not noticeble now that the weather is warm, but in the winter when starting the car it would begin to put out a large amount of exhaust, which would then go away after a few more minutes or warming up. The exhaust also leaves a black mark on the concrete.

3: From the smell the car puts out people have told me I'm burning oil.

4: My car is leaking something. It leaves a large black stain, but it doesn't have the bubbly, colored appearance of a typical oil spill.

5: I have had repeated problems with my car stalling (more specifically when slowing down) if I don't let it have a good warm up, probably atleast 5 minutes (even in warm weather) before I hit the gas pedal to kick it in.

I would highly appreciate it if anyone could give me reliable help about these problems with my car. Also, would it not be worth it to invest the money to fix it? The Exterior is in good condition, only a little rust on the bottom, and the interior is in great, clean condition. What would be a good price to sell it for?

Thanks,

Jswift286

Try and get what you paid for it of course.

I bet your catalytic converter is plugged or plugging...

1. Check EGR valve for carbon deposits to be cleanes out.
2. If exhaust is black, fuel mixture is too rich. A small black stain is normal but not a large black stain. Choke pulloff needs adjusting or need a new one.
3. Valve cover gaskets may be leaking.
5. It's normal if this is the 318(5.2L)V-8 engine. Need to be gentle on gas when starting to accelerate again after slowing down during warmup.Chrysler stated problem is the intake manifold design.
Likely need older mechanic that has worked on carbs to adjust this vehicle, younger mechanics won't have seen one except on a lawn mower. Cost may be more than what this vehicle is worth.

I am pretty sure that it is the 318 V8 engine. Thanks for all the help!

Jswift286