Plymouth Satellite

1974 Plymouth Satellite All Part Groups   

My car has a few issues. The car runs but will die after a I completely stop and press the gas once again. To avoid having the car die on me after stopping I press the the gas while while braking. Ive been told it may be the fuel pump..

Another problem is that it will sometimes start going backwards when its in park! Im guessing its because of the transmission.

Another issue is that the battery keeps dying after a few days at most. The alternator is supossedly the main reason for it.

I appreciate any help to fix my 1974 satellite sebring plus. Thanks for your time.

The stalling issue could be lack of fuel, if the pump doesn't provide enough output at low rpm's it may be running out of gas. You may also have a carburetor problem, but start by checking fuel pressure at idle. It is not a bad idea to replace the fuel filter as well.

Your shift linkage may be misadjusted slightly, worn, bent, etc causing the transmission to get caught between Park and Reverse. I consider this the most dangerous of three problems you have listed.

If the battery becomes depleted while the car is running, it is a problem with the charging system. There are two common failures-

1. The alternator
2. The voltage regulator

Your local chain parts store can test the alternator on OR off the car. This testing is free, call ahead to verify.

If the battery discharges when the engine has not been started for a few day the cause is likely different, let me know.

1973 Plymouth Satellite Chassis / Suspension & Steering   

Having a hard time with the sloppy joint in the steering. Was told to put a rag joint in there, but just doesn't look right. The area I'm referring to is beyond the power steering where the post from the steering wheel meets the counterpart. There's a large cylinder around it. Am I doing the right thing?

The joint that you are referring to is Chryslers version of a rag joint.Have some one turn the steering wheel back and forth while observing the area for sloppiness.
An actual rag joint is a rubber impregnated fabric disc about 3 inches dia and 1/4 inch thick. Its purpose is to isolate the steering wheel from road vibration. Turning the wheel back and forth (engine not running) is also a way to find tie rod looseness, idler arm looseness, and steering box looseness. The rag joint is normally about 2 to 4 inches above the steering box.

I was sold a rag joint and it doesn't look like it will work on a Mopar. I know it works for GM as I've done those. Doesn't Mopar have a different system?

Gm rag joint does not fit Mopar.Yes they are dofferent. Find a good used one, or check Hemmings Motors or Flaming River.
They have repro steering boxws and different u joints etc for steering,