I think that Joe and the other moderators will agree that the hardest part of ANY DIY job is [i]finding out how to do it[/i], whether that means consulting manuals, experts, or this site (I usually come here first, read directions later..lol). I have a tip for anyone out that that attends church- look for folks who can help you out- ask around, someone is bound to be experienced in what you need. This is a stupid reason alone to go to church, I recommend going to worship God [i]over all other reasons,[/i] but God chooses to bless us in odd ways sometimes. You can usually get honest answers from folks there. My church is riddled with mechanincs, some ASE Certified, some BYGM (Back Yard Grease Monkey) Certified. They have been more than willing to help me, even loan me odd tools and stuff, for my auto DIY jobs. One of them works at a shop and he does all kinds of diagnostic work for free, and refers me to a reputable dealer who always gives me good service if it's a specialty repair that he can't do. If you attend a church, be on the lookout for similar minded folks and see what you can learn or teach. You'll be amazed at what you find out!!!!!

86 Supreme, 307, 100,600 miles. Automatic. This car runs and idles as smooth as cream, cold or hot. But I have noticed a lot of racket upon light acceleration (as if about to pass someone). Clatter. In the past, I just ran 93 octane in my clattery GM's and the clatter went away. But considering the cost of 93 I'm not going that route. New plugs, wires, ignition rotor and cap, new oil and filter, new fuel and filter (just refilled the tank from empty, still clatter). Aweful gas mileage. I expected 15 MPG but am seeing about 12-13 MPG. Seems to me that for such a slow car that the mileage would be a bit better. Maybe this is related to the clatter. Usually this is a timing thing, so I'll have to have that checked (my old timing light is broken and I don't even know how to use it, lol, was my pops- I dunno why I keep it). Other than timing, it is possible that the plugs are the wrong size, as I've read. I bought the Delco's from Advance, and they looked it up on the 'puter. When I took the plugs to a friend of mine to install (due to time/patience restraints) he said I had the wrong size, so he went to Advance and swapped to the "correct" size. He assured me that he gapped them right, too. So I'll take his word but I dunno....... Are there any quick checks I can do to this without any special tools before I truck it over to the shop? Mako