Mark Maras

I'd pull the valve cover first and look for the gremlin. You could get a bore scope and take a look at the cylinders but most of the time they're fine. I'm still betting the tapping is coming from the valve train.

If you can, take pics when you remove the cover. We all want to see what gremlin lurks under it.

On your three screw carbs, there should be a float bowl drain plug on the side of the float bowls. The "float sync. tools" replace the drain plugs with the clear tube oriented up. The fuel height in the tube is the same as the fuel height in the bowl. same as if there was a window in the side of the bowl.

Do you feel a pulsation in the pedal? You might also try easing the E. brake on while driving to try to detect a pulsation in the E. brake handle. It's also possible that the return springs on the rear brakes are weak and not pulling the shoes all the way back, allowing them to drag. VOE on my 71 621 pick-up.

One of the loose pieces to look for.

If memory is correct the thread is BPT. Try McMaster-Carr.

I agree with the Captain. Pull the valve cover. It's easy. (Did your mechanic do that?) That tapping noise sounds like it is coming from the valve train. Look for a worn camshaft or loose pieces. (both are doubtful) If all looks OK, adjust the valves and take another compression test. BTW, although this may sound complicated if you've not done it before, it's all pretty basic and quite easy to understand and accomplish with a repair manual and a few hand tools. Adjusting the valve lash is part of a regular tune-up on Zs. It's a good thing to learn.

Did your mechanic figure out the reason for the low compression? I'd want to know what's wrong before a rebuild. There's many reasons for low compression that can be repaired without a complete rebuild.

Ditto on the new studs, lock washers and nuts. You'll also want to coat all the threads with anti-seize. None has been used on the old studs in your pic. (Shame, Shame) Another possibility to ensure there's no trouble with removal in the future would be brass nuts on steel (maybe stainless) studs. Before you tear it apart, how about clamping the side of the flange with the broken stud with vise grips and listen to the degree of change. Should be easy to reach from above.

Did a little on line digging for info. It appears that Mustangs and Jeeps at, one time, used the T-5. The jeep reverse switch for the NWC T5 trans, APPEARS to be very similar to the one on the left in your pic. Didn't research the Mustang trans switch yet. Perhaps a trip to the parts store with switch in hand will come up with a match. I hope the Jeep switch works for you. They're only $10.00 - $15.00.

I think the water will evaporate immediately. I use a 3' - 4' piece of garden hose as a stethoscope. It's a very effective method for sourcing noises. You'll be able to get one end of the hose down by the gasket while remaining clear of the hot manifold.

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. It does remind me of Rossiz's troubles with his fuel injection. He had multiple outings with his daughter that ended prematurely. Not to worry, it's just part of the "sorting out" process.

If the trans. case number is D3202, the OEM switch part number is C200506P01. Rockauto.com says they have them. Google the part number.

Beautiful picture, on many levels. The flight jacket was a nice touch.

Checking my stock. Early 71 - single mount. Early 74 - dbl. mount.

Or a trick motor driven rotisserie that would slowly barrel roll the car. In all reality tho, I do love your attention to detail. Changing a sows ear into a silk purse comes to mind.

A volt-ohm meter is the best tool. Check for switched voltage and repeat turning the key to verify reliability. Or unplug it and do the same thing by reading continuity (ohms).

I'd check the ignition switch.

Did he give you THAT LOOK (that I know so well) before he walked away?

I believe you'd have to cut the lower end and weld in a piece to lengthen the shifter.

Old school method of checking the mixture is the color of the spark plugs. Simple and relatively accurate.

Pushing the car back and forth will frequently break them loose. You're fortunate the car has been garaged.

I'd do a compression check, just to put my mind at ease.

How much pressure are you going to use?

Way cool You realize, of course, that the orders for a kit are going to be rolling in. How long did you sit and watch it work. I would have cracked a cold one to fully enjoy the experience.