couple questions

[akawes]

Ok so my 76 has trouble idling (i'm assuming timing) you have to work the gas or it'll slowly die. also i'm pushing oil through the spark plug hole. It has since went away but the last set of plugs i pulled out were covered in oil. (a buddy is thinking that the piston rings are shot)

Are we right or could it be something else?

[maytag]

also i'm pushing oil through the spark plug hole.

What do you mean by this? just that you're finding oil on the plugs when you remove them? or something else?

[akawes]

both i'm finding oil on the plugs when i pull them and sometimes there is oil on the outside in that recess on the head where the plug sits but that has gone away.

[So Cal Mark]

liquid oil on the spark plug threads comes from above, not the cylinder

[maytag]

usually the oil in the plug wells is from leaks elsewhere, or perhaps most commonly: spilled when adding oil.

it is certainly possible that the rings are old and worn. But there are other things that can cause oily plugs as well.

so first-things first:
check your timing is correct.
Check your fuel filter is clean, and the gas is recent.

confirm all that for us, and then tell us where we're at.

[akawes]

I know the filter is clean and the gas is recent because we just replaced the fuel pump yesterday. also put about a half tank in the car yesterday also. I'll check the timing tomorrow after work. the gas tank needs to be resealed or replaced i'm pretty sure the old fuel filter had a bunch of rust particles in it.

[So Cal Mark]

if the filter was full of rust, rest assured it's rusty in the carb too

[akawes]

Mark what pressure should the cylinders be at? Just so I know.