squeeling and rattling

[fordfan]

I have a 79 and am having some issues. While in drive or reverse my idle is wacked and sputtering. when I actually accelerate its a noticable sputter which sometimes ends with engine failure. other times the sputter is followed by a loud squeel from the engine compartment and then a rattling noise. After that i usually get multiple back fires or something that sounds like a back fire. could it be my fuel pump/lines/filter? not sure but the sound also seems like it may be coming from one of my valve coverscratchhe:cratchhe:

[sparkchaser]

Could something like the alternator or power steering pump be locked up?

[fordfan]

not sure, im kinda new at this so i dont know what to look for. are their any distinguishing signs of those things being locked up?

[blazinchuck]

i would check the distributor...make sure its not loose. being a 79...shouldnt have points, but you never know what previous owners do. also look at the belts...they should be tight, should have no more than 1/2 inch of play.(to check) just press down on the belt between the distance of two pulleys.

[broncomatt]

Have someone sit in the drivers seat and put it in drive while you listen and look at the engine. It some what sounds like a water pump, alt or ps pump is locked up.
If it realy is coming from the vavle cover I would pull it off and check the rockers.
Keep us posted.

[bone collector]

well the squeel does sound like a belt issue if you can do a tune up (fuel filter plugs wires cap rotor) its a start but inexpensive and always a good place to start check ur idle it could be set to low. I dont know much but I do have a 79 and this is where i would start. How does it idle in park or nuetral?