AboutKevin Pilotte Expertise I can answer many technical questions relating to AMC vehicles prior to 1979. I also have experience with Rambler & Nash vehicles.
Experience I am a former AMC technician, service writer and service manager. I have worked in AMC dealers in Illinois in the 70's. After college, I was a Field Service Rep for American Motors Sales Corporation, working out of the Chicago Zone office. I traveled to AMC dealers assisting in the diagnosis and repair of AMC vehicles. I was also the Area Training Manager for DeLorean Motor Company. I have 10+ years as an Automotive Instructor. I have modified and restored
numerous AMC vehicles. I have been working on AMC vehicles for over 30 years.
Organizations I have been an ASE Certified Master Technician since 1975. This includes L1. I am also currently a Toyota Certified Master Diagnostic Technician.
Publications I have articles in "American Motoring", the official publication of the American Motors Owners Association. They are the largest AMC club in the world.
Expert: Kevin Pilotte Date: 1/12/2008 Subject: 1976 CJ 5 232 C.I.
Question IT STARTS THEN ENGINE DIES DESPITE FOOT ON ACCELERATOR.MECHANIC TESTED GROUNDCABLES,STARTER,ALTERNATOR(ALL AOK) STILL STATES ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. NEW SPARK PLUGS,CHANGED OIL,NEW BATTERY, ETC. STARTS THEN DIES OUT. BLOWBACK NOTED VIA DIPSTICK, WOULD DETONATE. WHAT GIVES? HE STATES NEED OVERHAUL BUT STILL THINKS SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. ADVISED CONVERTING TO DISTRIBUTOR WITH POINTS(WHAT TYPE IS MY OEM DISTRIBUTOR? STATES SPARK MODULE, COIL OK. HAS MODIFIED CAM,OFFENHAUSER MANIFOLD,HOLLEY 4 BARREL 390 CFM ELEC CHOKE(RECENTLY WITH NEW KIT REPLACED)AND HEADERS. I HAD THESE MODS SINCE 1977 AND ABOVE PROBLEMS HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT FOR LAST 3 YEARS.HARD STARTING CAUSES FLOODING, AN HOUR LATER, WOULD START,BUT CUTS OUT. RESTART WOULD CAUSE BLOWBACK AND "GURGLING' SOUND IN EXHAUST THEN DETONATES AND STEAM OR SMOKE ESCAPES VIA HOOD SPACES. WOULD OVERHAULING SOLVE THE PROBLEM OR IS THERE ANY OTHER CONCERN AND ADDED COST? HAS FIBERGLASS TUB,FENDERS AND CAB, BUT ORIGINAL GRILL AND HOOD(DONE ABOUT 15 YEARS AGO).WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR EXPERT ADVISE AND COMMENT. THANK YOU. SINCERELY, N.J.
Answer 1) Perform compression test or cylinder leakage test.
2) If you have the original ignition, it is Prestolite electronic. They were prone for pick up failure. Also try another igntion module, pick up a cheap one at a parts store.
3) Do you have fuel pressure?
4) Do you have a strong spark?
5) Is the float level adjusted properly?
