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: 1/2/2008 Subject: '73 gremlin is sick (not the good kind of sick)
Question my little gremlin is old and tired. it's all he can do to climb long hills, and sometimes he'll backfire out of the carb when trying to get up said hills. what's that about?
and (yep there's an and)
in park and neutral he idles @1200 / in all other gears his idle rpms drop to 700. what's that about too?
p.s. i'm kinda dumb
Answer The simplest thing to do is to replace the carburetor. Sounds like yours is in need of an overhaul or replacement.
While you're at it, has it had a good tune up lately? This would include spark plugs, ignition points, rotor, distributor cap, ignition wires, air filter & fuel filter.
