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American Motors/amc V8 timing covers and oil pumps

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Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 10/26/2008


Question

I have a 68 290 CID, a 68 343 CID, and a 69 390 CID engines, as well as an 83 360 CID. When the 360 was in my 83 wagoneer it had low oil pressure when the engine was at normal operating temperature.(dropped to less than 10 PSI) I used 20-50 oil in it and had great pressure during warm up. I attributed this to a warn oil pump housing. Never had any lifter or bearing noises. Is there any way to repair these pumps or must the housing be replaced?

I would like to rebuild all the 60's engines also and have been told these engines need to be externally balanced with the flywheel is this true?

Thank you for your help.
As a young person I worked in an AMC dealership in MA.

Answer
There is no repairing the oil pump on an AMC engine. There is, however, new timing cover housings available from numerous AMC parts vendors online.
You don't need the flywheel to balance it, but if your machine shop can balance it that way, it's OK.

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Kevin 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.

Education/Credentials
I have a certificate I printed out from a website.

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