You are here:

American Motors/1974 AMC 360 V8 leaking oil...

Advertisement

Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 7/8/2009


Question
Hello,
My 1974 AMC matador's engine recently began leaking oil from what appears to be the front right cylinder of the engine. What most likely is the cause of this leakage? it seems to be seeping from about the head gasket, or perhaps a valve?

Answer
The most common oil leak you are describing is from the vavle cover gasket. Second would be the intake manifold gasket at the front or rear of the manifold.
Clean the area with a solvent i.e. brake clean. Monitor the area and you should get a better idea of where the leak is.
Use quality valve cover gaskets. Do not use a cork gasket. Make sure the surface around the valve cover bolts are true and and not warped. Don't over tighten the bolts when installing the valve covers.

American Motors

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.