You are here:
- Home
- Autos
- Auto Repair
- American Motors
American Motors/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| 84 cj7 carb problem | 3/25/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: Not sure if it is the carb. I purchased the cj about a month ago and the seller told me that it ... A: 1) A restircted fuel filter would affect the engine performance at higher speeds as in starving the ... | ||
| AMC ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER | 3/24/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I have an engine block casting number from a 1974 AMC Hornet. Where can I go to find out what this ... A: 1970-1982 304 CID engine. Here is a site that will help you in the future: ... | ||
| 88 amc eagle | 3/24/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I saw the posting of the 88 amc eagle with stalling problems. I am having the same issue. Starts ... A: Using a digital voltmeter, measure Voltage at the (+) side of the ignition coil with the key on. ... | ||
| 88 amc eagle | 3/24/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I saw the posting of the 88 amc eagle with stalling problems. I am having the same issue. Starts ... A: When the ignition switch was replaced, was it properly adjusted? This is the switch on the steering ... | ||
| borg warner A-12 automatic | 3/19/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I found a 1969 Javelin SST with a 390 auto...I look at the trans and it is a borg warner A-12 I look ... A: AMC used Borg Warner automatics thru 1971, then switched to Torque-Flites. The B-W isn't known as a ... | ||
| starting a 304 after sitting | 3/17/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I have been rebuilding a 79 cj5 and it hasn't been running for over a year.The previous owner said ... A: 1) Change oil & filter. 2) Remove spark plugs and spray a teaspoon of oil into each cylinder 3) ... | ||
| 1979 Jeep Cherokee Gas Gauge | 3/17/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I have a 1979 Jeep Cherokee and the fuel gauge reads empty. I've traced the wire from the sending ... A: 1) Disconnect the sending unit wire from the tank and ground it. 2) Turn the ignition key on. 3) If ... | ||
| 304 year changes | 3/13/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I have a 1979 304 in a cj5. I understand that the 79 engine has about 30 horsepower less than the ... A: The engines in 1979 sufffered from Uncle Sam's involvement. Emissions. Different cylinder heads were ... | ||
| 85 CJ7 Carb Problem/Starting Problem | 3/12/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I have an 85 CJ7 Automatic. When I try to start the jeep it will not start no matter how many ... A: First thing after the vehicle is cold try this: DO NOT START THE ENGINE!!! 1) Remove the air cleaner ... | ||
| water in oil | 3/11/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: got a engine that was just rebuilt, left the valve covers off to adjust valves, rained and water got ... A: How long was the water in the crankcase? Could be rust on the inside got into the bearings and wiped ... | ||
| 304 rockers | 3/9/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: #1 What years did not have bridged rockers? #2 I tightened the nuts holding my rockers on. Did not ... A: 1) V-8 bridge rockers were used starting in 1974. 2) Tightening your rocker nuts are OK. They are ... | ||
| 79 AMC 304 V8 Carb help | 3/7/2009 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I have a 79 amc 304 v8 bored .30 over out of a Javelin that I put into my Jeep scrambler. edelbrock ... A: I have never used an Edelbrock carburetor so I am not familiar with it's idiosyncrasies. But basic ... | ||
| 1977 AMC gremlin vaccum diagram | 11/30/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I own a 1977 amc gremlin with the 258 c.i. I6 engine, with a two barrel carb and electronic ... A: If you can locate a 1977 AMC repair manual, buy it. It will have the hose routing. Or check your ... | ||
| 74 Javelin Carb Conversion | 11/24/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I noted your response re: changing the carb to a 4B on a stock 304. What model Holley would you ... A: If the 304 is not modified and you will not be modifying it, go to NAPA and get a remanufactured 4 ... | ||
| Ignition problems | 11/15/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I have a 1974 scout II with a inline Amc 258, I have 12 volt going to my coil and when I hook up the ... A: Touch a 12V test light to the negative side of the ignition coil while cranking the engine, it ... | ||
| 1979 CJ7 258-6 Problem | 11/12/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: Problem is at a constant speed above 50 mph the engine will lose power as if starved for gas.This ... A: It is possible the engine is starving for fuel. Check the pick up sock in the tank for ... | ||
| 1974 (?) 304 engine vacuum lines | 11/11/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I just picked up a '74 304 Hornet hatchback, the valve cover tag codes out to be a '71 engine, is ... A: It is possible the engine has been replaced, it's a simple swap. As for the vacuum routing, there ... | ||
| Re: Ignition Switch | 10/30/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: ... I need to replace the ignition switch with keys for a 1965 Rambler Ambassador 4-dr 990. After ... A: Companies still making the switch I don't know. However, here are 3 vendors that specialize in old ... | ||
| amc V8 timing covers and oil pumps | 10/26/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: 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 ... A: There is no repairing the oil pump on an AMC engine. There is, however, new timing cover housings ... | ||
| windshield removel | 10/24/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: i want to take out my windshield from my 65 american 2 door i am restoring before i paint it. i am ... A: If you have never removed a windshield before, I would STRONGLY recommend having a professional do ... | ||
| 1974 Gremlin x V8 (304) | 10/22/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: my carburetor on my 304 is an motorcraft 4TA4 AA, and I like to replace it with an newer one, what ... A: You have basically 2 other choices. 1) Holley 600 w/vacuum secondaries. Been around for a long ... | ||
| Brake differential pressure switch | 10/18/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: Kevin, After checking all of the parts houses in my area and not being able to locate a brake ... A: You should not run your vehicle without that valve. You have disc brakes on the front and drum ... | ||
| Jeep CJ7 | 10/16/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I recently purchased an '81 CJ7 w/258-6 4sp. It has alot of issues, most of which I've got ... A: Visit you local salvage yard and ask to see their interchangability book. In it you can see what ... | ||
| 1983 CJ7 Brake Proportioning Valve | 9/9/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I am replacing the Brake System on my 83 CJ7. I need direction on where to get the tool to hold the ... A: That was a special service tool from AMC/Jeep. Try bleeding the system at the P-valve, this will ... | ||
| turn signal switch | 9/6/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: where can i find a turn signal switch for a 61 rambler American? i been looking online but no luck i ... A: Hemmings News is a good place to check. www.amonational.com is a good AMC club to join. This gives ... | ||
| 1985 CJ 7 | 9/5/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: My CJ does not want to idle very well. It either idles at very high rpm or stalls. I can adjust the ... A: A few things to check: 1) Try some fresh gasoline. Gasoline looses it "umphh" after sitting for a ... | ||
| my 69 amx will not start | 9/4/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: ok, i just put my car on the road first time sence it was rebilt and drove to town. i got back tuned ... A: Check your primary wiring. That's the wiring running from the solenoid to the ignition switch, to ... | ||
| amc 20 rear | 9/3/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: i upgraded my amc to one piece axles. had a professional press on the bearings. 3 months later ... A: I don't know what other rear end would fit. Check with some online Jeep websites and forums. As for ... | ||
| 1983 cj7 | 9/3/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: my 258 runs fine lots of power but has a clicking noise i thought it was the valve lifters so i ... A: A "clicking" noise from your engine could be 1) worn rocker arms 2) worn rocker arm pivots or ... | ||
| 94 camry | 8/30/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: i drive a 94 toyota camry and was wondering what it means when my car gets a little shaky in ... A: I need more information. Does this happen only after the vehicle has been sitting and the engine is ... | ||
| oil leek | 8/29/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: Ihave a amc 304 that is leeking oil where the top of the timing chain cover meets the block just ... A: You should make sure the surface is clean, then apply the gasket using an adhisive sealer. i.e. 3M ... | ||
| 1966 rambler classic | 8/28/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: i just bought the car it has 1 rear quarter panel rust / exhausts system needs replacement / some ... A: How much money do you want to spend? Seriously, if you are driving this car, the first items you ... | ||
| leaky vents | 8/27/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I just got a 1974 AMX Javelin with a 401/auto trans with no AC. When it rains water comes in the ... A: It is possible you have a rust problem. Check the air intake at the base of the windshield. Look for ... | ||
| 1979 AMC Concord | 8/25/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: just purchased a 1979 AMC Concord. The model I purchased didn't come with power brakes or a radio. ... A: 1979 AMCs had weird sized radios. A few placed to find one would be: 1) E Bay 2) Craigslist 3) ... | ||
| 72 cj5 wont start | 8/19/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: Have a 72 cj5 that will crank but wont fire. Used starter fluid and only get loud popping from the ... A: You need three things happening at the right time to get your engine running. 1) Gas. Is the ... | ||
| 78 360 engine ID | 8/18/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: My nephew just got a 78 Cherokee w/ 360 turbo 400. I'm very familar with GM and remember some ... A: I do not know why it would be painted red, unless someone painted it. Look on the side of the block, ... | ||
| CHARGING PROBLEM | 8/18/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: MY '71 AMC GREMLIN 258 HAS A CHARGING ISSUE. THE BATTERY DRAINS TO DEAD OVERNITE. IVE REPLACED THE ... A: Get a good digital multi meter. Hook the Ammeter up in series with the negative post of the battery. ... | ||
| 70 amx ignition wiring | 8/17/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I am confused with the wiring diagram in the service manual. There are two yellow wires together ... A: Your starter relay has 4 terminals. Two large ones and two smaller ones next to each other. The ... | ||
| 327 amc motors | 8/17/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: will this motor bolt right up to were a 304 or 360 was or does it have different motor mounts the ... A: Yes. The AMC 327 was typical of the engines back in the 50's & early 60's. It is thick wall ... | ||
| 76 AMC Pacer | 8/15/2008 | Kevin Pilotte |
| Q: I recently was given my grandmothers 1976 Pacer. It has about 70000 miles on it and is in good ... A: Sandra, It sounds as though your Pacer is in need of some carburetor work. If you have to pump the ... | ||
Page: Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Next All
Kevin Pilotte
Top Expert on this page
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.