68 Rambler American with 199

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   I wasn't able to find the thread, so please help me find it in case I missed it.....
I'm looking at a '68 Rambler American with a 199 and I'm not too familiar with potential issues that come up with these engines. The current owner has sent me a vid with it starting up and revving, so it does run. I'm hoping someone can provide me with help\tips\info as to what to look out for with these engines?

Also, if anyone has any good overall tips to look out for any glaring issues to specific these cars exhibit it would be appreciated. I'm aware of the notorious areas such as rear fenders, truck pan, windows, etc..

Thanks for the help!

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mrclut Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Oct/28/2014 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote mrclut Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 68 Rambler American with 199 Posted: Jun/30/2015 at 7:38pm
	I wasn't able to find the thread, so please help me find it in case I missed it..... I'm looking at a '68 Rambler American with a 199 and I'm not too familiar with potential issues that come up with these engines. The current owner has sent me a vid with it starting up and revving, so it does run. I'm hoping someone can provide me with help\tips\info as to what to look out for with these engines? Also, if anyone has any good overall tips to look out for any glaring issues to specific these cars exhibit it would be appreciated. I'm aware of the notorious areas such as rear fenders, truck pan, windows, etc.. Thanks for the help!

FSJunkie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/09/2011 Location: Flagstaff, AZ Status: Offline Points: 4742	Post Options Post Reply Quote FSJunkie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul/01/2015 at 1:18am
	Do you know about the Jeep 4.0L, 232, and 258 engines? They're basically the same as your 199. The only real difference between a 199, 232, and 258 is the stroke and on the 4.0L the bore as well. So the 199 has every bit the reputation of those other engines and is actually probably even more reliable because the 199 is just a strong yet it produces less power so it's components are not as stressed.
	1955 Packard 1966 Marlin 1972 Wagoneer 1973 Ambassador 1977 Hornet 1982 Concord D/L 1984 Eagle Limited

Bill Mitchell Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jul/12/2011 Location: St Matthews, SC Status: Offline Points: 340	Post Options Post Reply Quote Bill Mitchell Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul/01/2015 at 7:52am
	I have a 68 American with the 199 engine. I have not had any trouble at all with the car. Runs great and is reliable.
	Bill Mitchell

KermitDRambler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/06/2007 Location: Cincinnati, OH Status: Offline Points: 2579	Post Options Post Reply Quote KermitDRambler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul/01/2015 at 11:02am
	There are a couple of things to look for: They oil through the rocker shaft and if oil changes aren't kept up, the oil passage between the head and block gets clogged up and blocks the flow of oil. As a quick check, start the car and pull the oil fill cap off. If you can see oil flowing and things look wet, it's likely fine. If this is a problem, it's pretty simple to fix. See http://www.mattsoldcars.com/RestoreAmerican/boltmod.shtml for info on how to fix it. The age issue has to do with the valve stem seals. As they age, the seals break into chunks and find there way into the oil pan. They then get sucked up into the oil pickup and eventually block it which cuts off oil flow to the engine. If you see oil flowing through the oil fill cap, it's likely not an issue. Intake and exhaust manifolds tend to warp with age. This is more of a straight six problem that anything AMC specific. Take a look at http://www.mattsoldcars.com/RestoreAmerican/loose_intake.shtml for replair information. The last common problem is the heat riser valve getting stuck shut. This kills power and fuel economy and can cause the carb to flood. You can sometimes free them up with penetrating oil and some patience but they sometimes get rusted up so bad that you need to cut them out. Again, this isn't anything AMC specific but something to be aware of. Matt
	1967 American wagon http://www.mattsoldcars.com

mrclut Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Fan Joined: Oct/28/2014 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote mrclut Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul/01/2015 at 9:02pm
	Appreciate the help fellas

farna Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19692	Post Options Post Reply Quote farna Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul/02/2015 at 6:23am
	Matt covered everything I can think of... with one exception. The auto choke. It has a tube that runs through the exhaust manifold. If the choke is sticking or not working pull the cover. If it has carbon inside the tube has a hole in it in the manifold. The tube runs THROUGH the manifold. Drill it out and insert a piece of steel tubing (brake line). Drill the hole to the OD of the tubing then put the tubing in the freezer for a couple hours. Should slide right in, but a little WD-40 won't hurt. Alternately, you might be able to install an electric choke, depends on the carb used.
	Frank Swygert

carnuck Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Mar/31/2010 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 3942	Post Options Post Reply Quote carnuck Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jul/04/2015 at 5:07pm
	Just a point, but the bellhousing pattern changed after '71 so only pre '72 AMC 6 cyls (199 and 232 plus '71 only 258) fit and the starter also changed sides at the same time which makes it easy to spot. late '68-'72 IHs also ran some AMC 6s with small bell.
	Got an Eagle? http://forums.amceaglesden.com