My 69 amx
Printed From: TheAMCForum.com
Category: The Garage
Forum Name: AMC V8 Engine Repair and Modifications
Forum Description: AMC-made V8 engine mechanical, ignition and fuel from basic repair to high-perf modifications
URL: https://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=97393
Printed Date: Apr/19/2024 at 9:39pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: My 69 amx
Posted By: amx007
Subject: My 69 amx
Date Posted: Nov/21/2018 at 8:26pm
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it’s been to 1/2 dozen local wrenches and no one can get it right the electrics alone suck , the cars rebuilt and runs like trash any help Chicago area
------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Replies:
Posted By: turbo
Date Posted: Nov/21/2018 at 8:34pm
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watchu talking' bout, Willis? ------------- they call me Capt RETIRED! |
Posted By: 401jim
Date Posted: Nov/22/2018 at 4:07am
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What are you in reference about? Engine running? Lights? Instruments? What?????? ------------- 
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Posted By: mixed up
Date Posted: Nov/22/2018 at 5:21am
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tell us about whats on the engine .carb ignition is it stock and what gremlins you have haha and this wonderful forum will walk you through the trouble shooting process ------------- 69 amx 290 auto 65 220 290 4spd 80 ford fairmont |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Nov/22/2018 at 2:06pm
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the charge system is canabalized with weird things I have never seen done The engine was running but sounds like it has huge exhaust leak, it stalled it after about 2 miles driving, I pulled it home to my house , the painter had family problems so he stopped work it was in a his work Garge for 5 months , I rebuild holly, m12 trans out of a machine , battery could be shot , the engine was rebuilt when I got car 1 year ago since then all maintenance done for a car that’s been sitting I’m thinking timing , 290
------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: mixed up
Date Posted: Nov/23/2018 at 6:56am
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i would start at the engine make sure the battery fully charged check for spark first then bring the number one piston to top dead and pull the cap check the location of the rotor for timing issue then I might think about changing the coil to known good one it also could have a plugged pick up sock in the tank from bad gas other things to look at is cam gear make sure your getting fuel on the exhaust leak if it has headers they are known to hit the head bolt on the bottom side and need to be clearance to fit proper or you might have to check the bolt on the manifolds if it has the old heat riser in the exhaust system make sure its all there I have seen the shaft slide out causing a leak and now the charging system the Motorola system i my experience were always having issues not charging so converted mine to a 2 wire gm alt or get a schismatic and start rewire the thing hope this gave you a place to start good luck on the project keep us informed ------------- 69 amx 290 auto 65 220 290 4spd 80 ford fairmont |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Nov/23/2018 at 10:26am
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thank you for help I’m so confused at 67 I’m not quite the same guy when I had my old 69 in 71 But that makes sense , no headers , I think the donut to pipe off exhaust manifold is bad And this enigne should run like a top ...
------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: PHAT69AMX
Date Posted: Nov/23/2018 at 12:04pm
I'd be glad to help since I no longer have a car but sadly I'm 500 miles away...  -------------  Link to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MySiKQsmWxU" rel="nofollow - Short YouTube Burnout Video |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Nov/24/2018 at 7:20pm
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I’m so poed I ll sell it to you lol
------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Dec/19/2018 at 4:29pm
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Ok here it goes from what I have found the car ran with plug wires all out of place now I put them were they go in proper Oder and car turn and wants to start but no go Any thoughts Gary
------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: bcsideshow
Date Posted: Dec/19/2018 at 4:57pm
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Timing. Assuming you got it on Top dead center on 1 on compression stroke when you redid the plug wires. Rotate the distributor slightly each way to see if you get better results. Also assumes you have good gas, choke closed, and solid stream of gas into the carb when setting choke. ------------- 1969 SCRambler "B" 1970 AMX 390 Auto 1968 AMX 390 Auto 1970 Rebel Machine Project 1969 AMX 390 4SPD Project 1969 AMX 390 Auto Project 1969 Javelin 390 project 1997 Cherokee lifted 1998 TJ Lifted |
Posted By: White70JavelinSST
Date Posted: Dec/19/2018 at 4:57pm
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Now that plug wires are installed in the correct firing order on the distibutor and going to each cylinder, the distributor is probably 180 degrees out of time...just a guess. \When no.1 cylinder is on TDC does the rotor point to the boss on the distributor cap for no. 1 cylinder?
------------- 70 Javelin SST, second owner, purchased 1972 |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Dec/19/2018 at 5:15pm
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I’ll try loosening the distributor and move it but what gets me is how did it run with the wires like that no wonder it was backfireing can’t trust anyone sabatogee
------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: BassBoat
Date Posted: Dec/21/2018 at 3:18pm
| Lots of possibilities. Might have a bad cam. Common old car problem. You say you rebuilt the Holley, it is very common for a Holley to backfire and blow the power valve. Running with a blown power valve will quickly foul the spark plugs. Newer Holley will have check valve to prevent power valve damage. What carb is on it and is it an older carb that you rebuilt? If you don't know, replace the power valve and spark plugs. Next, I am surprised by your comment that the car ran with the spark plug wires wrong. Check again. What I would recommend is pulling number one spark plug, put your thumb over the hole, and crank it by hand until you feel pressure. That means you are on the compression stroke. Then turn just enough more to line up the timing mark and you will be on top dead center for number one. Whereever the rotor points should be number one. Then make sure the wires in order go 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 and recognize that drivers side is 1-3-5-7 front to back and passengers side is 2-4-6-8 front to back. If you have been to multiple shops it might be in your best interest to fly Phat69 into town and pay him expenses. If you can tow it to Cincinnati, I'll show you how to do it for free. |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Dec/21/2018 at 10:10pm
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it nice to get the help thanx guys Gary merry Xmas to all ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Jan/27/2019 at 8:51am
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Well my thanx goes out to grey ghost for coming all the way to my house to help work on my amx We did all the right stuff to no avail new plugs no points could not find them but it wanted to run but would not , carb getting gas to plugs, thoughts are leaning to timing chain ( hope not ) Points were working according to dwell meter . Now Hope to figure this out without tearing it all the way down checked compression when cold could not warm it up to try right way still at 150 though Hope not cam ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: PHAT69AMX
Date Posted: Jan/27/2019 at 1:09pm
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Das bummer... Did you all happen to check to see if the Rockers were too tight or if the Push Rods were too long ?
------------- Link to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MySiKQsmWxU" rel="nofollow - Short YouTube Burnout Video |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Jan/27/2019 at 1:27pm
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no we didn’t did not get that far good points ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: PHAT69AMX
Date Posted: Jan/27/2019 at 1:50pm
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Can you post pictures of the engine compartment?
------------- Link to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MySiKQsmWxU" rel="nofollow - Short YouTube Burnout Video |
Posted By: Grey Ghost
Date Posted: Jan/27/2019 at 9:50pm
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From what I could see Gary's wiring is not in bad shape some one wired in the electric choke near the ballast resister at the coil. I static timed the distributor of the crank thinking the balancer outer ring may have spun but that was not the case. the points were out of adjustment so set them to 28 degree dwell while cranking, did a compression test has 150 psi across the board put new spark plugs in. Some were black other looked ok not excessively wet, checked the float levels on the Holley front was low rear was good. I tried hot wiring the coil strait off the battery to eliminate any issues that might be present up stream, the best we could get out of engine was barely run at wide open throttle with priming intake with carb cleaner. Drained fuel out of the float bowl looked good smelled good so not a bad gas issue, all this done while it was 4 degrees outside. was unable to check timing chain play due to engine has wrong crank bolt and it was loose. our next plan of attack is to tow it to my house were I can dig into it deeper, only brought a limited amount of tools with me. My plan is to eliminate everything externally before the engine needs to be opened up. I think I covered everything up to this point. Just remembered pulled the fuse for the choke to try with it opened and closed. ------------- Lets go racing! |
Posted By: Someassemblyrqd
Date Posted: Jan/27/2019 at 9:56pm
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Did you grind up a dizzy gear with this new build engine?
------------- Greg E. |
Posted By: PHAT69AMX
Date Posted: Jan/27/2019 at 9:56pm
In 4 degrees ? ! ... awesome work 
------------- Link to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MySiKQsmWxU" rel="nofollow - Short YouTube Burnout Video |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Jan/28/2019 at 8:22am
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Again my thanx to grey ghost ITV just bugs me that it ran good 7 months ago , I ordered a crank bolt so that’s a start in right direction hope weather breaks soon as I can get it towed to grey ghost and stupid me backed car in so even with heat we had to keep opening the door . I’m wondering what could it be ..? ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: Grey Ghost
Date Posted: Jan/28/2019 at 3:03pm
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Dizzy gear was good cam gear looked good in the hole also. ------------- Lets go racing! |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Feb/08/2019 at 7:23pm
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what r thoughts on throwing a 390 in there ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: Greyhounds_AMX
Date Posted: Feb/09/2019 at 1:59am
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It sounds like your spark quality isn't good enough. Possibly the condenser is shot. Maybe an upgraded distributor is due. ------------- 1968 AMX 390 w/T5 |
Posted By: Greyhounds_AMX
Date Posted: Feb/09/2019 at 8:12am
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With 150 psi on each cylinder it seems like you could rule out major internal mechanical problems, like cam timing. You could pull a plug wire and let the spark jump to ground so you can see the color. Blue white is good, orange not good. The carb could be plugged up with rust fines. Over time I've seen the rust settle to a cake, and the fuel drained out pretty clear then. If you pull the front bowl you'll be able to tell if that could be it as some will settle there first. ------------- 1968 AMX 390 w/T5 |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Feb/09/2019 at 8:33am
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carb fresh rebuild from ace
Thinking on changeing to solid state ignition Thoughts ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: Grey Ghost
Date Posted: Feb/10/2019 at 9:30pm
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Gary we can do an electronic ignition upgrade, I have a stock Motorcraft style distributor (we will need to install your original gear on it) use a GM HEI module and a MSD blaster coil which should give you more spark output. We did this on my sons Pacer when his stock module gave out, it will be more dependable than points. ------------- Lets go racing! |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Feb/11/2019 at 6:54am
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Hey sonny hope all well, wanting to get runing, paint guy want running car, ( so he can mess it up again ) lol I like the idea of up grading distributor I’m thinking there was a different distributor in there since the old owners switched parts out what if gear is wrong ? I know of a coil distributor in one for sale your thoughts gary ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: Grey Ghost
Date Posted: Feb/12/2019 at 8:24pm
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Gary if your talking about one of those large cap HEI units I don't think it will clear due to your power steering pump location. The Motorcraft style distributor with a remote module and MSD coil I believe would be a good dependable upgrade and would look close to stock. Give me a call or send me a text if you want to tow it over here to get it running. Sonny ------------- Lets go racing! |
Posted By: Dirtydog
Date Posted: Mar/10/2019 at 2:59pm
| maybe cracked distributor cap. Maybe fuel pump fuel filter clogged. Go with electronic ignition. Make sure your exhaust is Flowing right nothing plugging it up. Just throwing some ideas out for you |
Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Mar/10/2019 at 3:29pm
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Big thanx to grey ghost it’s running and now to get it road worthy Gary ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: BU1
Date Posted: Mar/10/2019 at 5:02pm
And the problem was...............????????????????????????? ------------- AMO #2726 #1 1968 AMX Rally Green 343 Z code 4spd since 1975 #02642 #2 1968 AMX Rally Green 290 N code 4spd since 2019 #02959 |
amx007 wrote:Posted By: amx007
Date Posted: Mar/10/2019 at 7:29pm
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installed new electronic ignition and adjust timing some others things and now to tighten it up yey ------------- dream red white and blue 1968 Chicago auto show amx 290 4 speed 1969 driver Amx 290 auto |
Posted By: Grey Ghost
Date Posted: Mar/11/2019 at 6:40pm
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The original dizzy gear was chewed up but not toast yet, found cam gear only had oil coming out of 1 hole. replaced the gear with a new one and rechecked oil flow now has full oil coverage. Installed a dizzy out of a Jeep with a GM hei module, pulled carb found fuel leaking out of primaries, pulled the bowl found 2 gaskets on the power valve so replaced both. Oil was fuel diluted drained out like water. Starts right up motor seems to run well has brake and suspension issues I didn't want to go to far. That's where it's at now. ------------- Lets go racing! |