1975 AMC GREMLIN

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup and acceleration, Oil level drops a quart every 500-800 miles, Carbon buildup on spark plugs, Failed emissions tests

Fix: Requires full engine teardown to replace rings, hone cylinders, and refresh valve seals. Budget 18-22 labor hours for a complete ring job. Many owners opt for a rebuilt short block instead given labor costs. The 232 and 258 sixes tolerate ring wear longer than the 304 V8.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible transmission sag when inspected from below, Shifter feels loose or notchy

Fix: The rubber isolator in the transmission crossmember mount deteriorates and cracks. Replacement requires supporting the transmission, dropping the crossmember, and installing new bushings. Figure 1.5-2 hours labor. OEM-quality replacements are scarce; polyurethane upgrades last longer but transmit more vibration.

Estimated cost: $180-350

Symptoms: Temperature gauge climbs in traffic or uphill grades, Coolant boiling over from overflow, Heater performance drops when engine is hot, Warped cylinder head on 304 V8 if ignored

Fix: The factory radiator is undersized, especially with the 304 V8 or in warm climates. Requires upgrading to a 3-row copper-brass core or aluminum radiator, verifying fan clutch operation, and flushing the block. The 258 six tolerates marginal cooling better. Budget 3-4 hours for radiator swap plus diagnosis time.

Estimated cost: $450-900

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 1st to 2nd, Delayed engagement when shifting into Drive, Whining or grinding noises under load, Burnt transmission fluid smell

Fix: The Chrysler-sourced TorqueFlite (renamed Torque-Command by AMC) is generally reliable but suffers when fluid changes are neglected. Rebuild requires removal, disassembly, clutch pack replacement, and valve body service. Expect 12-16 hours labor plus core charge. The transmission cooler lines rust through and contaminate fluid, accelerating wear.

Estimated cost: $1,600-2,800

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Deep knocking sound from lower engine, worst at idle, Oil pressure drops below 10 psi at hot idle, Metallic debris in oil filter, Gradual loss of power

Fix: Caused by extended oil change intervals or running low on oil. Requires engine removal, crankshaft extraction, machining journals undersize, and installing oversized bearings. If journals are too worn, crankshaft replacement is necessary. Total teardown job: 20-28 hours. At this point, most owners pursue a junkyard engine or remanufactured long block.

Estimated cost: $2,400-4,500

Symptoms: Hard starting when cold or hot, Rough idle and hesitation on acceleration, Stalling at stop signs, Black smoke from rich mixture

Fix: The Carter or Motorcraft carburetors gum up from modern ethanol fuel and sitting. Requires carburetor removal, ultrasonic cleaning, rebuild kit installation, and adjustment. Also replace inline fuel filter and check fuel pump pressure. Budget 3-4 hours for a thorough carb overhaul. Many techs recommend adding fuel stabilizer and running the engine monthly if stored.

Estimated cost: $280-550