1977 AMC HORNET

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd, Delayed engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell and dark red/brown fluid, Loss of all forward gears (complete clutch pack failure)

Fix: Full rebuild required in most cases — torque converter, clutch packs, seals, and bands. Rebuilds take 8-12 hours including R&R. The transmission oil cooler frequently clogs with debris from failing clutches, so cooler replacement and line flushing is mandatory during rebuild or you'll be back in 6 months.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Typical onset: 100,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling noise from front of engine on cold start that fades after 30 seconds, Loss of power and poor fuel economy, Rough idle and difficulty starting when hot, Check timing — often retarded 8-12 degrees from wear

Fix: Timing cover removal, chain and gear set replacement, front seal. The AMC I6 uses a nylon-toothed cam gear that deteriorates. Plan 6-8 hours labor. While you're in there, replace the oil pump if it has any slop — they're known to lose pressure past 120k.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Visible holes in driver/passenger floor pans, Soft or flaking metal around rear spring mounts, Fuel tank strap corrosion causing tank sag, Rear leaf spring shackle mounts rusted through body

Fix: This is not a repair job for most shops — it's welding sheet metal patches or replacement floor sections. Front torque boxes rust from inside out. Rear spring hangers can separate from the body entirely. Expect 15-25 hours for proper floor pan replacement with rust treatment. Many cars are totaled over this.

Estimated cost: $2,000-4,500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil drips from bell housing area, Oil-soaked starter motor, Puddles under engine after sitting overnight, Blue smoke on startup from oil dripping onto exhaust

Fix: AMC inline-sixes leak from every gasket surface. The rear main seal is a rope-style that requires transmission removal (6-8 hours total). Here's the kicker: if you don't fix the valve cover and oil pan leaks first, oil migrates back along the block and makes the new rear main fail within 10k miles. Do them all at once.

Estimated cost: $900-1,600

Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble on acceleration from stop, Engine floods and is difficult to start when hot, Fuel smell in engine bay, visible leaking around bowl gasket, Poor fuel economy — below 12 mpg city

Fix: The Carter BBD is simple but the accelerator pump diaphragm hardens with age and the float often develops pin holes causing flooding. Rebuild kits are $40 and take 2-3 hours for someone who knows these carbs. Most shops will recommend replacement with a remanufactured unit (4 hours labor) because adjustments are touchy.

Estimated cost: $300-600

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Wandering steering and poor return to center, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Visible play when prying on ball joints with bar

Fix: AMC used a trunnion-style front suspension. Upper control arm bushings dry out and crack. Ball joints are riveted in — replacement requires drilling out rivets and bolting in new units. Figure 4-5 hours for both sides including alignment. If the steering box is also worn (common), add another $400-700 for rebuild or replacement.

Estimated cost: $700-1,200