1978 AMC PACER

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between 2nd and 3rd gear, Delayed engagement from Park, Burnt ATF smell, Hard downshifts, Complete loss of forward gears

Fix: The Chrysler-sourced TorqueFlite variants used in Pacers had weak governor pressure and valve body issues. Full rebuild required including bands, clutches, seals, and often the torque converter. Mount replacement typically needed simultaneously due to broken rubber. 12-16 labor hours for R&R and rebuild.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800

Symptoms: Temperature climbing in traffic or hills, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Warped cylinder head, Blown head gaskets between cylinders 3-4, Steam from exhaust on cold start

Fix: The Pacer's wide body and cramped engine bay create airflow problems. Factory radiators are undersized for the 258 and especially the 304 V8. Head gasket failure common once overheated. Requires head removal, milling, new gasket set, and upgraded 3-row radiator. 10-14 hours for I6 head gasket job.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,900

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on deceleration, Oil consumption 1 quart per 500-800 miles, Low compression cylinders 2, 4, and 6, Excessive blowby visible at oil filler, Wet spark plugs

Fix: The 258 I6 developed soft cylinder wall problems in the late '70s production. Requires bore measurement; if within spec, ridge ream and new rings work. Beyond .030 over needs boring and oversize pistons. Most need full short block work by this point. 18-24 hours for engine R&R and ring/piston job.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Symptoms: Visible rust holes in rear cargo area floor, Wet carpet after rain, Structural rust around rear spring mounts, Bubbling paint along lower body seams, Fuel tank straps corroded

Fix: The Pacer's complex unibody and huge glass area created water trap points. Floor pans rust from inside out, wheelwells rust from road salt. Proper fix requires pan replacement sections welded in and rear quarter work. 16-22 hours for both sides plus materials. Many are too far gone.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil pooling on transmission bellhousing, Drips after overnight parking, Oil-soaked clutch (manual trans), Gradual oil consumption without visible leaks elsewhere

Fix: Two-piece rope seal design prone to compression set and shrinkage. Requires transmission removal to access. While trans is out, replace transmission mount and front pump seal. 8-10 hours labor for seal replacement with automatic transmission.

Estimated cost: $650-1,100

Symptoms: Hot restart problems after short stops, Stalling in summer traffic, Hesitation and stumbling under load, Fuel percolation from carburetor, Hard starting when warm

Fix: Engine bay heat and poor fuel line routing cause vapor lock. Carter BBD and Motorcraft carburetors require frequent rebuild. Fix involves rerouting fuel lines away from exhaust, heat shield installation, carburetor rebuild, and electric fuel pump upgrade. 4-6 hours for comprehensive fix.

Estimated cost: $450-850