Complete removal and reinstallation of the 390ci V8 engine from a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including disconnection of all related systems and components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil × 5 — Use OEM specification
• Engine coolant × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission fluid × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Intake manifold gasket set × 1 — AMC 390 V8
• Exhaust manifold gaskets × 1 — AMC 390 V8
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets × 1 — AMC 390 V8
• Engine mount bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Engine oil — 5 qt
• Engine coolant — 16 qt
• Automatic transmission fluid — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable, then positive cable
3. Remove battery from vehicle to provide working room
4. Drain engine oil completely into appropriate container
5. Drain coolant from radiator and engine block drain plugs
6. Remove hood after marking hinge positions for proper reinstallation alignment
7. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at front frame rails
8. Apply penetrating oil to all exhaust fasteners and engine mount bolts

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain fluids and remove air cleaner assembly
   Remove air cleaner housing and disconnect all vacuum hoses connected to carburetor. Label each vacuum line with tape indicating its connection point. Remove the factory Ram Air induction components if equipped. Disconnect PCV valve and breather hoses from valve covers.
2. 2

   Disconnect fuel system and carburetor linkages
   Relieve fuel system pressure by loosening fuel line at carburetor. Disconnect fuel supply line from fuel pump using line wrench to prevent damage. Disconnect throttle linkage, kickdown linkage (if automatic), and choke cable from carburetor. Remove distributor cap and set aside with plug wires attached.
3. 3

   Remove cooling system components
   Remove upper and lower radiator hoses from engine. Disconnect heater hoses at firewall connections. Remove radiator fan shroud bolts and remove shroud. Remove fan blades and water pump pulley. Remove drive belts. Unbolt and remove radiator assembly from vehicle.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical system
   Disconnect alternator wiring harness and remove alternator. Disconnect starter motor wiring (both small trigger wire and large positive cable). Disconnect temperature sender, oil pressure sender, and coil primary wire. Remove distributor hold-down clamp and carefully remove distributor, noting rotor position for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove exhaust system connections
   Working from underneath vehicle, disconnect exhaust pipes from exhaust manifolds. The Machine uses dual exhaust with flange connections at the manifolds. Remove all exhaust manifold-to-head pipe bolts. Support exhaust system and move pipes away from engine to provide clearance for engine removal.
6. 6

   Separate transmission from engine
   Support transmission using transmission jack placed under transmission pan with wood block for protection. Remove bellhousing-to-engine block bolts (typically 6 bolts on AMC). Mark torque converter position to flexplate if automatic transmission. Remove torque converter-to-flexplate bolts through bellhousing inspection cover (automatic), or disconnect clutch linkage and remove bellhousing bolts (manual). Carefully slide transmission back approximately 2 inches to clear input shaft from pilot bushing.
7. 7

   Disconnect remaining engine accessories
   Remove power steering pump (if equipped) and secure to frame with wire without disconnecting hydraulic lines. Remove air conditioning compressor (if equipped) and secure to frame without disconnecting refrigerant lines. Disconnect throttle return spring and any remaining vacuum lines or electrical connections to engine.
8. 8

   Remove engine mount bolts
   Remove the through-bolts securing engine mounts to frame brackets on both sides. AMC typically uses one through-bolt per side through the rubber engine mount insulators. Engine should now be free from frame, supported only by hoist.
9. 9

   Attach hoist and verify clearances
   Attach engine hoist chains or lifting sling to engine. Use lifting brackets bolted to intake manifold or cylinder heads, or create secure attachment points at front and rear of engine. Ensure engine is balanced on hoist. Take up slack tension on hoist to support engine weight, but do not lift yet. Verify all connections, hoses, wires, and components are disconnected.
10. 10

    Lift and remove engine from vehicle
    Slowly raise engine while monitoring for any remaining connections or interference. Angle engine as needed to clear firewall, frame rails, and radiator support. Tilt front of engine upward slightly to clear transmission input shaft. Once clear of engine bay, continue lifting and move hoist away from vehicle. Carefully lower engine onto engine stand and secure with engine stand bolts threaded into bellhousing mounting points.

Reassembly

1. Installation is reverse of removal with the following notes
2. Replace all gaskets including intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and valve cover gaskets
3. Ensure transmission input shaft pilot bushing is lubricated before inserting into crankshaft
4. Align torque converter to flexplate marks made during disassembly, or ensure clutch disc is centered using alignment tool
5. Install new engine mount bolts and torque according to AMC specifications when available
6. Prime oil system by removing distributor and spinning oil pump with drill motor before initial startup
7. Refill cooling system with proper antifreeze mixture and bleed air from system
8. Reinstall distributor with rotor pointing to number one cylinder position when number one is at TDC compression stroke
9. Double-check all electrical connections, fuel lines, vacuum hoses, and coolant hoses before starting
10. Torque all critical fasteners including bellhousing bolts, motor mount bolts, and exhaust manifold bolts to specification

Verification

• Verify all fluid levels are correct: engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid
• Check that no tools or parts remain in engine bay before starting
• Perform visual inspection for any fluid leaks around oil pan, valve covers, intake manifold, and coolant hoses
• Start engine and allow to idle, monitoring for unusual noises, vibrations, or leaks
• Verify proper oil pressure reading on gauge within 10 seconds of startup
• Check engine temperature reaches normal operating range and thermostat opens properly
• Test all accessories: alternator charging, power steering operation, air conditioning function
• Verify transmission engages properly and shifts through all gears
• Perform test drive to verify normal engine operation, no overheating, and proper performance
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and inspect for any new leaks

More procedures for this vehicle