Oil Change

Replace engine oil and oil filter on the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 engine to maintain proper lubrication and engine longevity.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent for 390ci V8
• Oil drain plug gasket × 1 — Replace if deteriorated

Fluids

• SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Gather all tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands under frame rails

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate drain plug and position drain pan
   Locate the oil drain plug on the passenger side of the oil pan at the rear. Position the drain pan underneath the drain plug, accounting for the oil stream which will initially project outward before falling straight down.
2. 2

   Remove drain plug
   Using a 15/16 inch wrench or socket, loosen the drain plug slowly. Once loose, quickly unscrew it by hand while maintaining upward pressure to prevent it from falling into the drain pan. Allow oil to drain completely, which may take 5-10 minutes.
   ⚠Oil will flow quickly once plug is removed. Keep hands clear of hot oil stream.
3. 3

   Inspect and reinstall drain plug
   Once oil has drained completely, inspect the drain plug threads and gasket. Replace gasket if worn or crushed. Clean the drain plug with a shop rag and thread it back into the oil pan by hand, then tighten firmly with the wrench. Do not overtighten as the oil pan is thin steel and threads can strip.
4. 4

   Locate and access oil filter
   The oil filter is mounted on the driver side of the engine block, typically accessible from underneath. Position the drain pan underneath the filter as oil will spill when removed.
5. 5

   Remove old oil filter
   Using an oil filter wrench, turn the old filter counterclockwise to loosen. Once loose, unscrew by hand and allow remaining oil to drain into the pan. Remove the filter and verify the rubber gasket came off with it by checking the mounting surface on the engine block.
6. 6

   Prepare and install new oil filter
   Clean the filter mounting surface on the engine block with a shop rag. Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. Thread the new filter onto the mount by hand, turning clockwise until the gasket contacts the mounting surface, then tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn by hand only. Do not use the filter wrench to tighten.
7. 7

   Lower vehicle and add new oil
   Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands. Locate the oil filler cap on the driver side valve cover. Remove the cap and insert a funnel. Add 4 quarts of the specified motor oil initially, then check the dipstick level.
8. 8

   Check oil level and add remaining oil
   Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, and remove again to check level. The 390ci V8 typically requires 5 quarts total with filter change. Add oil in small increments until the level reaches the full mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
9. 9

   Start engine and check for leaks
   Replace the oil filler cap. Start the engine and allow it to idle for 1-2 minutes. Observe the oil pressure gauge or warning light to confirm oil pressure is building. Shut off the engine and immediately inspect underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
10. 10

    Final oil level check
    Wait 2-3 minutes for oil to drain back to the pan. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick and add oil if necessary to reach the full mark. Record mileage and date for maintenance records.

Reassembly

1. Ensure oil filler cap is securely installed
2. Verify no tools or rags are left in engine compartment
3. Properly store or dispose of used oil and old filter

Verification

• Oil level reads full on dipstick when checked on level ground with engine off
• No oil leaks visible at drain plug or oil filter after running engine
• Oil pressure gauge shows normal pressure or warning light extinguishes within seconds of starting
• New oil visible on dipstick appears clean and amber colored

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