1967 AMC REBEL

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Burnt transmission fluid smell and dark/burnt fluid on dipstick, Slipping between gears, especially 1-2 shift under load, Transmission cooler lines leaking at crimps or cooler itself rupturing

Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and lines, flush system completely, replace transmission mount if deteriorated (usually is). If damage already done, full rebuild required—BorgWarner automatics in these are tough to source parts for, expect 18-24 hours labor for rebuild. Cooler/lines alone: 3-4 hours.

Estimated cost: $400-800 for cooler/lines/mount; $2,200-3,800 for full rebuild

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup and acceleration, burning 1+ quart per 500 miles, Fouled spark plugs, poor idle quality, Loss of compression across multiple cylinders

Fix: Rings alone can be done without pulling the engine on the I6 if you're experienced—16-20 hours. V8s and most shops will pull the engine for access, add 8-10 hours for R&R. If bearings and bores are questionable, you're into full rebuild or long block territory. Parts availability for AMC engines is thin; machine work takes time.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800 for ring job; $3,500-5,500 for full rebuild

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Deep knocking sound from lower engine, worse under load, Sudden oil pressure drop at idle, Metallic debris in oil filter or pan

Fix: Engine must come out. Main bearings are undersized from the factory on many 290/343 blocks, and if oil changes were skipped, number 3 and 5 mains go first. Crank often needs turning or replacement—good luck finding a rebuildable core. 24-30 hours total for R&R, disassembly, machine work, and reassembly if crank is salvageable.

Estimated cost: $3,200-5,000

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive driveline vibration at highway speeds, Visible sag or tearing of rubber mount

Fix: Rubber mounts from this era turn to mush by now. Replacement is straightforward but access is tight on V8 models—support transmission with jack, unbolt crossmember, swap mount. 1.5-2.5 hours depending on rust and exhaust interference.

Estimated cost: $180-350

Symptoms: Stumble or stalling under acceleration, Hard starting after sitting, especially hot weather, Fuel starvation at highway speeds

Fix: Inline fuel filter clogs from tank sediment—these cars rarely had tanks cleaned. Replace filter first (0.5 hours), but if problem returns quickly, tank needs dropping, cleaning, or replacement. Fuel pump rebuild kits still available. Tank drop adds 3-4 hours.

Estimated cost: $25-60 filter only; $400-700 with tank service

Typical onset: 110,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Clutch pedal feels different or clutch won't release fully (manual trans), Metallic scraping noise when releasing clutch, Excessive crankshaft fore-aft movement measurable at balancer

Fix: Thrust bearing (center main) wears allowing crank to walk forward. Requires engine disassembly to replace thrust washers and check crank surface. Often done during a full rebuild. If caught early, 12-16 hours for tear-down, measure, replace, reassemble without pulling engine.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200