Eagle Buying Tips - Revision history

IowaEagle at 19:22, 27 November 2005

2005-11-27T19:22:07Z

IowaEagle at 19:08, 27 November 2005

2005-11-27T19:08:26Z

IowaEagle at 17:25, 26 November 2005

2005-11-26T17:25:20Z

IowaEagle at 17:23, 26 November 2005

2005-11-26T17:23:24Z

IowaEagle at 17:19, 26 November 2005

2005-11-26T17:19:39Z

IowaEagle at 17:18, 26 November 2005

2005-11-26T17:18:21Z

IowaEagle at 17:17, 26 November 2005

2005-11-26T17:17:04Z

IowaEagle at 17:13, 26 November 2005

2005-11-26T17:13:41Z

IowaEagle at 17:06, 26 November 2005

2005-11-26T17:06:22Z

IowaEagle at 16:57, 26 November 2005

2005-11-26T16:57:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:22, 27 November 2005
Line 68:		Line 68:

	17. '''Car appears to be much higher than typical Eagle''' Someone has probably done a "lift" to your car. If done properly it may be OK, but you need to learn what parts/modifications they made so you can replace parts when needed. Many were home-made jobs and your safety may be compromised. Be wary of these cars unless you plan to immediately inspect and correct. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 5.'''		17. '''Car appears to be much higher than typical Eagle''' Someone has probably done a "lift" to your car. If done properly it may be OK, but you need to learn what parts/modifications they made so you can replace parts when needed. Many were home-made jobs and your safety may be compromised. Be wary of these cars unless you plan to immediately inspect and correct. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 5.'''
		+
		+
		+	19, '''Clutch does not work.''' The clutch set up is of good design and typically the friction/pressure plates need to be renewed as needed. HOWEVER, there are a couple of primary reasons a good clutch will not work. 1) The firewall sheet metal is rusted and "soft" where the clutch master cylinder is mounted. This will cause erratic operation or make the clutch entirely unable to operate. The other reason is the master and/or slave cylinders need to be renewed or rebuilt. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 5.''' Also see: ''' [[Hydraulic Clutch]] '''

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:08, 27 November 2005
Line 31:		Line 31:


−	5. '''Oil leaks ~~other~~.''' Check for any leaks from the transmission. Especially from the front seal. You will need to start car, leaving it in park, and watch for leaks. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 4 to 5.'''	+	5. '''Oil leaks - Transmission.''' Check for any leaks from the transmission. Especially from the front seal. You will need to start car, leaving it in park, and watch for leaks. Another likely source is from the shift lever seal. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 4 to 5.'''


Line 55:		Line 55:


−	13. '''Broken hatch hinges.''' The years have taken their toll on the hatch hinges on AMC wagons. This is due from a casting defect from AMC's supplier of these hinges. There is a good chance that if they have not been replaced that if they are not broken ~~now~~ they will, espeically if you change out the old hatch struts. Hinges are somewhat hard to find and they all have the same inherent flaw. Some New Old Stock ones are still available thru a variety of AMC vendors, but they tend to be pricey. Note: Left and Right side are different. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''	+	13. '''Broken hatch hinges.''' The years have taken their toll on the hatch hinges on AMC wagons. This is due from a casting defect from AMC's supplier of these hinges. There is a good chance that if they have not been replaced that if they are not broken they eventually will, espeically if you change out the old hatch struts. Hinges are somewhat hard to find and they all have the same inherent flaw. Some New Old Stock ones are still available thru a variety of AMC vendors, but they tend to be pricey. Note: Left and Right side are different. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''

@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
-.  '''Oil leaks - Engine.'''  If the car has one of the "plastic" valve covers put in the Inline-6 engines from 1981 thru 1986 then it probably leaks or soon will.  The only long lasting way to repair this is to purchase and install an aftermarkert extruded aluminum valve cover.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''  Also see:  [[How To Upgrade Your Valve Cover]]
+.  '''Oil leaks - Engine.'''  If the car has one of the "plastic" valve covers put in the Inline-6 engines from 1981 thru 1986 then it probably leaks or soon will.  The only long lasting way to repair this is to purchase and install an aftermarkert extruded aluminum valve cover.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''  Also see:  '''[[How To Upgrade Your Valve Cover]]'''
@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
-.  '''Car idles/runs poorly.'''  If its an Inline-6 it could be the carb.  More than likely that tangle of vacuum lines under the hood is the culprit.  May just need a good tune-up  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 4.'''  Also see:  [[TFI Upgrade]] (I-6 cars only).
+.  '''Car idles/runs poorly.'''  If its an Inline-6 it could be the carb.  More than likely that tangle of vacuum lines under the hood is the culprit.  May just need a good tune-up  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 4.'''  Also see:  '''[[TFI Upgrade]]''' (I-6 cars only).
@@ Line 64: / Line 64: @@
-.  '''Tire Rub.'''  Tires too wide/tall or weak springs -- or both.  May require different tires or renewing springs/shocks.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 3.'''  Also see:  [[Rear Shock Installation]] (This How To also includes Air Shocks).
+.  '''Tire Rub.'''  Tires too wide/tall or weak springs -- or both.  May require different tires or renewing springs/shocks.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 3.'''  Also see:  '''[[Rear Shock Installation]]''' (This How To also includes Air Shocks).
 .  '''Car appears to be much higher than typical Eagle'''  Someone has probably done a "lift" to your car.  If done properly it may be OK, but you need to learn what parts/modifications they made so you can replace parts when needed.  Many were home-made jobs and your safety may be compromised.  Be wary of these cars unless you plan to immediately inspect and correct.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 5.'''

@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
-.  '''Car idles/runs poorly.'''  If its an Inline-6 it could be the carb.  More than likely that tangle of vacuum lines under the hood is the culprit.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 4.'''
+.  '''Car idles/runs poorly.'''  If its an Inline-6 it could be the carb.  More than likely that tangle of vacuum lines under the hood is the culprit.  May just need a good tune-up  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 4.'''  Also see:  [[TFI Upgrade]] (I-6 cars only).
@@ Line 64: / Line 64: @@
-.  '''Tire Rub.'''  Tires too wide/tall or weak springs -- or both.  May require different tires or renewing springs/shocks.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 3.'''
+.  '''Tire Rub.'''  Tires too wide/tall or weak springs -- or both.  May require different tires or renewing springs/shocks.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 3.'''  Also see:  [[Rear Shock Installation]] (This How To also includes Air Shocks).
-.  '''Car appears to be much higher than typical Eagle'''  Someone has probably done a "lift" to your car.  If done properly it may be OK, but you need to learn what parts/modifications they made so you can replace parts when needed.  Many were home-made jobs and your safety may be compromised.  Be wary of these cars unless you plan to immediately inspect and correct.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 5.'''  Also see:  [[
+.  '''Car appears to be much higher than typical Eagle'''  Someone has probably done a "lift" to your car.  If done properly it may be OK, but you need to learn what parts/modifications they made so you can replace parts when needed.  Many were home-made jobs and your safety may be compromised.  Be wary of these cars unless you plan to immediately inspect and correct.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 5.'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 26 November 2005
Line 67:		Line 67:


−	17. '''Car appears to be much higher than typical Eagle''' Someone has probably done a "lift" to your car. If done properly it may be OK, but you need to learn what parts/modifications they made so you can replace parts when needed. Many were home-made jobs and your safety may be compromised. Be wary of these cars unless you plan to immediately inspect and correct. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 5.'''	+	17. '''Car appears to be much higher than typical Eagle''' Someone has probably done a "lift" to your car. If done properly it may be OK, but you need to learn what parts/modifications they made so you can replace parts when needed. Many were home-made jobs and your safety may be compromised. Be wary of these cars unless you plan to immediately inspect and correct. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 5.''' Also see: [[

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:18, 26 November 2005
Line 28:		Line 28:


−	4. '''Oil leaks - Engine.''' If the car has one of the "plastic" valve covers put in the Inline-6 engines from 1981 thru 1986 then it probably leaks or soon will. The only long lasting way to repair this is to purchase and install an aftermarkert extruded aluminum valve cover. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''	+	4. '''Oil leaks - Engine.''' If the car has one of the "plastic" valve covers put in the Inline-6 engines from 1981 thru 1986 then it probably leaks or soon will. The only long lasting way to repair this is to purchase and install an aftermarkert extruded aluminum valve cover. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.''' Also see: [[How To Upgrade Your Valve Cover]]

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 So you are planning or thinking about purchasing an AMC Eagle?  As with any used car, especially a car that is at least 18 years old, there are some things you need to look for.  We have listed here some issues common to AMC Eagles based on owner feedback.  You should also consult used car buyer guides for further information. This list is not arranged in any particular order, just as they came to me.  By the way you can use this knowledge as bargaining tools when purchasing your car.
-We have also included with each problem area a '''Mechanical Ability Index''' which rates how difficult a repair job could be; assuming the proper tools are at hand.
+We have also included with each problem area a '''Mechanical Ability Index''' which rates how difficult a repair job could be; assuming the proper tools are at hand.  As the How To's become available we will link within this page to the appropriate How To so you may further see what is invovled.
 Index Ratings:
@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
-.  '''Door sag.'''  Common problem on older cars, especially the 2 door models.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''  HOWEVER, make sure the hinge mounting surfaces are not rusted thru.  Not easy to fix.
+.  '''Door sag.'''  Common problem on older cars, especially the 2 door models.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 - 3.'''  HOWEVER, make sure the hinge mounting surfaces are not rusted thru.  Not easy to fix.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-So you are planning or thinking about purchasing an AMC Eagle?  As with any used car, especially a car that is at least 18 years old, there are some things you need to look for.  We have listed here some issues common to AMC Eagles based on owner feedback.  You should also consult used car buyer guides for further information.  By the way you can use this knowledge as bargaining tools when purchasing your car.
+''Compiled by IowaEagle''
 We have also included with each problem area a '''Mechanical Ability Index''' which rates how difficult a repair job could be; assuming the proper tools are at hand.
@@ Line 16: / Line 19: @@
-.  Structural Rust.  As with most cars built today AMC Eagles do not have full underbody frames.  The car's stuctural integrity is maintained by the entire car body. AMC pioneered the use of uni-body construction and the good news is that AMC uni-body cars are much stronger than many other makes to include much newer cars.  However, you are contemplating purchasing a car that has been exposed to the elements for nearly two decades or more.  That is why you need to examine the underbody of the car closely, looking at all components for rust-through and structural failure.  Common problem spots are the inner rocker panels; stub frame rust through; floor rust thru; shock tower rust thru; fuel tank rust thru; and suspension (front and rear) rust damage.  If a seller does not allow you to closely examine the under body or send you good quaility pictures of all of the above then there is a good chance they know there are significant problems under the car.
+.  '''Structural Rust.'''  As with most cars built today AMC Eagles do not have full underbody frames.  The car's stuctural integrity is maintained by the entire car body. AMC pioneered the use of uni-body construction and the good news is that AMC uni-body cars are much stronger than many other makes to include much newer cars.  However, you are contemplating purchasing a car that has been exposed to the elements for nearly two decades or more.  That is why you need to examine the underbody of the car closely, looking at all components for rust-through and structural failure.  Common problem spots are the inner rocker panels; stub frame rust through; floor rust thru; shock tower rust thru; fuel tank rust thru; and suspension (front and rear) rust damage.  If a seller does not allow you to closely examine the under body or send you good quaility pictures of all of the above then there is a good chance they know there are significant problems under the car.
-.  Door sag.  Common problem on older cars, especially the 2 door models.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''  HOWEVER, make sure the hinge mounting surfaces are not rusted thru.  Not easy to fix.
+.  '''Oil leaks - Engine.'''  If the car has one of the "plastic" valve covers put in the Inline-6 engines from 1981 thru 1986 then it probably leaks or soon will.  The only long lasting way to repair this is to purchase and install an aftermarkert extruded aluminum valve cover.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''
-.  Car sits low in rear.  Indicates the need for new rear springs and probably new shocks would not hurt.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''
+.  '''Oil leaks other.'''  Check for any leaks from the transmission.  Especially from the front seal.  You will need to start car, leaving it in park, and watch for leaks.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 4 to 5.'''
-.  Oil leaks - Engine.  If the car has one of the "plastic" valve covers put in the Inline-6 engines from 1981 thru 1986 then it probably leaks or soon will.  The only long lasting way to repair this is to purchase and install an aftermarkert extruded aluminum valve cover.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''
+.  '''Fuel leaks.'''  Fuel tank or lines could be rusted thru.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''
-.  Oil leaks other.  Check for any leaks from the transmission.  Especially from the front seal.  You will need to start car, leaving it in park, and watch for leaks.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 4 to 5.'''
+.  '''Car shudders/wanders/shakes.'''  Front suspension issues.  Could be bad ball joints; idler arm; strut rods; axle shafts or other suspension issues.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 5.'''
-.  Fuel leaks.  Fuel tank or lines could be rusted thru.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''
+.  '''Air conditioning does not work.'''  More than likely just a bad heater control valve.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 1.'''
-.  Car shudders/wanders/shakes.  Front suspension issues.  Could be bad ball joints; idler arm; strut rods; axle shafts or other suspension issues.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 5.'''
+.  '''Brake shudder.'''  Overhaul of front or rear brakes is probably needed.  This does not just mean new brake shoes.  You should also replace drums, rotors, calipers  and inspect all lines and hoses closely.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''
-.  Air conditioning does not work.  More than likely just a bad heater control valve.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 1.'''
+.  '''Car idles/runs poorly.'''  If its an Inline-6 it could be the carb.  More than likely that tangle of vacuum lines under the hood is the culprit.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 4.'''
-.  Brake shudder.  Overhaul of front or rear brakes is probably needed.  This does not just mean new brake shoes.  You should also replace drums, rotors, calipers  and inspect all lines and hoses closely.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''
+.  '''Headlight sag.'''  Probably broken adjusters.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 1.'''  However, could be damaged headlight housing which will require replacement.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''
-.  Car idles/runs poorly.  If its an Inline-6 it could be the carb.  More than likely that tangle of vacuum lines under the hood is the culprit.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3 to 4.'''
+.  '''Gauges do not work.'''  Could be a bad ground to the instrument cluster.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''  Or, bad sending units.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 4.'''
-.  Headlight sag.  Probably broken adjusters.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 1.'''  However, could be damaged headlight housing which will require replacement.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''
+.  '''Broken hatch hinges.'''  The years have taken their toll on the hatch hinges on AMC wagons.  This is due from a casting defect from AMC's supplier of these hinges.  There is a good chance that if they have not been replaced that if they are not broken now they will, espeically if you change out the old hatch struts.  Hinges are somewhat hard to find and they all have the same inherent flaw.  Some New Old Stock ones are still available thru a variety of AMC vendors, but they tend to be pricey.  Note:  Left and Right side are different.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''
-.  Gauges do not work.  Could be a bad ground to the instrument cluster.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''  Or, bad sending units.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 4.'''
+.  '''Hatch/lift back won't stay up.'''  Weak struts.  Must be replaced in pairs.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 1.'''
-.  Broken hatch hinges.  The years have taken their toll on the hatch hinges on AMC wagons.  This is due from a casting defect from AMC's supplier of these hinges.  There is a good chance that if they have not been replaced that if they are not broken now they will, espeically if you change out the old hatch struts.  Hinges are somewhat hard to find and they all have the same inherent flaw.  Some New Old Stock ones are still available thru a variety of AMC vendors, but they tend to be pricey.  Note:  Left and Right side are different.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2.'''
+.  '''Wind/water leaks around doors and hatches.'''  Seals/weather stripping is probably original.  New material can be purchased thru AMC vendors and perhaps part stores.  Some of it is direct fit while some is not.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 3.'''
-.  Hatch/lift back won't stay up.  Weak struts.  Must be replaced in pairs.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 1.'''
+.  '''Tire Rub.'''  Tires too wide/tall or weak springs -- or both.  May require different tires or renewing springs/shocks.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 3.'''
-.  Wind/water leaks around doors and hatches.  Seals/weather stripping is probably original.  New material can be purchased thru AMC vendors and perhaps part stores.  Some of it is direct fit while some is not.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 3.'''
+.  '''Car appears to be much higher than typical Eagle'''  Someone has probably done a "lift" to your car.  If done properly it may be OK, but you need to learn what parts/modifications they made so you can replace parts when needed.  Many were home-made jobs and your safety may be compromised.  Be wary of these cars unless you plan to immediately inspect and correct.  '''Mechanical Ability Index: 2 to 5.'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 26 November 2005
Line 38:		Line 38:

	8. Air conditioning does not work. More than likely just a bad heater control valve. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 1.'''		8. Air conditioning does not work. More than likely just a bad heater control valve. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 1.'''
		+

	9. Brake shudder. Overhaul of front or rear brakes is probably needed. This does not just mean new brake shoes. You should also replace drums, rotors, calipers and inspect all lines and hoses closely. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''		9. Brake shudder. Overhaul of front or rear brakes is probably needed. This does not just mean new brake shoes. You should also replace drums, rotors, calipers and inspect all lines and hoses closely. '''Mechanical Ability Index: 3.'''