AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => General Service and Diagnosis => Topic started by: kwkwest90 on February 11, 2011, 10:42:52 AM

Title: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: kwkwest90 on February 11, 2011, 10:42:52 AM
I have an eagle thats in great shape cosmetically, but it runs like crap.

It's been puttin really bad for a little while now, and the oil light will come on when its cold occaisionally and everytime I take it on the highway.
I've had the rear main seal, the valve cover gasket, the oil pan gasket, and a new radiator put in and i still can't seem to get it running right.

It still has all the original parts including the plastic valve cover.
I was hoping to get some suggestions as to what my problem might be.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: mudkicker715 on February 11, 2011, 11:02:24 AM
Gaskets don't change how a car runs.
Title: Re: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: IowaEagle on February 11, 2011, 11:47:15 AM
Could you give us more info regarding the engine's performance.    Poor oil pressure readings, can be from a bad sender, not enough oil, oil too thin and/or a weak oil pump.   The easiest thing to try is too use 20W 50 oil to partially overcome old oil pump gears.  I am guessing you miight have some oil loss too with that plastic cover.
Title: Re: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: kwkwest90 on February 17, 2011, 09:07:32 AM
yea i've had to put about a quart of oil in between oil changes. i've been trying to find an inexpensive replacement for the valve cover. but everything ive found so far is about a hundred bucks.
Title: Re: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: kwkwest90 on February 17, 2011, 09:10:07 AM
its spitting and sputtering. it almost acts like its going to stall but then doesn't. ive had the oil sensor looked at and from what they could tell it wasn't leaking. its almost like it is an oil pressure issue. but the oil light only comes on after driving on the highway for about 10 mins.
Title: Re: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: Eagleearl on February 17, 2011, 09:42:03 AM
Does the oil light come on when you are going down the highway or just when you come to a stop?
Have you tried using heavier oil as Iowa Eagle suggested. The oil pump and bearings are probably worn and not keeping the pressure up.
The most common cause of poor running is a vacuum leak in one of the hoses cracked or disconnected or plugged idle tubes in the carburetor.
It could also be the EGR valve is stuck and leaking internally or an ignition problem.
Title: Re: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: eagletuner on May 12, 2011, 06:12:26 PM
lucas oil stabilizer works amazing too
Title: Re: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: 68AMXGOPAC on May 12, 2011, 06:21:50 PM
Quote from: mudkicker715 on February 11, 2011, 11:02:24 AM
Gaskets don't change how a car runs.

I can't resist this Kicker, what about a leaking intake gasket ?? or carb base gasket for that  matter..... : )

I know you meant the ones he replaced though  :occasion14:
Title: Re: 85 eagle wagon
Post by: mudkicker715 on May 12, 2011, 06:29:43 PM
Correct. Haha