newbie engine question

[ohiobowhunter75]

Hi guys,I have an 83 wagoneer with a 360.It has 108,000 miles on it.My plan is to replace a leaking main seal.I'm running around 40 on my oil pressure at idle untill she gets warm than she drops to 15 to 20.I was going to go ahead and pull the motor and replace the rod and main bearings,also the timing chain.Should the timiming chain cover be replaced also.I have learned from this forum that it tends to be a problem.I intend to use it to pull my camper,no off road stuff.Thanks for and help you can give me.Is there any other areas I should consider going through on the motor while it is out.It runs great and sounds good.It is just leaking oil.

[Mikel2]

Actually 15-20 psi at idle is not that bad. I think the official specs call for 13 min, so I wouldn't worry about it. AMC V8's are notorious for low oil pressure.

[joe]

If the timing cover isn't warped and in spec I wouldn't replace it. Just don't fudge on the oil pump clearance specs etc.
Since you'll have the front off the motor off anyway I'd take a real good look at the cam. Cam and cam bearings are a known wear item in AMC V8's.

[chrisnsarah]

there are specs and procedures for checking the oil pump housing and gears. But I would get a new gear kit anyway and check clearances. Replace the relief spring too. Make absolutely sure there is no debris in any of the oil passages, and go with a premium filter (not Fram).

[Brown Bear]

You mean fram isn't High Quality? :(

Hey Chris,
Say hi to my big bald dad there. He's working out at United Defense, formerly FMC.

[jeepbob]

As the gear kit is only $15 it is not a bad idea but if the steel gears are toast the aluminum housing going to be wasted. Actually AMC motors have high oil pressure compared to SBC's and 302 fords. If you 15 to 20 at an idle and 45 at 2000 or above you are good to go. The bearings are easy to change in the truck with the exception of the cam bearings.

[Lugnut]

Can he replace the "grubworm" rear seal with one of those kellum-grip things that pull the seal in from the other side after you circle the crank with the grip-gismo? I've heard other people talk about this, but I've never seen it mentioned on this website. If he can replace his seal by only dropping the pan/rear main cap, and his oil pressure is ok, he really could avoid an engine pull and all the other things he's considering. Just wondering.

[Lugnut]

Can he replace the "grubworm" rear seal with one of those kellum-grip things that pull the seal in from the other side after you circle the crank with the grip-gismo? I've heard other people talk about this, but I've never seen it mentioned on this website. If he can replace his seal by only dropping the pan/rear main cap, and his oil pressure is ok, he really could avoid an engine pull and all the other things he's considering. Just wondering.