Re: [Amc-list] rebuilding 304 questions

[Archimedes <Freedom@xxxxxxxx>]

Troy <mariclairemccall@xxxxxxxxxxxx> said:

>This is my first time rebuilding a motor. It took me a year paying the machine shop and I dont want to screw anything up. I just got the short block and heads back from the machine shop. I need to put the heads, manifold, etc back on. I have a chilton's manual but I don't see what order I am supposed to put the head bolts on in, or what I am supposed to Torque them to. I am a little scared to finish it and would appreciate any help I can get.


Dunno what edition of Chilton's you're using, but if you look on page C32 of the 72-79 Chilton's Auto Repair Manual (Chilton's # 6914), it has a nice diagram of both the 6 and V8 torque sequencing.  It's the same diagram as in the AMC TSM.

There is at least one AMC TSM online with the torque specs:

        http://www.tocmp.com/manuals/AMC/1973/Service/Part1/1b/browser.htm

Essentially you start with the bolt that's closest to the center of the head, and tighten each succeeding bolt further towards the end a circular manner.  The idea is to get the "bubbles out from the center out".

The head bolts for all AMC V8's is 100 to 120 Ft-Lbs.

An extra precaution against failure is to use all-new head bolts, but I've put together engines that went 200k using the originals.


>The 304 is out of a 1971 AMC Javelin SST. I am using 1 step up for the cam, a 360 4BBL manifold, Edelbrock 600 carb, aluminum pistons, and hooker headers. Everything was tanked, magnufluxed, and planed. 
>
>Thanks for your replys in advance!


I disagree with the negative comment about Chilton's.  I think they're actually pretty darn good books, especially for the money.

Incidentally, the particular book I cite above is usually kept in stock at public libraries in the reference section.  Here's an auction with a few photos of what the most recent printing of the Chilton's book (which I cited above) looks like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=378&item=320122798392

These are some older printings:

http://i18.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/9f/b3/c8db_1.JPG
http://i5.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/a0/e5/027d_1.JPG

These books are also available cheap via Half.com (uses your ebay login):

http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ826953QQcpidZ1218052

If you or anyone else would like me to fax (or scan and email) you a copy of the torque sequence chart page from the 1971 AMC TSM, please email me privately.

By far the most important things with AMC motors in reassembly is correct torque on the rods.  I've seen machine shops screw these things up many times 'cuz they thought it was OK to just slap it together like it was a Chevy mill.

Good luck.

-- Marc



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