Re: [AMC-list] Hmmmm, 232's and whatnot

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

I was going to suggest valve stem seals too, but looks like you got that covered. I remember you having trouble with the head gasket now!

No matter what you CAN have a problem with a machine shop. Only problem I've had on the newer sixes is people boring them like they were a Chevy. Factory says 0.0012"-0.0013" piston to bore side clearance (all around), which is tight by other maker's standards (typical SBC is 0.0035"-0.0045" - 3x the AMC spec!). So make sure you find out what yours should be and tell the shop you want it that way. They will think you're crazy if a typical Ford/Chev shop, but that's the specs and the six will wear out faster if over 0.002" clearance. My stroker was obviously bored to Chevy specs and lasted about 60K miles before burning a quart every 250 or so miles. This last one was built by a shop that has built a few and it's tight! Hard to check that.

For the right price I'd buy that 232 IF it's a pre 72 model though. It will last 40-50K miles even if bored with too much clearance. You don't drive the Rambler that much. I was driving mine a lot, still took nearly 10 years to rack up 60K on it.

------------
Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:14:36 -0500
From: Bruce Griffis<bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>

My 195.6 has been running well, but it blows smoke when first starting
up at idle. It starts up fine, no smoke, runs for maybe three to five
minutes before I notice smoke out the tailpipe. When I drive it, no
smoke. After running to the grocery store or library, I can idle it
once warmed up - and no smoke. Perhaps a good run up the highway for a
half hour or more might do the car a world of good. Anyway, after
reading about 195.6 rebuild costs, I've been thinking of 232's and
maybe a small body v8 crossmember and a 304. Something newer, run by
the jeep crowd, and easier to get parts for.

I was looking at Atlanta Craigslist and saw a freshly rebuilt 232 long
block for sale. Meet the owner at the SC border, load the pallet, off
you go. Then I wandered over to the Jalopy Journal and read about
machine shop stories. Wrong parts, poor rebuilds, good machine shop
work but the engine rebuilder did not pay attention to tolerances, ...
So - I'm thinking I'll keep that 195.6. I'll let it burn a little oil
on startup. I'll run it up the highway to warm it up completely. But
I'll stay away from rebuilt engines on a pallet, cash and carry, lots
a luck your gonna need it deals.

(Besides, Goza Machine in Acworth is a stand-up shop with a good guy
running it. If I have to do anymore work - I'm heading back to Tommy
Goza.)


--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)

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