American Motors: Valve chatter, oil filler cap, james robbins


Question
I have a 1981 AMC Spirit with a 258 engine. I have had it since it was new. The car runs great until I drive it for a while and then the valves start chattering real loud. It doe not do it all the time. I have replaced the spark plugs, air and fuel filters, checked the compression which is great. I am thinking it is is the emission hoses or emission valves and there are so many of them. The car does not use any oil at all. I never have to add oil between oil changes. I took off the oil filler cap while the engine was running and I could see that the oil pump was pumping oil. I am really stumped. It started doing this after the last oil change which was about a week ago. Also the car has not been on a highway where I could drive a high speed in over 2 years. Maybe I need to get on the interstate and blow it out. Sure hope you can help me. Thank you very much.
James Robbins
b.robbins@gte.net

Answer
The valve clatter you hear souds more like ping (pre-ignition) did you have a tune up done too? If the knock sensor wire was bumped loose, or the EGR valve decided to quit, you will get ping. Try a tank of premium, and if the noise goes away, get the timing retarded slightly. Make sure the plug on the back of the carb is attached too! Mine popped off and ran like that till I fixed it.
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