ABANDONED! AMC 304 V8 powered Jeep CJ7 left to rot in the woods for years. Will it start?

[@DeadReckon]

Fun fact, the CJ-5, 6, and 7 all came with an optional 304 V8. They all had what most later Jeep's wish they had, torque. Cool find man, and hey if you're bored and want your brain to melt, look up the Jeep CJ-10

[@MyLegacyGarage]

They actually quit offering the V8 option after 81. The CJ5 might have been factory but the 7 isn't. Hopefully I can make something outta these things. Got good titles for both at least if nothing else. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@DeadReckon]

@@MyLegacyGarage Titles are worth their weight in gold these days. Just bought a '83 Dodge D150 short bed slant 6 with a 4 speed manual, wouldn't have wasted my time with it if it weren't a short bed manual, but I reeeeeally wanna swap the 318 V8 from my late father's '83 D150 into this truck.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

@@DeadReckon go for it!

[@DeadReckon]

@@MyLegacyGarage Oh I will as soon as I can get a title, it's a few hoops here in Virginia so I'm noooot looking forward to it!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

@@DeadReckon can always do the Vermont loophole. 👍

[@grantkoeller8911]

If motor is full of water it will not turn~!! This engine needs to be completely pulled, disassembled and rebuilt.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

She sure was full!

[@BandBHomestead]

I'm excited for a follow up on this project. Keep up the good work.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Yeah me too! I ordered some parts. It'll happen eventually. Thanks for watching!

[@raymanning1064]

My suggestion is to get those valve covers off and check the valves are not stuck. Then, remove the starter and see if it runs freely. By now if those things check out ok, the engine should spin.. otherwise you would need to drop the oil pan to check for rods and pistons health. Good luck and don’t give up. Pulling for u

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It's still safely tucked in the garage waiting for me to have time to devote to it. One of these days... thanks for watching!

[@grantkoeller8911]

This engine is a perfect rebuild candidate for a new video! This jeep deserves a frame off resto , with sand blaster and all new suspension parts

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It's still sitting in the garage out of the weather. Figured it was the least I could do for now!

[@rgnichols567]

The 304 is a good engine. With all the water that came out, it would surprise me if you don't have to take the bottom end apart & clean it up. If water somehow got on top of the heads, then you might need to go thru those as well. Gaskets are relatively cheap, and as long as u don't have to replace any major components, that Jeep is definitely worth the effort!! Good luck!!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

The Jeep definitely is worth the effort. I'd like to avoid tearing the engine down. 🤣 We'll see if the other 304 is any good and swap them. Thanks for watching!

[@l.siestador7248]

We had one in my family growing up. 77' cj5 with the 304. My dad kept the receipts of the maintenance. The list was around 100 pages after it was my turn in 1990. It was always broken.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

These both have serious broke issues. 🤣 One of these days I'll get back to them. Thanks for watching!

[@bobadam7021]

Something I'd have done before resorting to the breaker bar is to cut the drive belts. A stuck alternator or PS pump can stop you from turning a stiff engine. Now with what looked to be about a gallon or more of water in the pan, I don't have high hopes. Though I suspect the valve train has that one locked up. You could check on that by backing off all the rockers.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Yeah I thought that's what it was at first but I could see them moving a touch. The only thing that didn't move was the crank. I'm hoping the 5 has a good engine and I'll swap em. Thanks for watching!

[@justinraystyles3537]

My entire block was full of water I drained it put oil and fresh fluids back in it and it started right back up and ran great!! I'm a Chevy guy but my 83 ford Ltd. 3.3l foxbody is a good champ!😎👍🇺🇸

[@MyLegacyGarage]

How long was it full of water though? 🤔 I suspect the Jeep sat waaaaay longer than the previous owner thought. Thanks for watching!

[@lcee6592]

I had a 79 CJ 7 w/ 304 / 4sp - 1st was creeper gear. I miss it very much, was so much fun!!!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

One of these days I might have one that runs. 🤣

[@MauriceHess-y1d]

Yes ,, they did come with a 304 V8 FROM THE FACTORY,, I know well because ours had the 258 6 when my father bought it new,, and the other one we looked at had the V8 but because my Dad thought the 6 would be better on gas (1979 gas crisis) he bought the 258 6

[@MyLegacyGarage]

They did indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@earlmosesjr6097]

I had a CJ-5 with the 304. I took off the single exhaust off and installed a set of Blackjack headers and Orange Peeler mufflers. That thing would climb a tree.

[@saywhat2014]

I bought a 1978 CJ 7 new and it came with a AMC 304 stock. A LOT of AMC Jeeps came with the 304 out of the factory.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

The older ones you bet. The newer ones they phased it out. I suppose it's factory but with vehicles like these it's hard to tell. Thanks for watching!

[@UnderSprayedWhiteSkies]

@@MyLegacyGarage 1980, or 1981 was the last year(s) for a factory AMC V8 in a Jeep CJ.

[@johndoe43]

Mine hasn't needed a key for several years. 365 000 miles on the column. I carry a key just in case but haven't needed it. Drained about a gallon of water out of a 1945 Hercules 4 cylinder. Ran for several years until I got another welder.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Nice! I'd be happy to use a key if it would run. It hasn't had its final appearance on the channel though. There's another video in the works. Thanks for watching!

[@MontanaGarage]

Cool video as usual. Thanks for the mentions!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Thanks! I appreciate ya taking the time. Your 55 is moving along nicely as well. 👍

[@joshhobday3123]

Hey man, I’m in search of some cj5 parts. One particular is a roll bar. I’m looking for oem parts. If you’re will to scrap anything from the rusted out one. I also could tilt steering column with blinker switches.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and if I decide to part with anything I'll let you know. I've started a video on the 5 like 3 times. One of these days I'm going to actually get it done and send it on it's way. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@brandondriskill8809]

You probably know by now, but that hole in the intake is for the PVC system. AMC V8s run the PVC system through the intake instead of the valve cover.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It definitely acted as an excellent water intake. 🤣 I was thinking about this Jeep the other day and might test the intake off and poke around a bit. It's been in the garage for months with stuff getting piled on it. Thanks for watching!

[@hervewasson5173]

Well, I'm sure you'll find a solution with the original V8 or this one in the CJ5. An American engine never die !! Hope to see and hear soon the Jeep. Herve from France and I'm a Jeep's addict :)

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Oh I wish our engines never died. 🤣 I've murdered a few in cold blood myself. Thanks for watching!

[@papilloncycles3463]

Wow You have definitely got the eye for cool projects Man! That Jeep looks like it could be a lot of fun!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I'm hoping it'll be fun if we can get a running engine in it. Not that I need a Jeep but whatever. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Chad :) hopefully see what do on next videos on Jeep and other one got free turning motor too also make 2 in 1 too!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

That's the plan! Thanks for watching!

[@1coppertop]

I had the 75 cj5 6 cyl. Brother jim had the cj5 304 v8. He totally could come out of the stuck mud hole by just shear power. My 6 cyl had its limits

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Nice! I drove a 360 powered CJ7 years and years ago and it was fun. Looking forward to getting this one running. Thanks for watching!

[@larryhavicus6108]

Thanks for the review. We are thinking of getting a Tacoma soon

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Review? Tacoma? You're welcome I guess. Thanks for watching!

[@d11628]

I have got 3 gallons of water out of a 52 deuce and a half 302 gmc it still runs

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I think it might have been ok if it was just rings but I'm pretty sure the crank in this thing is one big ball of rust. Thanks for watching!

[@skipstein744]

A good adventure with the Jeeps. Time to swap the other 304 into the cj7. Onward!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

That's the plan so long as I can get it running. Stay tuned! Thanks for watching.

[@Mr49Studebaker]

I've had a few stuck amcs over the years that have ended up being the ford style starter is stuck out and seized up. Wouldn't hurt to check that before throwing the towel in on the engine.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I'm fairly certain the like 3 gallons of water that came outta the engine have a lot to do with it being stuck. I'll be stealing the starter for the other 304 though so we'll see for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@UnderSprayedWhiteSkies]

I sure would like to see the other (CJ5) you acquired w/this one. I'm a five-time (and current) CJ5 owner.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It's on the one of these days to do lists. The chassis is straight junk but I'm hoping to save the engine. Thanks for watching!

[@peternorthrup6274]

My first new car. A 1979 jeep CJ-7. Brand new out the door fully loaded. V-8. $6999.00. Total price. I was 18.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

What's it say about today's society that 18 year olds no longer have that kind of drive to work? Thanks for watching!

[@jamesy3stix]

My first Jeep brand new 1980 CJ5 paid $7,999 CND

[@aarony8534]

Nice! I’m going this week to pickup my uncle’s ‘79 CJ7. He bought it in ‘83 for 6k. Has a rebuilt amc 360 v-8

[@robinmurphy3085]

Valves may be stuck. I would take the valve covers off and tap check the valves and lube valves and rockers.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I suspect the crank and cam are just chunks of rust. I may do a teardown when I swap it out. We'll see. Thanks for watching!

[@robertsmith7758]

It is rare for these old Jeeps to still have the original dash pad.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It's in oddly good shape for being such a wreck. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@joelowery7300]

New to your channel. Just a suggestion but I saw someone did a scientific study and ATF and acetone is the best rust buster. And used transmission fluid is free

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Frankly with as much water as came outta that thing I didn't have much hope it'd come free. If it was just some rings stuck to the cylinder walls this mix will free it right up. The issue with using acetone is that it etches the surface unless you rinse it out shortly after applying. No bueno inside an engine. Thanks for watching!

[@joelowery7300]

@@MyLegacyGarage you have a point about using it inside an engine but the study was on rusted bolts. I know you guys use a ton of pb blaster. It's a cheap and more effective alternative. You should look up the study

[@Peedee1942]

That Jeep has a beautiful honey soft top and nice interior

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I dunno that I'd call it beautiful but she's a looker in her own way. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@RoyMarkosGarageRMG]

Another great video here. Looks like a good project for you, keep them coming.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Thanks Roy! Always a pleasure to see you around!

[@MrRVRclubprez]

Th hole in the back of intake is for pcv valve

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@peternorthrup6274]

That motor is toast.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Afraid so. Fear not I'll eventually get around to the swap. 🙄 Thanks for watching!

[@dougparker4802]

Umm you looking for comments? They came factory with 304s

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Not after 1981 actually. This one is later than that. Thanks for watching!

[@dougparker4802]

@@MyLegacyGarage that’s a narrow track frame correct? they went to wide track after 81 someone been doing the vin tag swaparo maybe. I try to watch them all

[@rodneyjohnson4438]

I love your show I'm from Maryland to

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Go Maryland!

[@jamesthev5607]

Hi guy good to see you again

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Good to see ya still around as well! Thanks for watching!

[@gerry-p9x]

Tow with a strap 20mph. Pop clutch with ignition. On.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I highly doubt that would pop this free. That works for some stuck rings but not a block of rust. 🤣 Long way from needing the ignition on too. Thanks for watching!

[@alexandermitchell7434]

Well, a general head removal -which amounts to an overhaul will be your only hope of future for that engine of yours. Best of luck!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It could serve as a fantastic boat anchor as well. 🤣 One of these days I'll get back to this thing. Thanks for watching!

[@american_jeep]

Those original seats and wheels are bringing good money from guys wanting to restore these classic Jeeps! Don't throw out any of the original parts even if you think they are junky! Most reproduction parts are junk compared to the OEM stuff and all that stuff can be refurbished! Lots of good stuff on the CJ-5 too! Good luck with the Jeeps!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

How about full doors? Forgot I even got those with them til I saw them the other day in the shop. 🤣 Fear not I never throw anything away. It's a curse. Thanks for watching!

[@queensapphire7717]

Grille too.

[@american_jeep]

@@MyLegacyGarage full doors are also desirable. Condition is key of course.

[@Jeepmode301]

Where in Maryland are you guys? I’m in Bethesda md

[@MyLegacyGarage]

We're over the bridge on the Eastern Shore. Much less crowded over this way. 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@queensapphire7717]

Strange that the water is crystal clear.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It's been carbon filtered. 🤣

[@bruceklassen8261]

I cannot believe there was that much water 😬

[@MyLegacyGarage]

My heart sank with chug out of it. 😢 Thanks for watching!

[@gravesgarage]

Nice Jeep!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It could be with a lot of love. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@eue073]

That CJ5 in that condition i easy $3000 here in Sweden, and the CJ7 $4-5000

[@MyLegacyGarage]

That'd be nice. Not here. 🤣 One of these days I need to get back on the old CJ's. Thanks for watching!

[@sothernborn1]

I bought one of these from a co worker back in the 80’s w/ the 304 in it an he earned up front the motor was tired and weak but I had been looking at this header side pipe kit called California red’s at local off road shop and was convinced the engine was just starving for more air .. I literally picked up 75 to 100 horsepower im not kidding w/ that one modification and that’s all I ever did to the engine other than a tue up and you talk about sounding mean . When I let my co worker drive it after the install he came back w/ his head down shaking saying I can’t believe it. They thing tracked good had power steering and breaks I think an stopped on a dime .. I had some major fun w/ that jeep .. The cops pulled me over for loud exhaust said they were illegal and the judge threatened to fine me so I traded in on a new 1989 grad am worst mistake I ever made ..

[@MyLegacyGarage]

That is a bad trade. 🤣 Neither of these units has any exhaust so it'll be mighty loud if we can get em going. I'm thinking side pipes would be fun. Thanks for watching!

[@randygorton3104]

Got an old 350 to run that was full into the heads. Run not run good.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

🤣 right! Even if this one came loose I doubt it'd be worth even changing the oil. Thanks for watching!

[@NathanRittenhouse-i7d]

It will run just done same thing just had a blown head gasket

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Pretty sure this one's toast. Thanks for watching!

[@mshantz3233]

I have a 1967 CJ 5

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@mccrackenphillip]

What happened to them?

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Still have them. The 7 is tucked in a corner of the garage to keep it out of the weather. I'll get back to them at some point. Hopefully this summer. Thanks for watching!

[@AintScaredGarage]

I'ts going to be 12 degrees next week LOL

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Sounds like a good time to do work in the house. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@jamesthev5607]

From the time it took that water to drain out I could have made a sandwich and come back

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Freaking ridiculous ain't it? 🤬

[@oldgeezer3269]

The other is a winner 👍

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Lord I hope so. My heart can't take two duds in a row. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@johndeere8594]

If you couldn’t get it with that big breaker bar it ain’t budgin.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Not without breaking something for sure. 🤣 Thanks for watching

[@nathancrane3218]

2 gallons of water 1974 allis charmers 190xt

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Nice! Shame this one was super stuck!

[@grantkoeller8911]

CJ7 CJ means Civilian Jeep

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It does indeed!

[@RobertsGarage]

Jeep things

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Indeed. You'd think I'd have learned my lesson with the TJ. 🙄

[@billdyke9745]

Nice try, feller. This is why people like Chevies... 🇬🇧👍

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Tell me about it. I feel like I could pull a small block Chevy out of a lake and fire it up. Thanks for watching!

[@ambrosemackinnon8314]

I wish they made them with diesel engines

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I'm sure somebody has stuffed one in. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@jackymurphy2848]

Most Jeeps will start without keys until you lock it then you need key

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I can start most any of the crap I have around here without a key but it'd be nice to know what I did with it. 🤬 Thanks for watching!

[@andrewmcewan8081]

the unseasonable watmth isnt so good for most of nature including us , i'll point u to the extended fire season for a start . plant dormancy for winter and sap riseing in spring happenning at the wrong time for the animals that live in time with them for another need i go on

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewmcewan8081]

@@MyLegacyGarage no problemo

[@foofoojergins9741]

I need those spare wheels ha

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Me too 🤣 One of these days I'm gonna get back to the Jeeps. Thanks for watching!

[@foofoojergins9741]

@@MyLegacyGarage besides having a jk, I enjoy my GEO tracker!

[@NathanRittenhouse-i7d]

Get you a racket

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@enermaxstephens1051]

Pull it outta there and rebuild it!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

That sounds expensive. Now take one outta the 5 and put in the 7 sounds much more affordable. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@LeftForDeadGarage]

Roadkill Jeep-rod!!!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

The frame rust scares me. I'ma need to get it in the shop and take a look at how bad it is for real. I'd don't like the thought of patching the frame up. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@bienvenidojosejorajuria5125]

Forgot to pull it with another vehicle maybe it will turn

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I doubt it would make a difference with how bad this one is stuck. Maybe I'll give it a go but more likely I'll just take the heads off and see what's going on in there. Thanks for watching!

[@scottjays360s.johnson2]

After you pulled the oil drain plug I could no longer watch the rest of the video. Good luck.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Thanks for watching what ya did!

[@natelovoy5736]

Let somebody put you an pop the clutch 2 or 3 times

[@MyLegacyGarage]

That works if you have a touch of rust on the cylinder walls but that poor thing has bigger issues. Thanks for watching!

[@85Stang331]

If it’s an 1980 v8304 that’s the last year for a v8 cj

[@MyLegacyGarage]

It's later than that but I can't remember what year it is. Somebody converted it to points ignition from electronic as well. Sooner or later I'm going to get back to this one..it's in the garage now at least. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelannen4168]

Why wouldnt the 304 be original?

[@MyLegacyGarage]

They stopped offering the 304 from the factory in like '82 and this one is an '84. Thanks for watching!

[@rodneyjohnson4438]

You don't finish the job that started I see people on here have wairsher job than that jeep and jet it running

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Good for them. I'm not gonna put money in a boat anchor engine though. It's still in the shop and I'll swap it at some point.

[@queensapphire7717]

More bugs than Windows Millenium edition.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

At least there wasn't a huge hive hidden in it somewhere!

[@queensapphire7717]

It’s not a Jeep if it doesn’t have water in it.

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I'm good with everywhere but in the engine. 🤔

[@neilvetter662]

that jeep has more problems than a hippopotamus

[@MyLegacyGarage]

She's a work in progress for sure. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@queensapphire7717]

If you ever want to do a self colonoscopy, you’re all set ;)

[@MyLegacyGarage]

I feel like this would do more harm than good. 🤣 Thanks for watching!

[@queensapphire7717]

@@MyLegacyGarage “it’s a joke !” - Vito, from the Soparanos.