I finally got the #3 T-bird in drivable condition. I drove it for 65 miles during the round trip to the tag office. I have some issues still. First, the engine seems to run really well. The tranny seems to have some issues. I think it's acting like it has a broken accumulator spring (or two). It wants to prematurely shift into first under mild acceleration. It wants to hesitate shifting out of first under hard acceleration. Also, when driving normally, the shift from first to second STARTS to happen, then it slip a bit, then stays in first a tad longer, then shifts into second with "rubber band" effect, meaning that instead of the car going forward smoothly, it bounces a bit back and forth like a manual would if you let off the clutch too abruptly right at the end of pedal travel. If I'm going to have to pull the pan, I might as well do the J-mod. I did it once on my 95 XR7. I followed the write-up on TCCOA. Is there a write-up and parts list for the J-mod on this site someplace? Are the parts still available?
Also, the temp gauge is running hot, but I'm not sure if it IS ACTUALLY running hot. My OBDII scanner shows that it got up to 210 once, 205-208 a lot. The gauge inside was showing at the trailing edge of the M on the NORM. It didn't act like it was hot, not smoking of oil on the engine, no knocking, no boil-overs. I DID notice that when I removed the reservoir cap there was no pressure behind it. Also, the coolant is NASTY! I MUST flush the coolant out and refill with fresh. This alone might fix the issue. If not, I suspect temp sending unit(s).
I need an alignment bad. I replaced upper and lower control arms, steering rack and both tie rod ends. It's not horrible but it feels like it's pushing down the road instead of gliding freely. I also need new shocks all the way around. This is the sloppiest handling bird I've ever driven and I've driven at least (9) MN12s (no Mark VIII). I have an appointment for an alignment at 7AM on Monday.
The serpentine belt is running too far forward on the water pump pulley and one edge is not seating in the groove on the crank pulley (harmonic balancer?). I have no idea why this is happening but it's a brand new $33 belt an I don't want to have to buy another. It's riding in the groove on the AC compressor, the alternator and the PS pump. No clue what is going on.
I have a fuel leak. When I bought the car I was told that the reason it didn't run was because the fuel pump was bad, which was true. I replaced the pump but had trouble getting the metal ring to seal with the gasket under the pump plate due to restricted access. You know what they say... you never have the time to do it right, but always have enough time to do it over. That will be me. maybe I'll pull the whole tank down this time. I'm certainly not cutting a hole in the unibody.
One last thing... the speedo is off a bit. Up to about 45 it is accurate. At 64 indicated it's going 60 according to the PCM and GPS. At 78 indicated it's going 70. Not a really big thing, just a bit annoying. I wish I knew how to correct it.
Other non-driving issues that I must correct: Driver's window needs the puck and gear replaced, Passenger window doesn't even click. Have to do some troubleshooting. I HATE working inside doors. I will have to replace the entire AC system before summer. Many of the lines are crusty with rust. I've never seen this before on a vehicle from the south. I looked it up a couple of weeks ago.... about $500 minimum all the parts. This thing has become a money pit, however even with all the issues that I'll eventually work out, this thing feels great to drive!
If there are any suggestions or tips regarding any of the issues I've listed I'd be happy to hear them.
Also, the temp gauge is running hot, but I'm not sure if it IS ACTUALLY running hot. My OBDII scanner shows that it got up to 210 once, 205-208 a lot. The gauge inside was showing at the trailing edge of the M on the NORM. It didn't act like it was hot, not smoking of oil on the engine, no knocking, no boil-overs. I DID notice that when I removed the reservoir cap there was no pressure behind it. Also, the coolant is NASTY! I MUST flush the coolant out and refill with fresh. This alone might fix the issue. If not, I suspect temp sending unit(s).
I need an alignment bad. I replaced upper and lower control arms, steering rack and both tie rod ends. It's not horrible but it feels like it's pushing down the road instead of gliding freely. I also need new shocks all the way around. This is the sloppiest handling bird I've ever driven and I've driven at least (9) MN12s (no Mark VIII). I have an appointment for an alignment at 7AM on Monday.
The serpentine belt is running too far forward on the water pump pulley and one edge is not seating in the groove on the crank pulley (harmonic balancer?). I have no idea why this is happening but it's a brand new $33 belt an I don't want to have to buy another. It's riding in the groove on the AC compressor, the alternator and the PS pump. No clue what is going on.
I have a fuel leak. When I bought the car I was told that the reason it didn't run was because the fuel pump was bad, which was true. I replaced the pump but had trouble getting the metal ring to seal with the gasket under the pump plate due to restricted access. You know what they say... you never have the time to do it right, but always have enough time to do it over. That will be me. maybe I'll pull the whole tank down this time. I'm certainly not cutting a hole in the unibody.
One last thing... the speedo is off a bit. Up to about 45 it is accurate. At 64 indicated it's going 60 according to the PCM and GPS. At 78 indicated it's going 70. Not a really big thing, just a bit annoying. I wish I knew how to correct it.
Other non-driving issues that I must correct: Driver's window needs the puck and gear replaced, Passenger window doesn't even click. Have to do some troubleshooting. I HATE working inside doors. I will have to replace the entire AC system before summer. Many of the lines are crusty with rust. I've never seen this before on a vehicle from the south. I looked it up a couple of weeks ago.... about $500 minimum all the parts. This thing has become a money pit, however even with all the issues that I'll eventually work out, this thing feels great to drive!
If there are any suggestions or tips regarding any of the issues I've listed I'd be happy to hear them.
the water pump likely got replaced with the short style, which needs a different pulley. he ancient coolant has eaten it's way under the intake manifold gasket, causing the lack of pressure. next is the leaks into the spark plug wells, causing misfires. #8 seems particularly popular for this. If the ac lines are rusty, check the fuel lines and brake lines. Find a 2002 gran marquis transmission to rebuild, I wouldn't waste time fixing that one. Everything bad with it is fixed by then, but the parts in an o2 are 22 years old now, all the rubber needs replaced.
