Skip to main content ↑ ↓

Topics

This section allows you to view all Topics made by this member. Note that you can only see Topics made in areas you currently have access to.

Topics - hotbird

1
Drivetrain Tech / Where to buy TV cable grommet?
Mine broke at the throttle arm. My local Ford dealer doesn't have any, and Rockauto isn't clear about whether it's for a rod type or cable type linkage. What should I buy and from where?

Thanks!
2
Engine Tech / Coolant leak...common symptoms?
I have a coolant leak that developed all of a sudden on my 302. Seems like it's coming from directly above the crank balancer, somewhere around the water pump. I've already planned on cleaning all the hydraulic oil that leaks from the steering pump off from around the front of the engine, and I was simply wondering if there are any common failure points around this area which could cause this. Kinda like the 4.6 (when equipped with the old style all-plastic intake) is known to leak around here when the coolant crossover cracks.

I haven't worked much on these old engines, most of my experience is in modulars so any tips are welcome. I did work as a repair tech for a few years, but you just can't beat advice from other owners, lol.

Thanks!
3
Electrical Tech / Multiple electrical issues
So, I have a few issues as of late, seems the electrical gremlins decided to pay the Tbird a visit. Let me say that these issues did NOT all occur at once, it's just that the latest one is real annoying, and I'm going to fix it and all the other ones while I'm at it. The car is an 87 Thunderbird with digital cluster, cruise, and it does not have EATC. Here are my issues:

1. Tachometer- the backlighting in the top part of the scale flickers, I think from 3000 RPM upwards to the end of the tach. The bargraph segments work fine, it's JUST the numbers above the bargraph.

2. Cruise control- was driving with cruise set one night and the accelerator pedal snapped back to idle. Like a cable snapped or something and suddenly released the accelerator. Could not get it to reengage after that, horn does still work.

3. The most annoying symptom ever- I switch the ignition on, and everything powers up like it should. Pushing forward on the steering wheel makes the cluster displays go blank...they all stay backlit however no numbers are displayed. When this happens, the cluster, clock, tripminder, blower fan and wipers stop working. What could cause each of these 3 items to happen? Bad ignition switch? If so how do I access and change the ignition switch?

Thanks and good night.
4
Engine Tech / Harmonic balancer broke on my 302
Hey, I was wondering if this is a common problem or not, I don't know nearly as much about 302's as I do modulars...

A few days ago, I went out to my car and started it up, it had a nasty vibration, so I didn't drive it except down the street to check it out some. Turns out the balancer came apart, the outer ring with the timing marks on it is sitting on the crank just flopping around...what parts do I need to order, just a new balancer? The ones on RockAuto look a bit different, but then again I didn't get a chance to get a real good look at mine. What's the best way to replace it as far as getting the puller in there?

Thanks for the help guys.