First off, I stopped at my parents house after a 2h drive and noticed my heater wasn't working very well. Old car, didn't give it much thought. Decided to look under the hood to hear/listen for something obvious. When I got out of the car, I could hear a hissing sound under the hood, and decided to investigate.
I had a couple issues with it 15 years ago when I was in high school and sent it to the local mechanic. Even back then, parts were hard to find and I never questioned his method of "fixing" problems. It appears that (if it was a similar problem, he used the ole JB Weld Solution)
I know he fixed a broken cruse control twice by soldering it back together.
If you could tell me what this piece is in control of so I know what problem it is causing...and perhaps direct me to where I could find a new one. The car still runs well, gas mileage is still wonderful (comparatively speaking) but the only real thing I noticed wasn't working perfect was the heater.
Could this be the problem...or should I address that heater thing another time?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/c_bass16/IMAG0133.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/c_bass16/IMAG0132.jpg)
That is the main vacuum source from the intake manifold. It feeds the vacuum tree for your brake booster, cruise control and A/C system. I have one that I can send to you next week. It is pretty dangerous to NOT have that hooked up and I'm sure your car doesn't run too well?
ummmm.. is that jb weld coming through the fire wall? wow lol
*EDIT* i just realized it's on the vacuum tree.. WOW lmao
it appears to be a vacuum line of some sort.. i originally thought it was the washer hose but it looks to big.. if it is indeed a vacuum line, that should explain your heat issue.. the controls are running off of vacuum to switch from floor/vent/defrosters.. i think.. i know my S10's and sonoma are all vacuum controlled, pretty sure my xr7 and sport were too but it's been so long since i've actually seen what's hiding back there
It seems to rev up and down when I idle in park, and I can definitely see how a bad seal can cause that. Can't say I've noticed anything with it when I drive. Gears all read good, and fuel economy is about 22-24mpg highway.
That would be great if you've got one to spare. I know of a "You-Pick-It salvage lot a few hours from where I live, but they have no way of telling me what is left on any vehicle in the yard. I've been there before and they have one 88 cougar LS, a few 86's and some thunder birds...but they've all been picked purdy clean. (never looked under the hood though)
OH YEAH...its an 87 XR7 too. (as if you fox pros didn't already know)
i believe mustangs what the same vacuum tree.. my F150's and bronco had it too
You can get those off of a lot of Ford cars, can't say for sure about trucks, bronco II's, etc though.
Hard to find parts eh? I'd find another mechanic....shiznit fire, those things are cheap...and everywhere.
x2 to what ^ said
I HATED taking my car to that guy. When I was 14 I didn't know any better and that's where my dad would send it. It seemed like he would just pull random parts out of the bone yard and if he didn't have something...he'd 'afro-engineer' something back together with whatever he had laying around the shop.
Live and learn. I actually think I will be able to snag one over new years when I head to my grandparents place. I know where a t-bird is chillin in some trees.
Mustangs have the exact same one..
$20 for a new one.
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-9490A/86-93-Mustang-50L-Vacuum-Tree
If you can't locate one, I'm sure I have a spare somewhere here. I'll send it to ya for the cost of shipping.
If you can get a brand new one for $20.00,get it !!!
will a new one really make that much difference or will it just be less pr0ne to breaking due to the healthier new plastic?