Print Page - Would love some advice on a potential Turbo T-bird

Title: Would love some advice on a potential Turbo T-bird
Post by: Smirdok on February 21, 2016, 08:18:30 AM

Hello to all! I would be forever grateful if I could get some advice on a T-bird Turbo Coupe for sale. I currently own an 87' 5.0L SO as my daily driver (couldn't afford any mods due to being in college) so I know very little (as in next to nothing) about the turbo coupes. Through local online listings I found this TC and would love any advice/tips/tricks to properly test the car and ensure it is working properly as well as to get the forum's opinions/thoughts (I don't have a lot of $ but am really excited to start my first project). I messaged the current owner and was asking the general questions about it and to quote him...

Quote

"The car drives fine and handles pretty well. Transmission works great. Valve cover gasket is leaking some but I just keep a check on the oil and add to it when needed. Only glitch I've ever noticed was on a long drive the car shut its self off but I pushed the clutch and turned the key and it started straight back up. I'm not a mechanic so I have no idea why it done that and only done it on the long trip. I daily drive it in town and never have had a problem. Turbo spools up fine, boosts 18lbs and has safety shut off switches in case you over boost the turbo which is pretty much impossible. I can't tell much on the car it's the first 4 cylinder I've ever owned and if it wasn't turbo'd I would have never got it. But for what I use it for which is to just get around town or what not it does great and is really comfortable"[/I]

As with any used car, I assumed it's always a good idea to get the VIN, get a carfax, see the car, drive the car, etc but rather unsure of anything else. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all so much for the wealth of knowledge on this forum!

Title: Would love some advice on a potential Turbo T-bird
Post by: BornInAFord on February 22, 2016, 01:01:12 PM

If I were a gambler, I'd wager on the TFI (Thick Film Ignition) acting up. Fairly cheap/easy fix, and a known trouble spot due to location (heat soak, mostly). Get a Motorcraft replacement.

Daniel

Title: Would love some advice on a potential Turbo T-bird
Post by: CoogarXR on February 22, 2016, 02:13:38 PM

Or the typical worn-out ignition switch. My 85 would cut off when I hit the speedbumps in my old neighborhood, lol.

Title: Would love some advice on a potential Turbo T-bird
Post by: BornInAFord on February 22, 2016, 07:06:06 PM

Ah yes! The ignition switch can be troublesome, too...

A few years ago I had trouble with a loose body ground. Most of the time it would work, but occasionally I'd jar it just loose enough after a bump not to work. It would settle back into position by itself and work fine. It took a while to track the problem down.

Title: Would love some advice on a potential Turbo T-bird
Post by: Smirdok on February 22, 2016, 09:43:09 PM

Thank you all so much for your replies! It is appreciated!

Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: Smirdok on February 21, 2016, 08:18:30 AM