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Topic: 87/88 TC Issues? (Read 3821 times) previous topic - next topic

87/88 TC Issues?

If one were going to look at a Turbo Coupe, what would those in the know look for that would make it a no when talking about taking it home?
If worms had daggers, birds wouldn't f**k with 'em

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #1 –
I'm not as knowledgable as most on here but I'd check the strut towers. They seem to rot especially on the passenger side under the turbo. The one I had was really bad.

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #2 –
Smoking on startup, or when the car is coming down from high rpm, the aforementioned strut tower rust, 1/4 panel rust, and all the usual Thunderbird rust pr0ne areas.

Even if it does smoke, you can get a decent replacement turbo for a decent price. I wouldn't let that ruin my decision on an otherwise good car...however, you have to take the turbo off to make sure the shaft end play is not excessive, and that can be a real PITA.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #3 –
what color smoke on start up?

black,,white, gaseous, sooty ?
 

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #4 –
Well, ANY smoke isn't good, but I was referring to black sooty smoke, from oil seepage.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #5 –
watch for the high idle problem. After driving it, it may idle around 1500 or so, it's some wierd problem with some electrical connector somewhere. Oh, and run codes on it. Use the paper clip method.

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #6 –
Or take it to an Oreilly's/Autozone/ etc and scan it...I would anyway. High idle could be TPS, IAC, or several other things, again, scanning codes eliminates guesswork and throwing possibly needless parts at it lol
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;347392
Or take it to an Oreilly's/Autozone/ etc and scan it...I would anyway. High idle could be TPS, IAC, or several other things, again, scanning codes eliminates guesswork and throwing possibly needless parts at it lol

 

none of those autoparts stores will be able to pull codes off of a turbocoupe, only 96+ up(odb-2) even if they have the right scanner for it. been down that road many time before, use a paperclip and test light.
also, you can pull trouble codes specifically for the suspension but cant remember where the connector for it is located.
"Beating the hell out of other peoples cars since 1999"
1983 Ford Thunderbird Heritage
1984 Ford Mustang GT Turbo Convertible
2015 Ford Focus SE 1.0 EcoBoost

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;347392
Or take it to an Oreilly's/Autozone/ etc and scan it...I would anyway. High idle could be TPS, IAC, or several other things, again, scanning codes eliminates guesswork and throwing possibly needless parts at it lol

Can't test obdI cars with the free over the counter scanners. Tried. gotta buy one. On my TC I had the weird idle problem, there were a few guys here and a couple over on the TC only forum who had it. It's something eletrical, but not common like the TPS or IAC. Something to check when looking at a car because it can turn into a PITA.

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: jpc647;347436
Can't test obdI cars with the free over the counter scanners. Tried. gotta buy one. On my TC I had the weird idle problem, there were a few guys here and a couple over on the TC only forum who had it. It's something eletrical, but not common like the TPS or IAC. Something to check when looking at a car because it can turn into a PITA.


You can here. O'reilly's here are able to scan OBD-1. Or you can just buy the one Oreilly's has for 30 bucks, it's digital, so no counting blinks, and it's proved to be reliable and acurate.  Every fox lover should have one. lol
FOXLESS!!

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #10 –
I like the paper clip. Its cheaper, and its not a big deal if you drop or lose it.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Haystack;347614
I like the paper clip. Its cheaper, and its not a big deal if you drop or lose it.

Yea, maybe, but you can do a lot more with a code scanner than a paperclip......unless  you are McGuyver..... and 30 bucks isn't horribly expensive either.
FOXLESS!!

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #12 –
I've never heard of the paper clip trick before today. And I have no clue how it works.

87/88 TC Issues?

Reply #13 –
Quote from: 1Bad88tbird;347629
I've never heard of the paper clip trick before today. And I have no clue how it works.

 
(In a nutshell) The paperclip works as a jumper between the pins on  the diagnostic connector and you count how many times the CEL blinks to get your codes. I have only done it once or twice but IIRC you can only do it if your CEL is illuminated.
FOXLESS!!

1994 Lincoln Mark VIII