Apparently I didn't introduce myself. Though I believe I did on a previous board version . Not on much The wagon , also derisively called "The tank" has served me well since 1998. originally a beautiful woodgrain Rose - reddish brown metallic. It had severe clear coat lifting. It was repainted (badly and $$$) monkey **** brown by a shop that didn't care @ 7 years ago. Over 190,000 kms and never been in an accident. Passenger exhaust manifold leak and fumes are getting into the cabin , especially with defrost on. Not safe. And not cost effective to repair. I asked my mechanic about a patch - JBL weld - Blue Steel. He said it's buried and not accessible. Not sure if it's the gasket or close to the gasket. So sad : ( I'm looking for an F150 crew cab truck
Better late than never with the introduction. Sounds like your wagon lived a full life but I wouldn't give up just because of an exhaust leak. If nothing else rip it all out and replace it. Exhaust and mufflers is not terribly expensive or difficult. Find an exhaust manifold or just replace the gaskets in the old one. Couple of drinks and a few friends should take care of it in an afternoon. I'm looking for an F150 crew cab truck ...... No, get another wagon!
1991 - to do list Just barely passed last emission test. dual exhaust , so 2 catalytic converters lost overdrive a year ago - so transmission rebuild 4 power windows don't operate Driver's side needs manual help - an adventure at toll booths and customs. only 2 power door locks work driver's side rear door is permanently closed tailgate doesn't lock manually or by power never had a problem with the tailgate window ! One of the best features of the car. Water leak - driver's side windshield at roof. rust repair - all wheel wells . passenger side frame , floor under fold out rear seats oil leaks Air bag light permanently flashing But A/C works ! Lot's of heat ! Lot's of tread on Michelin LTX tires And seats still nice enough to have in a living room _ For fun , I should get an estimate from the local stealership - Colony Ford. Shop rate of $109.95/hr ( plus 13% for the government) ( had an argument over the 2x charge on Manual transmission fluid for my Focus this week)
Hey ModelT re - Find an exhaust manifold or just replace the gaskets in the old one. Couple of drinks and a few friends should take care of it in an afternoon. I notice that you live in Florida. Prolly don't get rust down there. For sure manifold bolts are going to snap and possibly need to be drilled out etc. I wish I was more mechanically inclined and adventurous. _ I was half serious about using a scuba tank while driving the Crown Vic. No one else thinks it's funny
At that low mileage, something is screwy for all those things to be wrong with the old girl! We have had well over 500,000 miles out of these cars with no major issues at all. I would be looking for a different mechanic. Exhaust manifold gaskets are neither expensive for terribly difficult. All these Ford cars had dual cats, whether single or dual exhaust, by the way. Wish you were closer. I would love to give the old girl a new lease on life!
I was half serious , when I told people that I could still drive it with a scuba tank. Nobody thought that was funny
Are you SURE it is the exhaust manifold? These engines do not have gaskets from the factory, and if the manifold is not damaged, they simply seldom leak at all. What does leak, however, is the thermactor system tubes. They have a habit of snapping off just above the catalytic converters, and they sound for all the world like a manifold crack or gasket problem. The replacement pipe that leads to both cats is not expensive and not hard to install, either. I am having exactly that right now with my 88 Grand Marquis sedan. If that is what it is, the repair should be less than $150.
Well mostly no rusted out body parts but the bottom side rusts out down here. Anyone living close to either coast has rust problems because of the salt water. The noticeable rust is nothing like northern and midwest cars though. After reading more about your wagon problems I'd probably shoot it and find another. It's no fun dollaring yourself to death on any vehicle.
