16
votes
Accepted
Realistically, how much can I expect to improve cloudy headlights by polishing?
That process you're describing is VERY familiar to me - I do that for people from time to time. The difference is REALLY SIGNIFICANT... and at most it should take you five minutes of actual work per ...
- 2,534
8
votes
Headaches when driving older pickup truck
The shop vac can barely run because of the back pressure when hooked up the the tailpipe.
If there is a severe exhaust restriction it could explain the presence of fumes in the cabin:
if the engine ...
- 38.9k
7
votes
Can y’all help me out. I have no idea what I’m doing
From your description, it sounds like you have a plugged catalytic converter. The glowing red exhaust pipe and lack of power is what would clue me to that.
- 139k
6
votes
Headaches when driving older pickup truck
Seeing as how the vehicle is over 20 years old, I'm doubting you are getting outgassing. That should have occurred a long time ago. If you drive with the window open to ensure fresh air flow, does the ...
- 139k
5
votes
How, and why, do you test coolant concentration?
In answer to the question of how to test your coolant mix, you would use an antifreeze and coolant tester
In answer to why, you would want to ensure that your coolant mixture is correct as this ...
- 23.3k
5
votes
Accepted
Squeaking under the hood only while throttle is pressed
I figured it out today. The spark plug in one of the cylinders blew out of the head while driving. The 'squeaking' was actually a whistling as air was pushed passed the spark plug.
- 1,286
5
votes
Accepted
Loose wires in 1993 5.0 V8 F150 Engine
I think @Zaid is correct on the first one (A/C). The second one, however, I believe is actually the Power Steering Pressure Sensor (PSPS) Connector, which uses the same pig tail as the injector ...
- 139k
5
votes
Loose wires in 1993 5.0 V8 F150 Engine
Given its proximity to the AC compressor, the one to the left appears to be the wire for the AC compressor clutch; the connector looks similar to the one for a brand-new replacement:
I'm speculating ...
- 38.9k
5
votes
Accepted
What is this in my 5.4 triton?
That is the anti lock brake module or ABS. While it is in you engine compartment it has nothing to do with the engine. The reason it has a 4x4 sticker on it is that ABS for 4x4 vehicles is slightly ...
- 15.9k
5
votes
1967 Ford F100 miles per gallon
On most vehicles, the larger the engine the more fuel it burns. The 5.8L size is the displacement (or swept volume) of all the cylinders (eight in your case) added up. When the cylinders fill with the ...
- 139k
5
votes
Accepted
Side effects of small amount dirt from spark plug well
tl dr; I'm sure minimal damage (if any) would occur from this, but there really is no telling.
A small amount of dirt would usually not cause an issue. It also depends on the size of the dirt. Most "...
- 139k
5
votes
What is this connector piece called coming from radiator?
You don't have to replace the metal collet (crimped part) with a new one. Just replace the hose and put a jubilee clamp (worm gear hose clamp) in its place. Easy peasy and a whole lot less money. The ...
- 139k
4
votes
Possible fuel filler leak in F-150 truck
I'd suggest you're right in your diagnosis and, yes, it should be safe to drive on a minimal basis. The only issue you might see is a check engine light due to the tank not being sealed completely. ...
- 139k
4
votes
Realistically, how much can I expect to improve cloudy headlights by polishing?
I followed TDHofstetter's advice (partly) and I can now report that it is indeed quite effective. I wet-sanded with 600, 1200 and 2000 grit sandpaper (my local hardware store had nothing in between ...
- 1,070
4
votes
Driving on bad wheel bearing 04 F-150
I agree this sounds more like a brake pad issue than a wheel bearing issue. The main reason is, with a wheel bearing issue, you will feel it more than you'll hear it. When the wheel bearing is bad ...
- 139k
4
votes
Headaches when driving older pickup truck
Since you qualified the exhaust system has no leaks, check the erg tube for leaks, also check the exhaust manifold gaskets if it has them, between manifold and cylinder head.
Also check for oil leaks ...
- 7,940
3
votes
Accepted
What does my serpentine belt run?
Idler Pulleys are generally used to either provide constant tension or make the belt wrap around more of the next pulley, which equals more contact area around that next pulley. An idler pulley, by ...
- 1,502
3
votes
Accepted
All warning lights came on, the odometer did not.
It sounds to me like the fault is within the instrument binnacle or associated wiring as opposed to the lights being genuine warning lights. It sounds like a classic "shorting out" problem. This ...
- 23.3k
3
votes
2002 Ford F-150 idle problem
I will keep my answers fairly simple, as the procedure will differ, and I'm unfamiliar with your vehicle.
Clean the MAF sensor. It is a very thin metal filament inside a circular component attached ...
- 163
3
votes
How, and why, do you test coolant concentration?
Testing Coolant is pretty easy using specific gravity. A tester has several balls that have slightly different densities. Different balls will float depending on the concentration.
You want to test ...
- 399
3
votes
Possible fuel filler leak in F-150 truck
Following up with the resolution:
I was right about the diagnosis. The rubber hose joining the filler neck to the fuel tank was deteriorated and cracked. The same was true of the vapor return hose.
...
- 1,070
3
votes
Bent flap inside fuel filler
The flap is called a "rollover valve". It is there to help prevent fuel from escaping in the event of a rollover. It also has the added benefit of helping to prevent fuel from being syphoned from your ...
- 1,965
3
votes
Driving on bad wheel bearing 04 F-150
Sounds more like brake pads are worn out. But with the possible safety issues I would agree with the other answer or comment that this should be looked at by someone knowledgeable ASAP.
- 348
3
votes
Accepted
Ford F-150 (2011, 5.0L) wobbling pulley and rattle
I'm not familiar enough with that engine to say for sure, but the circled pulley might be the water pump. The wobbling is not a good sign, it indicates that a bearing is failing.
There are four ...
- 14.2k
3
votes
Accepted
Why is there no air flow thru my heater core?
Air flow in the heater box is not in the direction I originally thought. Having found a diagram, I was able to determine the air is passed thru the AC evaporator core all the time.
Then, depending ...
- 9,035
3
votes
Estimated labor hours for transmission replacement
Remove & Replace on an 4x4 Automatic is 6.6hrs. This doesn't include fluid fill or any other maintenance work like the filter so add another .5 hrs or so.
- 10.7k
3
votes
1994 Ford F150 coming back to life
As Paulster2 stated, but before you put the spark plugs back in, spin the engine over on the starter and get the oil pumped around the system so it does not start as dry.
Over 5 years most of the oil ...
- 34.4k
3
votes
What's this yellow paste I found when I attempted to add oil?
That looks like quite a bit more than the linked questioner had.
I'd say head gasket failure, but if you only do short trips then it's possible that it's simply condensation. Take it out on the ...
- 920
3
votes
Front wheel bearings integral to rotor assembly
It isn't integral with the rotors, but the bearings are integral with the hub itself. It comes as a unit, which attaches to the steering knuckle. The rotor is separate and attaches over the lugs (...
- 139k
3
votes
Ford F150 quirk
TL DR: This isn't how it's supposed to be. They should be the same from side to side ... however ...
However, stuff happens. As Solar Mike aluded to, things happen on the assembly line which can give ...
- 139k
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