Bad Cams

[jhollie]

Just bought a 93 MTX and got screwed!!!!!! I drove 12 hours to pick up a clean SHO. On the drive home the car quit! This was the ignition module! Then I noticed that I smelled coolant the whole time even though the car just had a new water pump installed. Also, the oil light flashes off and on when at low RPM speeds. The car also disappointed me with the amount of power it puts out. The car has no get up and go!!! :cry: The motor was supposely done by some shop a couple of years ago. I think that the oring seals did not seal properly and that the flickering light could be the rod bearings. What about the low power. Could it possible be that the cams were not shimmed properly and I have premature cam wear. The car Idles and drives fine. Any suggestions would greatly help!!!

Thanks, Jimmie

 

[F-22 Raptor SHO]

Wow, alot of new members come to SHO-dom with cars that barely make the trip home. I'm sorry for your situation. No get up and go could be any one (or 3) of a dozen things, but a prematurely worn cam is not likely.

Smelling coolant could be anything from a bad heater core to a bad seal on the end tanks of the radiator and anything inbetween those 2, so you will need some more diagnosis time. Top off the coolant and see where the leak is coming from

As to the oil flickering light at low rpms, you are spot on that the rod bearings are in dire need of replacement. How dire....dont drive the car AT ALL till you fix them.

Lets address the power thing after the bearings are done.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Your valves may need adjustment, but the cams really can't wear to a point where you could actually feel power loss.

Did you buy this car sight unseen or at least have someone look it over for you and test drive it before agreeing to buy it?

 

[jhollie]

Wish I had!! Took owners word and handful of replacement receipts. It seems all people are not trustworthy. I plan on replacing the waterpump seals and rod bearings soon. I have no Idea were to start on restoring the power. All suggestions are welcome!!!!!!!!

Thanks, jhollie (newbie)

 

[Jonny Cash]

Like strongly suggested before... DO NOT drive that car. Do the rod bearings, and then take it from there. I feel for you, but not driving that car might very well save you a new motor. Once that is taken care of, you can start worrying about power loss.

Do some research on this forum, and it will save you a whole lot of questions. There is a chance the motor cannott be saved. Good luck.

 

[TYSHO]

Check the main vacuum hose on the back of the intake manifold, you can't miss it. If this thing has a leak, you can get the oil pressure light flicker. As for the lack of power, I'd check to make sure the spout connector is still there. If it is, I'd look at sticking calipers, stuck e-brake cable, and/or a worn timing belt. Do you have the check engine light coming on? If so, check the codes. If not, make sure the light for it operates when you turn the ignition to the run position.

Edit: I'd suggest changing the air filter, fuel filter, and checking for clogged converters.