Engine Problems...

[Nicholas M Adams]

So my mechanic I went to for my 95 did a once over, and gave me a list of problems. Outside of the obvious body damage I could see, there was extensive damage some of the mechanics. The power steering pump was leaking BAD, the rack and pinion was damaged, a tie rod was completely gone on the passenger side, my cats have to be replaced, and I have some sort of engine noise. He essentially said that he did not want to work on the car, because the parts necessary to fix that engine would be too hard to find. My question is, would it be better to find a mechanic who is willing to work on the engine, or should I find another? What have you guys paid for engine work to find the problems? Will a 94 sho engine work in a 95? Suggestions? Keep in mind, this car was bought for 500 bucks, and this mechanic charged me a hour labor to give the ol' once over.

 

[sperold]

You have to do the most of this work yourself, as most people who you hire will know less than you, even though you may know nothing.

The engines have a reputation of being bullet proof, so don't be alarmed by this uninformed diagnosis.

Find a mechanic old enough to have worked on these cars.

Be prepared to do a lot of research, and this forum is a good place to start.

As for engines, the automatic cars have a 3.2 and the manual cars have a 3.o, and they do not directly interchange, but it can be done as outlined on this forum.

You can get a Helms Taurus repair manual for mechanical things and an Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual (EVTM) for the electrical things, both from E-Bay.

Look for people on this forum that live close to you for help and advice, and there are still companies that sell parts.

 

[rubydist]

First off, you need to know what "some sort of engine noise" is. These engines have a tendency to develop rod knock, and that is very serious if left untreated, so if that is the "sort of engine noise" it will have to be addressed right away.

However, there are several other candidates for the "sort of engine noise" which are not so serious, so you need to find someone who apparently knows more than this mechanic to help you sort out what it is more specifically.

There are still places to buy parts, but certain parts are very difficult to obtain, so depending on what it really needs, it may be better to move on. In short, we need more detailed information to really advise you in a manner that will really help you.

 

[NoSlo]

So this was in a collision? If you don't have a wrecking yard with SHOs (which you won't), or Sable for some parts, Taurus for the rest, rebuilding may be off the table. Paint would cost more than you paid. If it is green, you'll not find the same color parts except SHO.

The automatic transmission (ATX, which is more likely from production numbers) has completely different engine drive accessories than the manual.

Power steering rack (w VAPS) , Cardone 2225 $83; two outer tie rod ends, $6

Replacement requires dropping the subframe.

ATX power steering pump $106.79 (I have a used one for less)

One of the more frustrating parts to replace because of how little room there is to access.

Dual catalytic converter Y-Pipe, ATX $193.79

Parts are either clearance prices, or unobtainable...

Take off the accessory belt (ATX - "tighten" the 17mm pulley bolt near the power steering pump with breaker bar to relieve spring-loaded tension) and see if you have noise still. Working on anything engine belt requires removing the battery and tray.

 

[luigisho]

Not enough info. Did you buy the car in this condition?

It will be easier to find another car rather than try and repair this one unless you a wrenching whiz and have alot of time to find parts. I would sell it for scrap and move on if the motor is no good.
You are talking several thousand dollars if you need a replacement motor, cats, steering rack, mechanic to install all this ...and that's not including body work. This patient is DOA

 

[zoomlater]

Sometimes looking for a car that has been well maintained by a long time SHO owner ends up being the cheaper way to go after adding up all the parts and labor needed to bring a poorly maintained car up to daily driver status. There were two decent cars on ebay recently, a modified 92 MTX with a lot of upgrades and a low mile ATX. Not sure if they sold as they sat for awhile without any bids.

 

[blk\blk90]

Being in Denton there's a few people in the dfw area that could probably give your car a once over. Texantony used to have a shop, but I think he got out of the game.

 

[dunsgamer]

It's been over 7Mo. now what did you do with the SHO??

 

[Imnotsureyet]

You have to do the most of this work yourself, as most people who you hire will know less than you, even though you may know nothing.

The engines have a reputation of being bullet proof, so don't be alarmed by this uninformed diagnosis.

Find a mechanic old enough to have worked on these cars.

Be prepared to do a lot of research, and this forum is a good place to start.

As for engines, the automatic cars have a 3.2 and the manual cars have a 3.o, and they do not directly interchange, but it can be done as outlined on this forum.

You can get a Helms Taurus repair manual for mechanical things and an Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual (EVTM) for the electrical things, both from E-Bay.

Look for people on this forum that live close to you for help and advice, and there are still companies that sell parts.

Thank you for your reply it was very reassuring and informative and I hope your right because I haven't had my 92 running in 10 years and just got it running a few days ago and I'm having some trouble with a lack of power and some noise like something rattling and it's causing me some concerns to say the least and it's good to know that there are people willing to take the time to help others out good post thank you

Imnotsureyet