Wow rust!

[LWilson]

Hello!

I got a Ford SHO; black,1993, v6, 24v and it runs like a cloud.

Looking under the hood, I found a lot of rust and seemingly unattached cords.
The breaks don't start slowing the air until I've pushed 85% to the floor :angelnot: but who needs those anyways.

I was hoping some of you might be able to help me with some of my known issues before they become more serious.

Clear-ish white hose leaking light substance, yet has a lot of grease oil build up? I'm thinking it might be due to two leaks, the white hose being more serious. It looks like it is coming from the firewall? T the mid or lower engine.

My muffler is also severely damaged, I know very little about auto mechanics so far... Is there a specific muffler for my SHO? And will I be able to assemble with pliers xD?

Oh yes! My moonroof doesn't shut anymore, yet still opens. Does this indicate motor issue or electrical?

thank you

 

[ShadetreeSHOguy]

I dont even know where to start... So hi.

 

[zach44102]

Well welcome to the forum. But it sounds like the car has some issues, A lot of them safety related. With the brakes going 85% to the floor, check the brake fluid. If the master cylinder in empty add fluid and look for leaks. If the master cylinder is full, you will probably need a new master cylinder.

Having trouble understanding the rest of your post but I would suggest not driving the car with faulty brakes. Not only for your safety but for the safety of others.

 

[LWilson]

Hello and thanks! I think I don't really know where to start either, so I will try to address things as far as I can before trying to get more information . Well other than these questions:
Can you guys help me get a ball park figure for having the electrical redone at a shop? Also, is it more practical for me to seek a shop's workmanship and judgement for the rust under the car? It doesn't creak or anything, yet it does have a fair amount of rusted bolts? Sorry I cannot provide photos yet.

 

[rubydist]

Hello!

I got a Ford SHO; black,1993, v6, 24v and it runs like a cloud.

so you are saying its all damp and wispy-like?




the muffler is specific to your car, and it takes more than a pliers to change exhaust. typically, you will need to replace the entire system from the cats back, given what you have said about rust.

the brakes may be low on fluid or have air in them, or need a master cylinder or need a brake booster. they need checked out and fixed asap.

the leaks need a better description so we know how to help - can you snap a photo or two and post them?

the moonroof sounds like a switch issue - they were prone to failure. any taurus or sable of that generation with a moonroof has the same switch. getting the cover off without damaging it is a trick since its a poor design, but under that cover is also a way for you to manually crank the moonroof closed so you don't get snow or rain inside the car. if not the switch, then the moonroof motor might also be bad.

the general rule is that if you cannot fix it yourself, you cannot afford one of these older SHOs, so you might want to make friends with a guy who's a mechanic and learn fast...

 

[LWilson]

Lol thanks ruby, and all.

I may not be able to afford one of these for the upkeep, yet I do learn and I like to learn.

I removed the moonroof cover (without damaging it (it did seem like a silly design)) and the break fluid is almost dry with some black moist silt remaining.

I guess I will check a car yard for the switch? Thanks for the info!
I'll use a shamy to absorb the silty stuff from the master brake, being careful not to let it down the holes and then refill with dot3 brake fluid (as cap states).

Btw what are the "cats"?

Thanks again
[ps] Cloud/ as in moves seemingly effortless and smoothly

 

[Fordlover96]

"Cats" are the catalytic converters. They're an emission control part of the exhaust system. Look under the car and there will be two boxes ,with tapered ends, on the exhaust pipes before the two pipes joins into one in the middle of the car. Otherwise called a "catback" system, is where everything is replaced behind the cats (pipes, muffler, etc.) And idk if you mentioned this or not, is your SHO a stick or auto?

 

[LWilson]

Stick/manual, my preference as well!

 

[TimboSHO]

the break fluid is almost dry with some black moist silt remaining.

You have a leak in the system. Please get this fixed before driving, as Zack said above. Most likely, if the car is rusty like you said, it is a brake hard line.

If you are not familiar with auto mechanics, I would recommend bringing it to a trusted mechanic that can fix it properly, because this isn't something I would try as a 'practice' job.