hey guys, im new to the forum and new to fixing up old cars. my dad was a mechanic but unfortunately i didnt learn enough from him before he passed, other than fords are all im allowed to drive. i found a 76 maverick last fall and decided i had to have it. it runs, functions, great body, but needs some freshening up. my first issue is an engine light that gets brighter as the car warms up. while it idles for a few minutes the light isnt on. i drive it about a mile down the road and it starts to light up and keep getting brighter. my first thought was an over heating issue. the radiator is so so, probably needs a new one. i started with the thermostat since its the cheapest fix. when i went to take the old one out, it wasnt there. is there a reason for that? i dont know if thats a performance trick? i always figured you had to have one. anyway, after putting in the new one the light still comes on. any one have advice as to whether im on the right track with it being a coolant issue? is there any way to test a dummy light to see whats causing it to come on? thanks guys!!
do a search on the engine light and you should find the thread that has the diagrams and info you'll need. The short version is that the light is wired through the oil and temp senders and either high engine temp or low oil pressure could result in the light illuminating. You do need the thermostat, 180 or 195° would be fine. Sorry to hear about your Dad. I lost mine last year and there are volumes of things I wish I could have learned from him. Jason
thanks. we were fixing up a 71 maverick when i was 15. the car was nothing. a frame, a passenger door, a grabber hood!, and that was about it. we got an engine in it so we could move it around, and a steering wheel. i think we had a screwdriver to put it in gear, not sure. then he got sick. im now 35 and have a 3 year old son and i thought it was time to see what i can do. i have a head start with this one, the cars in good shape. i did get a temp gauge, just havent hook it up yet. i guess thats my next step. and probably the radiator. its got a few spots that are looking coroded. i was hoping to not have to replace it right away.
