Ok, i know pretty much absolutely nothing about cars and can repair even less. I am having a couple minor problems with my maverick, and my stepdad knows only slightly more about repairing and working on stuff. What can i do to know exactly whats wrong with my mav. and how/how much to fix it. Like the lights that allow you to see the instrument cluster at night dont work, also if i use the headlights, my car wont start after i shut it off (possibly alternator??). Plus im pretty sure my car is running rich or something cause it idles real low and stumbles on itself then speeds up close to stalling, even at a red light when its warm. Just simple stiff like that, that we cant fix, plus we dont want some average joe tinkering around and screwing something up big time. Should i have a mechanic test drive it, then put it up on the rack and look at everyhting? But i think that would cost alot of money. All i want is for it to be running in tip top shape, so i can start making upgrades to it, like a 302 and a 4 barrel carb. Any ideas on how to figure out what all needs to be done? i would appreciate it.
You need a tune-up. Plugs, wires, timing adjustment, air/fuel/idle speed/choke adjustment. Install a clean air filter while your at it, and spray the carb with some carb cleaner... Your dash lights probably have a blown fuse...
Thanks for the ideas, i knew i needed a tune up, plus im going to give all the fluids a change as it sat for a little while. I also think that the ac is bad in it, and a friend of mine said that it looks screwed, so i was thinking about bypassing it because its just robbing me of horsepower. How hard is that to do?
what engine do you have in it? i'd do a simple tune up like T.L mentioned, most of that can be done with a simple set of mechanic tools and little know-how. i dont think the a/c would robbing a noticable amount of power if its turned off. if you really think it is take the belt off the compressor.
It has the 250 cui. i dont use the ac but i was told that it is still running the fan or something and thats why it still takes power from it, but i dont know really. people have told me not to put a 302 in it, but leave the 250 in it and build it up, i dont know exactly what all i could do to the 250 but i want my car to be fast, loud and to be able to lay down the rubber on a seconds notice, but i dont want to spend a thousand dollars doing it because i dont have alot of money, i just think that the 302 would run better and faster than a built up 250 would, plus would be the same amount of money, after i get the motor of course. I dont know what i should do, thanks for the advice.
its hard and expensive to build up a 250 or any ford I6, i'd just go with the 302. if you want to be diffrent or you like the mpg's keep the 250, if you want cheap and fast then its time for a v8. you already have a transmission that will work witha mild 302 so with the correct motor mounta and a few other odds and ends you can definatly get a 302 in there. if the belts off of the a/c compressor its not taking any power from the engine, you could also remove the pollution pump as well if you want, i did on my 250.
You can build a 6 easy, but dollar for dollar the V8 will get you more. However, dare to be different and think about the six. I just built a 200 for my Ranchero. It will give a V8 a good run for a while. Has about 175 HP, nice rumpity cam and flow master. Sounds good. Is different, but for the money ($1500) I could have had a V8. Even though I will keep the (250) 6 in my Mav. I have a 3 carb set up, header and just wanna be different. Go here for more info a building a 6: http://fordsix.com/forum/
