To me, it doesn't matter who takes care of the car, as long as it's properly maintained. From what I've read, you take good care of your car and take the time to notice something that isn't normal. Kudos.
Thanks :)
I know the car is old, despite the fact I've replaced just about everything or rebuilt it, so it requires continual maintenance. I'm always watching the gauges and y'all have given me invaluable advice on so many occasions. If I see the temp gauge moving up if I'm in traffic, I know what to do to cool the engine quickly.
I'll check the dipstick after I pull it out of the garage (yes, I know how to do that including wiping it first, not using the first reading) and if I feel the oil is too low, I'll take another car over, buy a quart of oil, and add it, just to be safe before I get to the body shop.
I spent waaaaaaaaay too much rebuilding the engine to have it run out of oil and ruin everything!
Soaring, I'm not one to start anything but, you seem to be in the attack mode when someone who does not know mush about the hobby and trying to learn. You seem to end you're "Advise" many times with a dart aimed at that person. Try to be more understanding of someone of lesser knowledge, you're an administrator of this forum and you need to set an example.
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ORIGINAL: Soaring
It is common knowledge to check your oil level when your engine is cold. I am outa here with this subject as you seem to not accept common sense.
I am not an administrator, I am a moderator. I am also a member just like anyone else. I have simply given advice to get an education in basic maintenance of these old cars. I don't know how many times others have given advice to enroll in community college auto mechanic classes. Seems logical to me.
Checked my oil when cold and it was fine, full up to the top. I had oil and a funnel all ready to go. Checked it when the car was warm and it was fine.
My mechanic said he'd be more worried about no oil than a lack of oil pressure (and was proud of me for keeping such a careful eye on my gauges).
When checked from a cold start, the gauge was up about 40%. After the car was hot it was up 20% but he said not to worry, so I did drive around for an hour or so and it never went belong that 20% level.
I'm bringing it in next week so they can check the sending unit and test a few other things to determine what's wrong. I did notice a small amount of oil on the garage floor, maybe a tablespoon, so if there is a leak, it's a very very small one, since the oil was full and it was changed 3 weeks ago.
I do have very basic knowledge -- can check my oil, checked my other fluids while I was under the hood today, can add oil and if need be, I could change it if I really, really, really had to ...
How was the advice given different from what my mechanic said? I was told to check the oil and he did that. I was adviced to check the sending unit and other things and he'll check that next week. He's a certified mechanic and does not work in the body shop. My car runs like it came off the showroom floor thanks to what he's done to it. I can pass a car at 65 without a worry, as if the car was brand new. It has a ton of get-up-and-go. It purrs thanks to my mechanic and my maintenance.
And he's never called me a dumbass.
There is a big difference between being politically correct and being rude.
I came her to ask for advice before I saw my mechanic. Where did I "state your mechanic says it is OK"??? He said he would have to check the sending unit and several other things but it wasn't a major concern. Since I drove it for an hour and it basically stayed in the same place, it doesn't seem to be a major issue. There are no noises coming from the engine and it runs fine. It could simply be the engine being broken in or 10 other things.
< Message edited by Soaring -- 9/9/2006 4:22:15 AM >
May I add that the guages on these classic mustangs leave much to be desired in the way of accuracy. By all means check the guage, sender and the wiring for potential problems, but you may also consider adding a small modern oil pressure guage out of the way somewhere for peace of mind. My brother has one on his 65 2+2 mounted beneath the dash along with a water temp guage.
May I add that the guages on these classic mustangs leave much to be desired in the way of accuracy. By all means check the guage, sender and the wiring for potential problems, but you may also consider adding a small modern oil pressure guage out of the way somewhere for peace of mind. My brother has one on his 65 2+2 mounted beneath the dash along with a water temp guage.
He did mention that to me. When he revved the engine and the needle went up, he said that was a good sign and it could be a faulty gauge, sender or something else. And, again, the engine is being broken in after the restoration, so little things will be happening here and there.
He didn't have time today, nor did I, so I'll bring it back next week and let him test things.
Your idea is a great one and I'll pick up an oil gauge tomorrow if I can. The more double-checks I have, the better it is ... after all, much of the car is 40 years old :)
They look great too. They are small Stewart Warner guages mounted in chrome bezels, they almost look like they are supposed to be there. They are oldies but goodies.
For something to be somewhat hidden on the interior, I'd go with an electric. They'll be less intrusive and you don't have to worry about that tube getting knicked and squirting oil all over the place. You may be able to find a replacement cluster that looks close to original, but with modern gauges. I've seen them around, but don't remember the websites right now.
Pammie...No problem on the comments. I call 'em like I see 'em. I've come across too many cars that people haven't taken care of and it really strikes a nerve. It's part of the reason I won't pay very much money for a used car. I'm currently rebuilding a tranny with 40k miles on it because the previous owner didn't do any maintenance (which also led to a blown engine...CEL was on for 30k miles before the engine decided to melt down).
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ORIGINAL: chillininnh
I would say you are on the right track. An oil guage that reads from 0-80 should do it. Ask your mechanic whether an electric or mechanical is best.
ORIGINAL: Colorado_Mustang Pammie...No problem on the comments. I call 'em like I see 'em. I've come across too many cars that people haven't taken care of and it really strikes a nerve. It's part of the reason I won't pay very much money for a used car. I'm currently rebuilding a tranny with 40k miles on it because the previous owner didn't do any maintenance (which also led to a blown engine...CEL was on for 30k miles before the engine decided to melt down).
I'd rather be anal and check every gauge every 10 minutes than ignore everything and end up with problems. I figure owning an older car is a responsibility, and I take mine serious. I dropped a lot of money into this car and want it to be around for a long, long time.
I grew up with a father who knew how to open the hood, look inside, then take it to the mechanic. My first boyfriend taught me how to check oil and did so on his Plymouth Road Runner .. damn I wish I knew then what I know now about that car!
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RE: Oil pressure gauge - 
