Newby needs advice on 93 LX 2.3L

[93lx2.3]

Hi all, My first post here, We (actually my 14 y/o son) just purchased a used 1993 Mustang LX 2.3 Liter. We need some advice. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, I have a classic car I have wrenched on through the years, not to mention many of my younger years wrenching on anything I could. The car we bought is a florida car LX hatchback (body is really nice) 2.3 4cyl engine has 119,000 miles but runs surprisingly good with no smoking. The A/C pump is broken and disconnected. The tranny is an automatic with overdrive which shifts kinda hard but seems to operate well. As we get started doing little things, I was wondering what advice you guys have for me, and if I should put my attention toward any specific areas. We intend on checking all the bulbs, changing oil, maybe tranny oil/filter, spark plugs, air filter, maybe fuel filter. Tires look great, interior needs a radio, drivers seat needs structural repair (leans to the right) ash tray lid needs new spring?(door does not stay shut) Anyway, If I am missing anything please chime in and let me know, This is all new "Ford" territory that we are very excited about entering into. Thanks!

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[fordboy5.0]

you might want to look at this website www.latemodelrestoration.com and you can also get a free catalog! which is really helpful when looking for all the little parts, they have pretty much everything for your car so this should be really helpful i recommend getting their catalog because it has allot more parts than on their website.

[dreamer1uk]

Hi and welcome!

I would deffinately do all the above mentioned maintenance that you mention, plus I would also throw in a PCV valve too. Sparks plugs would be a good way to go too and make sure you change all 8 (yes the 91 to 93 came with 8 plugs, 4 in the exhaust side to reduce emission output). I would highly recomend the OEM Motorcraft copper plug gapped at its correct spec.

While your under the vehicle changing the oil, take the time to grease the ball joints an so forth.

Now for the Trans, is there a CEL on? One check you can do is pull the trans dipstick and look at the fluid, examine it and smell to see if its burnt or not. Does the trans shift hard when your coming to a stop or just in general? You could change the trans filter and put fresh fluid in but with it having high miles, thats going to be a decission for you to make as there all kinds of arguements in changing trans fluid on a higher mileage vehicle.

You could also changes the Radiator fluid, Power Steering fluid but it all depends on how far you want to go

Spend some time examining the engine bay, looking for leaks or signs of bad gaskets.

For the A/C compressor been 'broken' as you say, whats broken on it? You probably will have an R12 system so if you were to service the A/C, you would need to retrofit it and possibly change the dryer and other components to suit the R134a.

Any other questions, just ask away