patdpolishpower

Hey guys. My first real post, 'cause I really need help.
I got me a rebuilt '98 GT that I've been working on, but I'm just starting into the technical field of it, so I'm still not sure about some things.

I have two questions:
1. The car recently started to really break with the engine when I let go of the gas quickly, (it's a standard) which never happened before. The engine always breaks it, but it gives me a sharp jerk like never before. I heard that it may be coils, but wanted to get some input.

2. It looks like whoever had the car before did a little damage to the undercarriage, and I'm worried. There is a huge hole where (I think) the Transmission gets mounted, and I have no idea if it can cause damage, what I can do, or if that's really what it is. The picture included shows it pretty well, and I hope you guys could help me out.


overall picture of the undercarriage with the problem highlighted


zoom-in of the problem

Thanks.

Aixtreme89

I dont know about the breaking your experiancing. But I know that the hole you see there is between the bellhousing of your transmission and and cover plate for it. Thats bad. This means your clutch is getting soaked from everything, from rain water, to oil on the ground. I bet your clutch is slipping. And bucks when you let it roll while your idling.

I had a leaking rear main seal on my 89 mustang which soaks the clutch with oil. Sucks.

patdpolishpower

Damn, I thought that's what it was. But, I haven't had many clutch problems at all, it hasn't been slipping, but I've had some problems with the pressure plate not going in all the way so I've had to use more force to get into gear. I guess that might explain it.
Thanks.

mdvaldosta

pressure plate wont be affected by oil leaks, it doesnt work by friction like the clutch disc does. looks like you do have a rear main leak but it doesnt look bad. the prob you see in the pic wont cause any immediate problems other than getting road debris like what was already said up in there - might cause long-term clutch problems that might make you change the clutch more frequently. I doubt that was from hitting anything though, looks like someone pryed it open like that

Casper98GT

Yup, my 98 Gt looks the same except the cover that goes over it. The "breaking" youre talking about... You mean Engine braking? Or is it breaking up... like spark problem. Cause i replaced my coil packs, wires and plugs because the coil packs were junk. My dads 97 Cobra got them too. Also could be a main seal, also could be another oil leak comming from up top. Doesnt ness. mean its youre rear main seal. Also the flywheel bolts on to the seal, so i dont think youre getting any of that oil on youre clutch. But deff... water, and road debris.

Aixtreme89

Most likly you have a rear main seal leak. Its not hard to replace, when you decide to replace the clutch, do it then. Caspers right. Your not going to get any on your clutch because of the flywheel, good call. But it is annoying I was going through about a quart of oil a week due to the rear main seal.

Casper98GT

LOL. That sucks... Was it in a 5.0? Because they had nasty problems with oil. lol. It was either the rear main seal, or the valve cover gaskets, or the PCV system, or the intake gaskets leaking.

Aixtreme89

Yeah I have an 89 5.0 LX I replaced the rear main seal, it was easy $15 part and quick change. Lucky it was a one peice, probably the reason they had so much problems with it. Are the 4.6's one peice also? I also replaced the valve cover gaskets they leaked a bit. I didnt have any leaks from the PCV valve, or intake gasket.

Casper98GT

Yup 4.6 easy also. I replaced a million rear mains. The funny thing is how many people replace their clutch and dont replace it. You never know when its gonna go. And it youre doing clutch, might as well spend the extra 7 dollars. I put in OB's clutch and made sure he replaced the rear main.