Hi guys I have a question or two,
But first the basics 1986 mustang LX 2.3 L carb POS despretly needs several items: the timing belt looks like it's about to go at any time (got cracks in it, rubber does get old), it needs new shocks and what ever is in the front, needs a real good carborator cleaning, needs probably a new (rotor/ distributor cap wires etc. I think:S) it also needs new tires and I would really like to upgrade to the 15" pony rims if I can find four lugs anywhere and I dun really care if their classic or for that year I just want it too look cool those spoke hubcaps sux. But first to my maintanace questions

#1 people told me that changing the timing belt as long as I don't move anything is fairly simple take off that one wheel then take off the cover Mark the positions of the two belt wheels and push the spring thing back so that I can just slip the old one off and the new one on. Question here actually is would those two wheels move on their own when I take the belt off? that is my concern there. ( already got the wrenches and belt)

#2 the car starts making a tat tat tat noise when I give it a lot of gas (step on it) and then take my foot off the gas rapidly
Anyone have a clue what that could be keep in mind this car has got 214000 miles on it and is quite frankly not in the best shape

#3 how hard is it to change the shocks and struts? because quite frankly they need to be changed soon and I have very little money to work with

#4 those carberator kits how hard is it to fix mine because again I dun have 350 bucks to buy a rebuilt one I rather do it myself I know how to build computers so I'm not a complete moron in the DYI department.

Thanks for answering
terramir

PS: eventually when I get a job I want to get a better motor and stuff but right about now I just got to keep this thing running (my dream find SVO engine, transmission, computer, fuel injection and turbo as well as hood to mod )

 

shocks and struts are simple to change with the right tools. i would not touch them if the shock is in the spring. carb rebuild kits are cheap and it is easy to rebuild if you know what to do. get the kit and a manual and take your time and you should be able to do it

 

Well if youre timing belt is about to snap I would fix that first,Cause by having that to break could cause more damage to youre engine. first I would give youre carb a good cleaning with some carb cleaner. If it doesnt seem to be running good then grab a carb kit, If you dont feel to brave to install the kit, Phone around to local mechanic should beable to do it for ya for $50-$60. For tap tap tap sound while you are pushing the gas pedel, Its either youre valve arms may need to be adjusted, Or you got wornout valve stems. Not a big deal I would just get them adjusted first hand to see if any change is done. Rear shocks are a breeze to change, Then fronts are not to bad, But with the right sockets, floor Jack and stands make it simple. Get a get haynes manual will beable to walk you through those steps. Thats how I learned all my tech knowledge, I am still learning new things every day.

Good Luck

 

well changed the timing belt quite frankly I am a little worried still runs but it seem different then before I dunno I can't quite but my finger on it,
without gas ergo idle it's a little more shaky and my engine shakes enough my brother in law is going to pick and pull tommorow to find me some decent engine mounts because the ones I have are all shot to hell but still I think we ****ed up just a little well it's not like it's exploding more than before that tat tat tat noise matter of fact that is still the same only when I pull my foot of the gas rapidly. but it seems like the idle rpm's have gone down from 800-1000 to about 600- 800 and that worries me even more.
How much does a valve inspection and timing adjustment cost on one of these?
As for the carb kit well if I can build a computer and take playstations apart and put em back together. there is an exploded view in the carb kit.
the 86 to my knowledge has a 1bbl feedback carb but how can I be sure is there some model number on it where I can make sure ?
considering how old this car is god knows what ppl did to it
I mean 214000 miles and still running there must have been some things done before she got it (the last owner had it for two years and she changed the oil like every 9 months which is weak.
please let me know what you guys think
terramir