small-list-digest Sunday, November 15 1998 Volume 02 : Number 317



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ranger, Explorer, Bronco 2 and Aerostar
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In this issue:

FTE Small - Re: Explorer Air Conditioning
FTE Small - ADMIN: New web BBS
FTE Small - Radiator changes
FTE Small - thanks JimS
Re: FTE Small - 1991 2.3L main bearing replacement.
Re:FTE Small - 1998 EXPLORER DEFECTS
Re: FTE Small - Re: Explorer Air Conditioning
FTE Small - ADMIN: Password changing if you have an FTE email account
Re: FTE Small - 1991 2.3L main bearing replacement.
FTE Small - ADMIN: BBS info

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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 10:57:01 EST
From: BFunk33 AOL.COM
Subject: FTE Small - Re: Explorer Air Conditioning

In a message dated 11/14/98 8:08:59 AM US Mountain Standard Time, owner-small-
list-digest ford-trucks.com writes:


Subject: Re: FTE Small - re: Explorer Air Conditioning

Bob Scola wrote:
>
> As far as, "that what they should do"; then why
> did mine not cycle for the first 16,000 miles?


Hmmm.... all the recent cars/trucks I have owned have done this...
Ch*vy, Toyota, Honda and Ford. Never gave me any trouble. I did wonder
about it at first, but since the vehicle remained cool and the a/c
seemed to function correctly otherwise, I thought it was probably a fuel
saving measure. >>

The compressor cycles for various reasons.
The system works on a pressurized cycle; there are sensors in the system to
check pressures. if the pressure is too low, the compressor will shut off. If
the pressure is too high, the compressor will shut off.
In a normally functioning A/C system as in most cars/trucks, when the
compressor builds up enough pressure in the high-pressure side to provide the
designed flow through the valve, the compressor shuts off, because more
compression isn't going to do any good. When the pressure drops a little, the
compressor cuts back in, until the pressure rises again, and the cycle
repeats.
Why this hasn't been noticed is hard to say, but in a normal system, even here
in Phoenix on the *HOT* days (in our '92 Explorer sport and '91 F-250), this
cycling goes on all the time.
I did minor A/C work for years in my shop, and the books all described this
behaviour. If the freon levels are right, and the pressures are right, the
compressor will cycle like that (unless the system is just too small).
Hope this helps.
Bill
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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 11:59:03 -0500
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - ADMIN: New web BBS

Ford Truck Enthusiasts has added an additional service. We now
have a web based BBS message center. Check it out!

Ken Payne
CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
http://www.ford-trucks.com

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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 09:45:26 PST
From: "kimm miller II"
Subject: FTE Small - Radiator changes

Greetings and Salutations to one and all!
I was glad to find a sight dedicated to us "little folk". I own a '88
Bronco II, (I call him "Nuttin' Much") that is NOW powered by a
'78 351W with a '86 Metric OD 2wheel drive(unfortunately) trans.
The radiator I purchased is from James Duff Enterprise and a 4-core
custom for the V8 swap. The problem is the radiator is leaking and
starting to fall apart. I read in Summit Racing that it was
suggested
to someone that they could use the Ranger radiator in a Ranger V8
conversion. I also read in the catalog I received from J.D.E. that
the old 6cyl radiators wouldn't allow for enough cooling. Anyone out
there have any ideas? Thanks for your help.
Kimm Miller
"Nuttin' Much"

______________________________________________________
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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 16:41:46 -0500
From: Michael Mulcahy
Subject: FTE Small - thanks JimS

Thanks JimS for those two sites, they are as helpful as this one!
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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 19:35:21 -0500
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - 1991 2.3L main bearing replacement.

Dave Schultz wrote:
>
> Hello again...
>
> After an 800 mile trip me 2.3 with leaking rear main seal has undercoated
> my truck for me. :-) I am leaking about 1 quart every 400 miles.

Hell.. mine's worse than that! (Not the seal completely; just overall
usage.) Basically a Ot. a tankfull.

> really don't want to go through the expense of a short block or complete
> engine.

Me either but at 152,000 miles it's time for me to rebuild my tired
steed.

> What about the possibility of just replacing the main bearings or
> installing a crank in the end-play problem requires more that just bearings.
> Do I need to remove the pistons and rods to remove the crank or can I just
> let the pistons slide in their bores to clear the crank journals during
> replacement.

Certainly not the IDEAL way to do it, but yes you can just pull the oil
pan and tranny and replace the bearings/seal that way. Please invest in
some 'plastigaguge' though to make sure the bearing clearances are OK,
and also check the end play with the new thrust bearing installed. Dont
forget that a GOOD machine shop can build up the thrust surface of your
bearing if the end-play is still high rather than springing for a new
crank. (Worked for me.. had a 318 with 400+ HP that was still running
strong 50,000 later that I needed .028" reduction of play in.. and I
beat the snot outta that thing!) Put some fuel line or vacuum caps over
the end of the rod bolts when you take 'em off to prevent any nicking of
surfaces of course.

>
> I know I have to pull the engine

You do? Unless you're planning to have the crank machined (recommended
of course), you should be able to do it 'in-frame' if the tranny's out
of the way. (Of course the engine might be all BUT removed for
clearance getting the oil pan off..)

> so I am planning to replace the timing belt
> and water pump. I have a new high volume oil pump in it now. I think the
> heads are OK....runs great and passed VA emissions with room to spare.
>
> I have 82000 miles on the engine now.

Hmm.. if you're planning on yanking the engine anyway and can afford it
get the head resurfaced and a valve job on it, put a quick hone on the
cyl's and a set of std. size rings on the pistons and dont worry about
it for another 50-80,000! (Although this could be done in-frame too.)
Plus if you've already had some machine work done the shop'll be more
willing to build up your thrust bearing for you if needed.

>
> Thanks for the advice!
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

Hope I didnt throw TOO many options onto your plate! :-)

Tim Turner/Manic Mechanic
Custer Auto Repair
Wilmington NC
manic1 bellsouth.net
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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 17:53:57 -0700
From: Ken Justice
Subject: Re:FTE Small - 1998 EXPLORER DEFECTS

Hello,

This is interesting about the gas tank of the Explorer and a steep
incline. I happen to live on a steep hill and noticed that I always
seemed to be low on gas until I got down to the highway and drove for
several miles. Then I'd have a lot more gas than I thought!

Regards,

Ken Justice
Discover the Working Mat!
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.workingmat.com
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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 19:53:25 -0500
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Re: Explorer Air Conditioning

BFunk33 AOL.COM wrote:
>
> In a message dated 11/14/98 8:08:59 AM US Mountain Standard Time, owner-small-
> list-digest ford-trucks.com writes:
>
>
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - re: Explorer Air Conditioning
>
> Bob Scola wrote:
> >
> > As far as, "that what they should do"; then why
> > did mine not cycle for the first 16,000 miles?
>
>
> Hmmm.... all the recent cars/trucks I have owned have done this...
> Ch*vy, Toyota, Honda and Ford. Never gave me any trouble. I did wonder
> about it at first, but since the vehicle remained cool and the a/c
> seemed to function correctly otherwise, I thought it was probably a fuel
> saving measure. >>
>
> The compressor cycles for various reasons.
> The system works on a pressurized cycle; there are sensors in the system to
> check pressures. if the pressure is too low, the compressor will shut off. If
> the pressure is too high, the compressor will shut off.
> In a normally functioning A/C system as in most cars/trucks, when the
> compressor builds up enough pressure in the high-pressure side to provide the
> designed flow through the valve, the compressor shuts off, because more
> compression isn't going to do any good. When the pressure drops a little, the
> compressor cuts back in, until the pressure rises again, and the cycle
> repeats.

Overall pretty correct; I might add that lower overall temperatures are
obtained by letting the system cool below the point that ice would form
on the evaporator then cycling off for a moment to bring the surface
temp. back up. With the exception of GM products using a variable
displacement compressor almost *ALL* vehicles cycle when working as
designed since 1975 or so.


> Why this hasn't been noticed is hard to say, but in a normal system, even here
> in Phoenix on the *HOT* days (in our '92 Explorer sport and '91 F-250), this
> cycling goes on all the time.

At approx. 95F heat index A/C systems get maxed out (at idle at least)..
It might not have been noticed going down the road or..?

> I did minor A/C work for years in my shop, and the books all described this
> behaviour. If the freon levels are right, and the pressures are right, the
> compressor will cycle like that (unless the system is just too small).
> Hope this helps.
> Bill

Exactly.. it *should* have been cycling all along. On the days of the
MOST load it would cycle less, but now that temp's are decreasing the
cycling should increase. Try asking your Question on
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.aircondition.com/wwwboard/index.htm to make sure I didnt drop
the ball but it seems it's OK. (Possible low charge now, but still
wondering why no cycling earlier.)

Tim Turner?Mainic Mechanic
Custer Auto Repair
Wilmington NC
manic1 bellsouth.net


> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 20:05:51 -0500
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - ADMIN: Password changing if you have an FTE email account

For those of you who purchased or where given a FTE email account
(yourname ford-trucks.com), we have added the ability to change
your email account password.

The server now supports "poppass" service, the Eudora change
password server. Using the poppass service, users of the POP server
can automatically change their POP passwords from inside their
Eudora mail clients or other mail clients that support the Eudora
password changing mechanism.

Simply select the "Change Password" option from the menu of your
compliant mail client to access the poppassd feature.

Ken Payne
CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
http://www.ford-trucks.com


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Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 17:26:42 PST
From: diamondflight155 mailexcite.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - 1991 2.3L main bearing replacement.

Dave,

You don't have to pull the whole engine to replace the main-seal..But
you do have to drop the tranny; its the same process needed to replace a
clutch...My recommendation is to take it to a shop..its a difficult task to
do w/o a lift, ect..

Steve H




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Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1998 08:12:50 -0500
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - ADMIN: BBS info

A few list members have asked why you must "register" before
using the web BBS. They correctly pointed out that most BBS
systems don't require this. The reason is simple: spam.

Systems that don't require registering allow automated email
address harvesters into them. Registering is a process that
an address harvester cannot do. Therefore, you can safely
use our BBS without fear that you'll end up on spam lists.

Now returning you to our regular program........

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