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Subject: small-list-digest V3 #282
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small-list-digest Friday, October 29 1999 Volume 03 : Number 282



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ranger, Explorer, Bronco 2 and Aerostar
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
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=======================================================================
In this issue:

FTE Small - re: Aerostar wars
Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger
Re: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]
Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger
RE: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger
Re: FTE Small - ranger lift
Re: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]
AW: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]
Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger
RE: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]
Re: AW: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]
Re: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]
Re: FTE Small - Re: AWD Vs. Part time
FTE Small - Polishing an Explorer
Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger
FTE Small - Ranger 4WD
FTE Small - Ranger 4WD
FTE Small - Aerostar wars
FTE Small - Re: New Policy....
FTE Small - Gallic Charm
FTE Small - Ford's Big AC/Heater Battle (Tim, please copy)
AW: FTE Small - Gallic Charm

=======================================================================

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 06:50:16 -0400
From: Dwight Varnes
Subject: FTE Small - re: Aerostar wars

I also think Aerostars are ugly, slow, ill-conceived pigs...but so what?
Not everyone must share my view as the things are everywhere. Anyone who
owns one and has enough interest to hang around this discussion group
should be welcome. I get tired of scrolling past all that stuff too but
it's not the end of the world (but why, WHY must you guys repost the
entire prior thread??!!!)

I vote NO on the Explorer-only list. I will vote YES on the Ranger 2.3
base model-no power steering-trucks with hubcaps list...

(laugh, it's a joke)
- --
Dwight Varnes, insurance appraiser and car nut
1970 124 Spider (restored, mostly)
1986 Audi Coupe GT (bigger engine STILL at machine shop)
1989 VW Jetta GLI 16v (the wife's ride, tired but loyal)
1965 Buick Skylark conv. (unrestored, for sale)
1990 Ford Ranger 2.3 twin spark (parts runner and daily commuter)
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 09:42:10 -0400
From: "william.hickey"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger

Michael,

At this time, I have decided not to pursue this with the dealer because the
thought of them ripping my dash out to resolve the
problem isn't worth it. They would probably screw something else up. And
yes... I also have smelled that mold odor coming from the ventilation system.
Also had the same problem with my 93 Ranger. I thought I saw a service
bulletin about it somewhere.
Bill





owner-small-list on 10/27/99 08:03:28 PM
Please respond to small-list
To: small-list
cc:
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger

william.hickey wrote:
>
> I have noticed the ventilation system does not appear to work correctly on my
> 1999 Ranger 4x4 SC with 4.0
> L engine. When I switch the fresh air vent to either the floor or dash level
I
> always get air that is 6 to 8 degrees higher
> than the outside air. (I checked it with a thermometer). Took it to the
> dealer and he tells me that it is normal for these
> trucks .... but I don't remember my old 93 Ranger doing it. Anyone else
> notice this on their trucks ?
> Thanks
> Bill

Hi Bill:

I have been reading this list for quite awhile and
what you are talking about has come up I think or
something related. I have a 99 B2500 Mazda which has the
same system as your Ranger and mine seems to be about the
same way give or take a degree or two but where I
live it's either on full heat or the air conditioning
is on so it's hard for me to tell as I don't use the
straight outside air that much.

The most serious problem I have noted about our systems
is the nasty old mold smell that happens in winter after
leaving the truck outside in the rain and then taking
off. Some days it will be so overwhelming that I will have to
roll all the windows down and put the hood up on my parka
and drive for awhile before I can stand to roll the windows
up again.

I think this subject was gone over last winter by other
Ford/Mazda truck owners and it's an ongoing problem as
far as I could determine by the various posts so I have
avoided taking my Mazda to the dealer and complaining as
I would suspect he would merely waste my time and perhaps
even cause damage to something else while attempting some
sort of a patch up job on my truck.

My GUESS is that water forms something like pollywog pond
in there and after a short time you start smelling the
smell from whatever grows in one, you know. People that
park their trucks in a covered area or garage perhaps
are not as badly affected as others. Also the
condition doesn't seem to take place in the hot summer time
when there is no rain.

Michael
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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 00:58:11 -0500
From: Christopher J Abele
Subject: Re: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]

Apparently I was mistaken on the "classification" of trucks. Despite that
the Aerostar is classified as a truck based on its frame, how many people
out there are actually referring to theirs as a "truck" rather than a
minivan?

I really don't have a particular beef against them, especially having
never driven one. The fact is that I don't like minivans as a whole
particularily much. This discussion has turned from a question about
spark plugs (which is understandable) to a debate on the merits or lack
thereof on the Ford Aerostar. Despite its truck classification I would
hardly consider the Aerostar to be worthy of being called a truck.
Personal choice and use are given to the individual. . . the only reason
I joined this list, though, was to learn more about the small Ford TRUCKS
such as the BII, Explorer, and Ranger. Granted that the Aerostar is fair
game for discussion, a few people seem to be getting carried away.

Christopher J. Abele

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 07:07:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: Mike Cagley
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger

hi --

for what it's worth, i've had the same problem. it's
molds growing in the vent system; spraying lysol or
any other germicide in the intakes for the vent system
as well as in the louvers below the windshield on the
outside of the cab cuts down on the problem, but it's
not a one time fix. sometimes the drain in the plenum
gets clogged and needs to be cleared.

mike

- --- "william.hickey"
wrote:
> Michael,
>
> At this time, I have decided not to pursue this with
> the dealer because the
> thought of them ripping my dash out to resolve the
> problem isn't worth it. They would probably screw
> something else up. And
> yes... I also have smelled that mold odor coming
> from the ventilation system.
> Also had the same problem with my 93 Ranger. I
> thought I saw a service
> bulletin about it somewhere.
> Bill
>
>
>
>
>
> owner-small-list
> on 10/27/99 08:03:28 PM
> Please respond to small-list
>
> To: small-list
> cc:
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger
>
> william.hickey wrote:
> >
> > I have noticed the ventilation system does not
> appear to work correctly on my
> > 1999 Ranger 4x4 SC with 4.0
> > L engine. When I switch the fresh air vent to
> either the floor or dash level
> I
> > always get air that is 6 to 8 degrees higher
> > than the outside air. (I checked it with a
> thermometer). Took it to the
> > dealer and he tells me that it is normal for these
> > trucks .... but I don't remember my old 93 Ranger
> doing it. Anyone else
> > notice this on their trucks ?
> > Thanks
> > Bill
>
> Hi Bill:
>
> I have been reading this list for quite awhile and
> what you are talking about has come up I think or
> something related. I have a 99 B2500 Mazda which has
> the
> same system as your Ranger and mine seems to be
> about the
> same way give or take a degree or two but where I
> live it's either on full heat or the air
> conditioning
> is on so it's hard for me to tell as I don't use the
> straight outside air that much.
>
> The most serious problem I have noted about our
> systems
> is the nasty old mold smell that happens in winter
> after
> leaving the truck outside in the rain and then
> taking
> off. Some days it will be so overwhelming that I
> will have to
> roll all the windows down and put the hood up on my
> parka
> and drive for awhile before I can stand to roll the
> windows
> up again.
>
> I think this subject was gone over last winter by
> other
> Ford/Mazda truck owners and it's an ongoing problem
> as
> far as I could determine by the various posts so I
> have
> avoided taking my Mazda to the dealer and
> complaining as
> I would suspect he would merely waste my time and
> perhaps
> even cause damage to something else while attempting
> some
> sort of a patch up job on my truck.
>
> My GUESS is that water forms something like pollywog
> pond
> in there and after a short time you start smelling
> the
> smell from whatever grows in one, you know. People
> that
> park their trucks in a covered area or garage
> perhaps
> are not as badly affected as others. Also the
> condition doesn't seem to take place in the hot
> summer time
> when there is no rain.
>
> Michael
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info
> http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
>
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info
> http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>


=====

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 07:04:30 -0700
From: Ray Scheidnes
Subject: RE: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger

Hi,
My 94 Ranger makes that smell, too. It's really only noticeable after I
used the A/C and started the truck up again later, using the outside air
vents. The smell is gone after several minutes and although it's made me
curious about its cause, it's never really bothered me that much. I guess
this "problem" is not unique to my Ranger after all...

> ----------
> From: william.hickey[SMTP:william.hickey bankofamerica.com]
> Reply To: small-list ford-trucks.com
> Sent: Thursday, October 28, 1999 6:42 AM
> To: small-list
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger
>
> Michael,
>
> At this time, I have decided not to pursue this with the dealer because
> the
> thought of them ripping my dash out to resolve the
> problem isn't worth it. They would probably screw something else up.
> And
> yes... I also have smelled that mold odor coming from the ventilation
> system.
> Also had the same problem with my 93 Ranger. I thought I saw a service
> bulletin about it somewhere.
> Bill
>
>
>
>
>
> owner-small-list on 10/27/99 08:03:28
> PM
> Please respond to small-list
> To: small-list
> cc:
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger
>
> william.hickey wrote:
> >
> > I have noticed the ventilation system does not appear to work correctly
> on my
> > 1999 Ranger 4x4 SC with 4.0
> > L engine. When I switch the fresh air vent to either the floor or dash
> level
> I
> > always get air that is 6 to 8 degrees higher
> > than the outside air. (I checked it with a thermometer). Took it to
> the
> > dealer and he tells me that it is normal for these
> > trucks .... but I don't remember my old 93 Ranger doing it. Anyone
> else
> > notice this on their trucks ?
> > Thanks
> > Bill
>
> Hi Bill:
>
> I have been reading this list for quite awhile and
> what you are talking about has come up I think or
> something related. I have a 99 B2500 Mazda which has the
> same system as your Ranger and mine seems to be about the
> same way give or take a degree or two but where I
> live it's either on full heat or the air conditioning
> is on so it's hard for me to tell as I don't use the
> straight outside air that much.
>
> The most serious problem I have noted about our systems
> is the nasty old mold smell that happens in winter after
> leaving the truck outside in the rain and then taking
> off. Some days it will be so overwhelming that I will have to
> roll all the windows down and put the hood up on my parka
> and drive for awhile before I can stand to roll the windows
> up again.
>
> I think this subject was gone over last winter by other
> Ford/Mazda truck owners and it's an ongoing problem as
> far as I could determine by the various posts so I have
> avoided taking my Mazda to the dealer and complaining as
> I would suspect he would merely waste my time and perhaps
> even cause damage to something else while attempting some
> sort of a patch up job on my truck.
>
> My GUESS is that water forms something like pollywog pond
> in there and after a short time you start smelling the
> smell from whatever grows in one, you know. People that
> park their trucks in a covered area or garage perhaps
> are not as badly affected as others. Also the
> condition doesn't seem to take place in the hot summer time
> when there is no rain.
>
> Michael
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
>
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 10:09:58 -0400
From: "william.hickey"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - ranger lift

Can you tell us where you purchased the body lift kit ...... the last time I
looked they didn't sell one for the
98 and 99s. Is it a 2 or 3 inch kit ? Did the front bumper brackets they
supplied work for you ? I installed a
2 inch kit on my old 93 and ended up frabicating my own front bumper brackets
because the ones they
supplied didn't work. I never did do anything with the rear bumper because I
couldn't figure out a method of
raising it and keeping it as sturdy as original. Let us know what you end up
doing about those front hooks.
I've got a 99 4x4 SC (Offroad Package) and would like to do a 2 inch lift on it
and also get rid of those 16 inch rims.
And beware of the problems of a light bar without rain gutters on your truck
.... I have a top of the line bar and lights
and I only had it mounted a week before I took it off. At highway speeds the
darn thing kept slipping back a inch or so.
The rain gutter conversion kit just doesn't seem sturdy enough to keep it
inplace at high speeds. I may try to do
something with it later but for now it's sitting in my shop.
Bill




owner-small-list on 10/27/99 09:08:46 PM
Please respond to small-list
To: small-list-digest
cc:
Subject: FTE Small - ranger lift

Well, I finally put the body lift on my 98 Ranger. Looks good so far. I
had to undercoat the rear wheel wells and frame to clean it up a bit,
working on underneath of front now. I am contemplating a light bar and or
skid plate for the front.



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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 15:21:43 +0100
From: "Neil Brownlee"
Subject: Re: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]

Look,

Just call it a utility vehicle and shut up. Over here in the UK, an Explorer
is a Utility Vehicle, as is a Land Rover Defender as is a Renault
Espace..okay?! We don;t argue about it...if you can fill it with
rubbish/boxes/PC's whatever - IT IS A UTILITY VEHCILE

Neil


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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 16:39:50 +0200
From: ThomasUcen premiereworld.de
Subject: AW: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]

As an Aerostar owner I joined this list because it's the only one that has
some Aerostar content. I had a Mercedes before, been on the Mercedes list
and found it was very helpful in both technical and personal ways. When I
bought the Aerostar I looked for a discussion list and found this one.
I wish there was a discussion group covering Aerostars and/or other
Vans/minivans made by Ford. Truck and SUV owners don't care about the
topspeed of minivans and minivan owners don't care about how to lift their
vehicle or whether driving around with an open tailgate saves gas. However,
there isn't such a group. What's the problem deleting mails without reading
them that already show the topic in the headline? When I read Explorer or
BII or some topic that does not interest me in the subject line, I delete it
right away and it does not hurt me. Why not vice versa?
I simply don't understand people who flame Aerostar owners for starting a
little side topic by telling them they practically own useless and ugly cars
and therefore they ought to shut up. If it's fact that Aerostar owners are
just tolerated guests here, I suggest the admin states it clearly and avoids
such conflicts in the future.

Thanks,
Tom Ucen
'93 Aerostar 3.0L Ext.
Munich, Germany
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 08:09:55 -0700
From: "Michael D. Sheridan"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger

Laura D. Wheeler wrote:
>
> hi,
>
> i have a 1997 ranger xlt. i notice that my ranger also has that old
> musty smell, but only when using the ventilation system during the first 5
> minutes, then it clears up. my truck is always parked outside, but could
> this really be the cause of it? or is it really true that the ford put a
> cheap system in the ranger?

Hi Laura:

I think that it's more a matter of Ford not caring
enough to fix the existing system as it might cost them
a few cents. The complaints about the musty smell have
been around since 1993 at least that I know of because
I was renting new Ford passenger cars at that
time and they had the smell under the conditions that
have been outlined. The 1994-95-96-97-98 Ford cars
were the same as I rented them by the month also.

Michael
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 08:27:55 -0700
From: Ray Scheidnes
Subject: RE: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]

Hi Thomas,
I'm a Ranger owner and I love my truck. I totally agree with you - why
don't people simply delete unwanted messages? I happen to enjoy reading
messages about the other vehicles included on this list, since I find that I
actually learn something once in a while from everyone who contributes.

> ----------
> From:
> ThomasUcen premiereworld.de[SMTP:ThomasUcen premiereworld.de]
> Reply To: small-list ford-trucks.com
> Sent: Thursday, October 28, 1999 7:39 AM
> To: small-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: AW: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]
>
> As an Aerostar owner I joined this list because it's the only one that has
> some Aerostar content. I had a Mercedes before, been on the Mercedes list
> and found it was very helpful in both technical and personal ways. When I
> bought the Aerostar I looked for a discussion list and found this one.
> I wish there was a discussion group covering Aerostars and/or other
> Vans/minivans made by Ford. Truck and SUV owners don't care about the
> topspeed of minivans and minivan owners don't care about how to lift their
> vehicle or whether driving around with an open tailgate saves gas.
> However,
> there isn't such a group. What's the problem deleting mails without
> reading
> them that already show the topic in the headline? When I read Explorer or
> BII or some topic that does not interest me in the subject line, I delete
> it
> right away and it does not hurt me. Why not vice versa?
> I simply don't understand people who flame Aerostar owners for starting a
> little side topic by telling them they practically own useless and ugly
> cars
> and therefore they ought to shut up. If it's fact that Aerostar owners are
> just tolerated guests here, I suggest the admin states it clearly and
> avoids
> such conflicts in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> Tom Ucen
> '93 Aerostar 3.0L Ext.
> Munich, Germany
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 14:26:45 -0500 (CDT)
From: Diana Slyter
Subject: Re: AW: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]

Enuf of this vehicular racism! I own a 4WD Ranger, but it was my
second choice. My first choice was a 4WD Aerostar, but Ford had quit
building them by the time I was shopping for a new truck. And for those of
you that still don't believe an Aerostar is a truck: crawl under your
Ranger and take a look. Then perform the same inspection on an Aerostar.
Pretty much the same. eh?

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
dianas __ __ ____ ___ ___ ____
dianas primenet.com /__)/__) / / / / /_ /\ / /_ /
/ / \ / / / / /__ / \/ /___ /-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Thu, 28 Oct 1999 ThomasUcen premiereworld.de wrote:

> As an Aerostar owner I joined this list because it's the only one that has
> some Aerostar content. I had a Mercedes before, been on the Mercedes list
> and found it was very helpful in both technical and personal ways. When I
> bought the Aerostar I looked for a discussion list and found this one.
> I wish there was a discussion group covering Aerostars and/or other
> Vans/minivans made by Ford. Truck and SUV owners don't care about the
> topspeed of minivans and minivan owners don't care about how to lift their
> vehicle or whether driving around with an open tailgate saves gas. However,
> there isn't such a group. What's the problem deleting mails without reading
> them that already show the topic in the headline? When I read Explorer or
> BII or some topic that does not interest me in the subject line, I delete it
> right away and it does not hurt me. Why not vice versa?
> I simply don't understand people who flame Aerostar owners for starting a
> little side topic by telling them they practically own useless and ugly cars
> and therefore they ought to shut up. If it's fact that Aerostar owners are
> just tolerated guests here, I suggest the admin states it clearly and avoids
> such conflicts in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> Tom Ucen
> '93 Aerostar 3.0L Ext.
> Munich, Germany
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 13:30:45 -0700
From: "Hans Luckoff"
Subject: Re: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]

I never meant to offend anyone when I said I wouldn't be caught dead in a
Aerostar, I feel that way about any mini-van. What does bother me (and this
is specially true on some other lists where mostly the kids hang out) is
people saying boy my Ranger, Escort, Aerostar or what ever can really kick
butt. With today's little motors you can't pull a sick ( you know what) of a
pee pot. The first time I walked into a Ford plant lo and behold there sat
row after row of 406 and 427 inch Fords with 3 2 barrels or 2 4 barrels, now
there was some serious butt kicking. I know today's motors put out good
power for their displacement, but I'll take a 427 and then talk about
kicking butt, by the way Thomas I drove a Opel Corsa on the Autobahn last
year at 90 mph it wasn't bad but I sure would hate to hit something with it
at that speed. Regards, Hans
- ----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 1999 7:39 AM
Subject: AW: [FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks]


> As an Aerostar owner I joined this list because it's the only one that has
> some Aerostar content. I had a Mercedes before, been on the Mercedes list
> and found it was very helpful in both technical and personal ways. When I
> bought the Aerostar I looked for a discussion list and found this one.
> I wish there was a discussion group covering Aerostars and/or other
> Vans/minivans made by Ford. Truck and SUV owners don't care about the
> topspeed of minivans and minivan owners don't care about how to lift their
> vehicle or whether driving around with an open tailgate saves gas.
However,
> there isn't such a group. What's the problem deleting mails without
reading
> them that already show the topic in the headline? When I read Explorer or
> BII or some topic that does not interest me in the subject line, I delete
it
> right away and it does not hurt me. Why not vice versa?
> I simply don't understand people who flame Aerostar owners for starting a
> little side topic by telling them they practically own useless and ugly
cars
> and therefore they ought to shut up. If it's fact that Aerostar owners are
> just tolerated guests here, I suggest the admin states it clearly and
avoids
> such conflicts in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> Tom Ucen
> '93 Aerostar 3.0L Ext.
> Munich, Germany
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 17:11:34 EDT
From: "Joe Gill"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Re: AWD Vs. Part time

I'd take any part time manual locking hub system over any automatic junk. I
know of several people who have explorers who do "daily" driving with them
and who have blown there automatic junk hubs. It's much more difficult to
go through manual hubs. Although I've known guys who have done that too.
But it usually takes much hard fourwheeling to do that. Not just when it
snows... I'm switching my Explorers hubs over to manual very soon. The
costs much over weighs being stuck somewhere. (100 dollars a hub installed)
Although the installation is not too difficult I'd reccomend having it
done.


>From: Tim Turner
>Reply-To: small-list ford-trucks.com
>To: small-list ford-trucks.com
>Subject: FTE Small - Re: AWD Vs. Part time
>Date: 27 Oct 99 22:40:12 EDT
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>From owner-small-list ford-trucks.com Wed Oct 27 19:42:30 1999
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>"meb8100" wrote:
>
> > I prefer the driving position of the van
> > over the pick-up.
>
>Differing body from mine then; I prefer the B-II/Ranger/Explorer in 4x4
>trim,
>but one size certainly does NOT fit all. :-)
>
> > It can easily cruise at 80 all day.
>
>With the new radiator so will my '85 B-II (and most vehicles).
>
> > Probably less for
> > insurance (not an SUV).
>
>$56/Month liability only on mine and I have no license! (long story)
>
> > On slick surfaces, the
> > Aerostar AWD if vastly superior to the standard part-time on the Ranger
>(I
> > have found this out the hard way).
>
>Huh? I'll take a manual hub set-up over a fully automatic one ANY day.
>Admittedly it takes some thought/preparation to engage the hubs beforehand
>but
>it's a small price to pay Vs. the complexity and repair costs of the AWD.
>
> > So....unless you're that 1% of the
> > Explorer or Ranger 4x4 owners that actually goes off-road (and I do take
>my
> > Aerostar off-road)
>
>I am but it's a B-II (Ranger with an enclosed body).
>
> > explain to me why you think the Aerostar is inferior?
>
>Havent seen an AWD A'star at the places I haunt (which are 'easy' in most
>cases for off-road' folk) so I cant judge it's abilities there, but most
>issues center around it's reliability and 'ease' of service. I'd be
>interested to see what the folk on the 'off-road' list would have to say if
>you joined that one. (Less traffic than this list, but still great
>people).)
>
> > Okay, it's not a "cool" vehicle but you think a Ranger or Explorer is a
> > Ferrari?
>
>
>Nope.. and it's not a Land Rover either. Like the (older) Escorts and
>Taurii
>(Taurasis?) It's a money pit with a long history of expensive
>failures/repairs
>and I shudder to think what AWD will add to that total in the future. I
>hate
>to say it but I cant think of *ANY* mini-van I'd voluntarily own. They ALL
>have problems or insane engineering and suck to work on.
>
>Tim
> >
> > Mark Biederbeck
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>
>
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Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 19:06:52 -0400
From: "Ron,Marge,Ted"
Subject: FTE Small - Polishing an Explorer

Hi All,

Anyone here have any ideas about why after polishing my wife's 94
Explorer only a month ago, it no longer beads up when wet? I have noticed
this almost since it was new. It doesn't matter what brand of polish or wax
I use, after it gets rained on a couple of times, it barely beads up. Now I
use the same stuff on my 98 F-150 and also on my old 90 F-150, and they
always bead up for months. Just wondering if there is something different
about the paint used on the 94 Explorer compared to the other Ford products!


Ron

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 20:00:00 -0500
From: "David A. Cooley"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Air vent on a 99 Ranger

At 08:09 AM 10/28/99 -0700, you wrote:

>I think that it's more a matter of Ford not caring
>enough to fix the existing system as it might cost them
>a few cents. The complaints about the musty smell have
>been around since 1993 at least that I know of because
>I was renting new Ford passenger cars at that
>time and they had the smell under the conditions that
>have been outlined. The 1994-95-96-97-98 Ford cars
>were the same as I rented them by the month also.


Don't blame this on Ford...
Ford, GM, Chrysler and all the foreign automakers (including Mercedes) have
TSB's on the musty smell from the A/C vents due to mildew in the A/C
evaporator. No cure, just a temporary fix of spraying a bleach and water
mix into the cowl vents (outside just infront of the windshield) to flood
the system and kill the mildew.

===========================================================
David Cooley N5XMT Internet: N5XMT bellsouth.net
Packet: N5XMT KQ4LO.#INT.NC.USA.NA T.A.P.R. Member #7068
Sponges grow in the ocean... Wonder how deep it would be if they didn't?!
===========================================================
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 20:32:47 EDT
From: Blest25913 aol.com
Subject: FTE Small - Ranger 4WD

In a message dated 10/25/99 4:46:37 AM,
owner-small-list-digest ford-trucks.com writes:


Hi all. The 4WD in my 94 Ranger is in-op. I'm sure that it is
an electrical problem in the "Touch Drive". Does anyone know how
to trouble shoot this system, or if a trouble shooting guide is in
Chilton, Haynes, or All Data? Is there a common problem or weak
part in this system? Any help will be most appreciated. Buck Shoff
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- ------------------------- >>

Hi Buck,
I thought that you were the expert. I know that you've answered questions for
me before. It might be the auto "magical" hubs. I had mine replaced with
manuals. As far as the transfer case, I've had no problems in 98K miles. But
I hear that there is a switching motor in there that can go.
Ron Trampe
'96 Ranger 4WD Manual Hubs

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 20:47:14 EDT
From: Blest25913 aol.com
Subject: FTE Small - Ranger 4WD

In a message dated 10/27/99 4:40:59 AM,
owner-small-list-digest ford-trucks.com writes:


>Sorry, I didn't explain it very well. It is an electric shift. The
>power path is from the switch to a control module to a motor on the
>T-case. Nothing happens when I hit the switch. No shift, no indicator
>lights, no nothing. This is a fairly complicated little system for me.
>I am just looking for a trouble shooting guide to determine which part
>is bad rather that just throw alot of parts and money at it. Buck Shoff
> >>

The 4WD icon on the instrument panel might not come on until the electric
motor has shifted the transfer case. There may be a sensor in the case to let
the control module know that everythings set. Let us know how this turns out.
I'm interested because my t-case has 98K on it now, and winters coming.
Ron Trampe
'96 Ranger 4WD

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 22:50:18 -0400
From: "Theodore D. Mills"
Subject: FTE Small - Aerostar wars

Picture this....

It's the Monday after the MBNA Platinum 400 at Dover Downs Delaware.

Two knuckle heads stage up at the light in front of the track on Route 13...

One is driving a 94 Aerostar 3.0, towing a 2800 Lb Jayco pop-camper.
The other is driving an 85 Ranger 2.8 2WD longbed w/cap, towing a 16'
Sunline Saturn travel trailer (3000 Lbs).

The light turns green!

2 V6's make that sick non-V8 noise that they make.....

And....

It's a dead heat until about 40 Mph when the Ranger loses out to wind drag.

Nothing like leveling the playing field by hitching a ton and a half or so
to your rear bumper!

I can't wait till next year when we do the replay with a 91 F250 4X4 460
vs 87 Bronco 302!

Maybe I'll win this time!


Ted
84 Mustang GT (in pieces)
85 Ranger 2WD 2.8L
91 F250 4X4X460
94 Taurus LX wagon 3.8L


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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 18:29:08 -0800
From: "Tom Watson"
Subject: FTE Small - Re: New Policy....

>>

While I understand that you do not desire to send out instructions
to users that don't understand how to change their mailer to send
(or not) HTML code, it is nicer for everyone if we do not have
it messing up the mail list.

I s*bscr*be to the list in digest format, which works just fine, and
is quite compact when it is sent to me. Unfortunately, when I get
HTML mail, it usually comes in two parts, a plain text form, AND the
HTML form. This is TWICE as much as I desire, and the HTML code
is usually unreadable. Please reconsider your decision.

Perhaps you can automate the "bounce" message sent to HTML senders.


p.s. List content is good anyway. It is interesting to see people
argue the Aerostar is/isn't issue....

p.p.s. Second time around. The list software is VERY particular about
certian words (I don't fault it there!!).
- --
Tom Watson Generic short signature
tsw johana.com (I'm at home now)
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Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 01:10:42 -0700
From: rgstein pacbell.net
Subject: FTE Small - Gallic Charm

From: "Hans Luckoff"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Aerostars are trucks

Richard, Why do I get the impression that you would look good in a
Citroen,

Me ---------------------------------------------------------------
Very psychic of you, Hans. In fact I do look good in a Citroen. I had
one of the DS series, and it was a damn finer piece of engineering than
this Aerostar. And tougher, too. Better parts. And repairable.
However, the hydraulics were crippled by the US Gov't requiring the use
of DOT 3 brake fluid in in the suspension and steering (in all other
countries, the hydraulics were filled with aviation fluid). There were
certain problems...

Hans ---------------------------------------
Gaelic charm, you have got to be kidding.

Me -----------------------------------------
Now, Hans, I didn't say "Parisian arrogance."
Do I detect a touch of nationalism?

I was talking about the Citroen 2CV, a car that is so ugly that it is
charming. The Aerostar is just ugly, has that sort of unrelieved droop
like a British high-speed train front. And those sagging side windows
(Man, did these guys need Raymond Loewy or what? Whoops! Did it again:
another Frenchman).

Richard

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 00:55:12 -0700
From: rgstein pacbell.net
Subject: FTE Small - Ford's Big AC/Heater Battle (Tim, please copy)

>From various posts about hot air coming from the vents:

(1)
on my
1999 Ranger 4x4 SC with 4.0
L engine. When I switch the fresh air vent to either the floor or dash
level I
always get air that is 6 to 8 degrees higher
than the outside air. (I checked it with a thermometer). Took it to
the
dealer and he tells me that it is normal...

(2)
The heater core has water circulating through it all the time, si the
only
thing keeping the heat out is the temp adjusting damper.

My truck has no A/C so there is probably no insulation to speak of in
there.....


(3)
The hot engine seems to warm the air passages enough so that
by the time I get back to going somewhere again, I get much warmer air
coming out of my dash vents than what's really outside. I just switch
over
to A/C or wait a while, until the temp becomes more comfortable. I
don't
think that there's a mechanical problem, per se. More like a design
flaw.

(4)
This "heating" is caused due to the air running through the heater core
itself. Ford did this design because it was cheaper to do it this way
rather then run lots of separate ducts. I know that this happens with
all
the fords I have owned/used.


My post follows -----------------------------------------------------

Yup, it's normal, all right. The heater core is on full-blast at all
times. There's no temperature control via a water valve. Instead, you
get a black plastic hinged door that diverts the hot air according to
the position of the temp knob, which works it by a cable.

This has got to be one of the all-time cheap garbage designs. The
control is loose and sloppy, and there are hot air leaks around the door
edges: by design, it cannot seal completely. Further, it leaks
additional heat by radiation of the black plastic. The leakage in my
'92 Aerostar is at least 7 degrees. Our favorite cheapo auto
manufacturer saved about 25 cents here over the cost of a water valve,
which would have worked more precisely and would have shut off the
heater totally.

Now, what customer in their right mind would want to spend hundreds on
an air conditioner and then seriously degrade its performance by dumping
heat back into the system? That's what Ford has given us. 7 degrees is
big-time degredation.

BTW: the first time I came across this stupid design was in my '66
Valiant. And there, a metal pin ripped through the plastic heater
housing, causing the heater to roast the people all the time. I really
hate this "customer-be-damned" approach.

Ford is truly aware of the fact that this p****s off their customers:
they issued a Technical Service Bulletin on it (on my Alldata CD ROM)
specific to Aerostars. The fix has three solutions, to be tried in
order; as usual, wildly expensive to the customer (not covered by
warranties). Two of these fixes are done with official custom parts!

Fix #1 is to improve the sealing of the M. Mouse door.

Fix #2 is to install a special "diverter valve" between the two heater
hoses directly at the firewall, in an almost-inaccessable spot. This
Rube Goldberg contraption is powered by engine vacuum and a solenoid.
It gives "all or nothing" water diversion, and is switched by the
maddening stock "does-all" dasboard heat control knob. When you have
the control in the "max AC" position, the water bypasses the heater and
you can't modulate the water, and therefore the air temperature: it's on
full. In the "fresh air" position, all works stock.

Looking at the diagrams, I'd assume that in order to install this gizmo,
you'd have to remove the accumulator (blowing your coolant) and would
probably damage the heater core tugging and yanking everything around
the legendary obstructions where this stuff has to go.

Fix #3 has you install a kit of shrouds to improve the airflow at the
front end of the car. Get out the drill. Part of this fix has you
drilling vent holes in the hollow chassis itself.

NOW, THE ISSUE IS HOW SHOULD WE HANDLE THIS IN THE REAL WORLD?
Tim, are you there?

Of Ford's three fixes, the one that seems closest to sanity for me is
#2: a water valve. Ideally, not Ford's diverter contraption but a
simple progressive valve that Ford should have installed in the first
place.

Ford's diverter turns off the heat by bypassing all the water around the
heater: the full water flow still exists in the cooling system. What
I'd like to do is install a hardware-store metal valve in a "roomier"
spot in one hose, closer to the engine, shutting off all the water
through the hoses. Yeah, I'd have to get out of the truck, open the
hood, and turn the knob. The alternative would be to rig up a nightmare
of flexible cable or a string into the cockpit: no easy task, and
creating even more obstructions for the mechanics to contend with. And,
let's face it, there's just about no room for another control on the
dash.

Now, here's the question for our mechanics on the list: is there some
significant reason why the water flow must be maintained here in the
manner of Ford's diverter valve? Would it be OK to install a simple....

---

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