Hello, this site is a Godsend for me.
First - how do I get the cap off the turn signal lever. Wipers don't work as they should. I read somewhere a while back that a foam swab and contact cleaner could take care of this IF I could get the cap off without breaking it. Second- overdrive light on shift stalk is out-how do I change or repair that? Third- it's great to find this site. Lightnings are great trucks, new or old.
Other problem I have is I replaced plugs, cap rotor, wires all twice because since I did the engine surges at ~2200 rpm. What could I have goofed up? Firing order is right.
Did not mess with timing.
Have to change serpentine belt every 20-25000 miles, is that normal.
Suggestion-my radius arm bushing on the passenger side failed at 30k and it appears that heat from the converters is the cause, I att'd a pc of aluminum to the frame as a heat shield and it still looks like new. Also balljoints are gone 2 65k. Is that premature? Sorry for all the questions. I feel like a kid in a candy store.

 

>Other problem I have is I
>replaced plugs, cap rotor, wires
>all twice because since I
>did the engine surges at
>~2200 rpm. What could I
>have goofed up? Firing order
>is right.
>Did not mess with timing.

Did you gap the plugs (just a guess)? Also, how long has it been surging (miles)?

>Also balljoints are gone 2
>65k. Is that premature?

Sometimes though its not unheard of. Depends entirely on how you drive it. Are you agreesive with it (who isn't with a Lightning!)?

Ken Payne
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Admin

 

First a little background: I attended Lincoln Technical Institute for Automotive Technology, Raced a couple mopar 340s in the '70s, have worked as an equipment mechanic in fossil and nuclear power plants for a total of 20 years. Iam NOT being defensive about anything, just want you to understand what level of mechanical experience I have. I'm not a super auto mechanic but I know basics. Yes plugs are gapped as required by factory specs. I installed replacement cap, rotor, plugs, and wires twice. I just can't see where I caused a problem. Maybe it's just a problem that was going to happen anyway but just stuck its head up at that time.
Thanks for taking the time to reply.