so, I have my first blown mustang (though it's my 7th mustang in the past 20 years and my 3rd SN95 cobra). this one is a 98 cobra with 53k miles as of today. I bought it this way, and to my eye, everything was very well done. This car was a rich-boy-toy for the first 17 years of its life and with it I got meticulous service records. What I didn't get is information on when the procharger was installed and by whom. That said, it does look like a very well-done job:
anyway, since I didn't install it and I know less about it than I'd like, I'm hoping you fine folks can help me out a bit.
First, I'm noticing some squeaking when the engine is cold. it sounds like a pulley bearing or something, and I've found a few threads here and elsewhere that mention using a better tensioner to solve the issue. I've also seen some people say that simply switching to a gatorback belt will do the trick. What is the prevailing wisdom here? Should I be concerned that the situation will get worse if I continue to drive it like this?
Second, I've been told that coolant loss is a fact of life with a blower. The water level does drop a bit over time. There has been some mild coolant smell, though I can't find a leak. I assume the loss is happening via the overflow tube, but is it simply a matter of keeping the thing topped off? Should I be looking harder for a leak?
one more thing (for now) - how often should I service the blower? The previous owner gave me a package of oil change kits for it, and said that he did it recently. I'd still like to check that, though - aside from the obvious signs of oil degradation, what else can I look for in the oil and/or the blower? I want it to last for many years
thanks!
anyway, since I didn't install it and I know less about it than I'd like, I'm hoping you fine folks can help me out a bit.
First, I'm noticing some squeaking when the engine is cold. it sounds like a pulley bearing or something, and I've found a few threads here and elsewhere that mention using a better tensioner to solve the issue. I've also seen some people say that simply switching to a gatorback belt will do the trick. What is the prevailing wisdom here? Should I be concerned that the situation will get worse if I continue to drive it like this?
Second, I've been told that coolant loss is a fact of life with a blower. The water level does drop a bit over time. There has been some mild coolant smell, though I can't find a leak. I assume the loss is happening via the overflow tube, but is it simply a matter of keeping the thing topped off? Should I be looking harder for a leak?
one more thing (for now) - how often should I service the blower? The previous owner gave me a package of oil change kits for it, and said that he did it recently. I'd still like to check that, though - aside from the obvious signs of oil degradation, what else can I look for in the oil and/or the blower? I want it to last for many years
thanks!
