FTEfan Fairmont - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

FTEfan · 08-25-2001, 03:16

Looked at a 1992 EB2 Fairmont sedan today. It has about 170,000km on the clock and is mint. No service history after 120,000 km but no leaks and every thing looks clean as. Drives better then the AU renta I drove once, so good the GF even liked it! The only probs are the left front window wont move, the dealer is getting it fixed, the radio has lost it's code, new battery, and the GF don't like the seats, to much lumbar support. It has a new rad fitted and the head looks like it hasn't been off the block, sticker still on the front. It also has the improved rubber rockercover gasket and new tyres all round. The question is what do I look for as far as possible problems? If the money happens I will get it if it is good.

laminge · 08-25-2001, 03:42

Hmm sounds good so far but a couple of pointers!

Check the coolant and maybe get your mechanic to do a test to see if any combustion leakage has occured.

Also would test cylinders for compression.

Air con should be well on the way out so make sure you run it hard to test

Most of rubbers should be stuffed so a visual underneath is a must

cats should be dead by now!

Why was battery out would be my question??? maybe check condition of wiring under dash!

Sorry for the checklist but i learnt the hardway!

FTEfan · 08-25-2001, 05:18

I'll put it on the hoist at work during the week with the Ford gurus from work. If/when I get it I will do a full service on it anyway just to be on the safe side but the overall condition idicates a good service record anyway, very few Mercs and Saabs seem to carry their service books these days. Air Con worked when I tested the car. I agree that the cat, forgot to say it is only a 4.0L, would need "help". As for the battery, in my experience cars with high current load, Fairmonts fit that description, tend to kill batteries pretty quick but again we will check that. Suspension might be the only area that I have a concern about. It appeared to have a slight squeak from the front.

ebxr8240 · 08-25-2001, 05:33

Yea well if the only probs are suspention,it should be o/k.Excuse to put good suspention under it,even just good shocks.& can be fixed easy.

FTEfan · 08-25-2001, 05:39

That's what the GF said! Although she said drop it 2" on 18" rims! I prefer to keep the ride height stock and sort the spring, dampers and swaybars out.

botch · 08-25-2001, 08:07

If you wanna check the head gasket and for coolant leaks, put the pressure tester on the radiator reservoir overnight and recheck for leaks in the morning. If you get the car up on the hoist have a GOOD look for leaks/stains behind exhaust mainifold. also check welsh plugs for leaking........with those k's I'd be worried if the HEAD HADNT BEEN OFF YET!!

AlbertM · 08-26-2001, 03:08

I have an 1993 EBII Gli 196,000Km's

Nothing serious yet..but

Air con evaporator cracked (common in this model)
Welsh plug behind dizzy corroded
tappet cover gasket.
Fan belts flew off (all of them at the same time...go figure)

I have had this car for 4 years and has been great

FTEfan · 08-28-2001, 01:05

Foiled by the almighty dollar. The suby isn't worth enough to trade at this time.:( Hopefully next year the money improves then I'll look at an EF/EL wagon. The GF actually prefers a Fairmont wagon anyway!