BA GT-HO

OK have driven the EF II Ghia for a few days now (bloody awesome!!) and have a few questions:

1. What level should my oil pressure gauge be sitting at. I noticed today it was sitting a the maximum level (Orange 7). Then 10mins later it was back at around the middle or standard operating level according to the manual. (hasnt sat at 7 since) A fault with the electrics or the actual oil pressure?

2. What is the best way of caring for the leather. I had a look at some products today and don't know what works best!? So many to choose from. Is there one particular brand that works best?

3. Is "economy" mode really worth having on? Does it make that much of a difference economy wise or is this a bit of a gimmick?

4. What do you people average fuel wise per 100kms. Mine says about 15 to 16. I have not reset it yet though since I have had it. (3 days).

5. Is the AU XR8 snorkel conversion worth my $25??

Thanks

Troutman

I can answer question 3. The economy mode only affects fuel economy by altering shift points. At the end of the day, the right foot will determine performance and economy, but if you tend to drive a little harder than average in day-to-day driving, it might be better to leave it in power mode to avoid unnecessarily early shifting. I'd experiment with the 2 modes and make a choice.

__________________
Jack Travis, E-Series Acting President

1989 Ford Fairmont Ghia turbo/GL replica (underway)
1994 Eunos 800M
1990 Ford Laser S

Carlsworld

My EL Fairmont did the same thing with the pressure gauge, yeah, it is a wiring problem, on the earth side of the gauge. I went into absolute panic mode when it first happened, but a bit of cleaning up of the main dash plug cured it. (half a pain to get at, pulling most of the dash to bits) Watch that it doesnt affect any other dash components, I've been told if it affects the tacho, it can send the Engine Management Computer into "limp mode". Haven't experienced that first hand, but I was warned!

Cheers,
Carl

Carlsworld

Oh yeah, and mines only a 6, assuming you have a V8, I find oil pressure sits around 3bar at idle, about 5 at driving speed.

Economy... daily driving to and from work, out places etc. my trip comp shows between 11.2 - 11.6 l/100ks, all the time (but I'm a 40yo codger and rarely give the beast a flogging, goes like stink when I do though)

juarez

Sounds like you're pushing it a bit all the time, to get 15-16 L / 100Km.. putting it in economy will probably just add lots of unecessary gear changes, as Jack said. Recommended fuel usage is about 9L / 100k freeway driving, 12 L / 100k city driving, so you're a fair bit over.

Not sure how much flow the AU snorkel adds over the EF II, but for $25 it's not too much to find out :) You'll probably want to run a decent filter with that as well (K&N panel filter or something), to see the full benefit.

__________________
TQE, SWB, ATPS, Worst of the E-series.. and I wouldn't have it any other way

BA GT-HO

Thanks for the advice.

Mine is not a V8 thank god. Fuel/Insurance is bad enough with the I6 let alone the V8. That wiring fault sounds like a pain in the arse as I can imagine what is involved in pulling that dash apart. For now it seems to be behaving itself. I think it comes and goes but luckily for me it mainly behaves itself. It is just maybe once a few days that is plays up.

I have had people tell me that the EF has faulty head bolts that can break but that mainly occurs between 90,000km and 150,000kms. Anything to be concerned about?


thanks

Carlsworld

I've heard that the head bolts are a common fault in EFs, ususally near No1 or 2 cylinder, but my EL let go at number 5 (bolt snapped) at 115,000k. Had a bit of a miss and sprayed coolant everywhere. Nice job to fix too NOT! Ford dealer thought it was weird too. Good luck with the Ghia, hopefully it won't let you down. Oh, and try rubber soled shoes instead of the lead ones, might bring the economy up to 11s or 12s

Carl

rabbi

i had a dodfy oil preasure sender unit that work normally sometimes, i had an aftermarket one fitted and tha mechanic used thread tape so it didnt earth properly so im going to my ford dealer to get a ford one fitted

rabbi

damn i cant spell when i type fast