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Car problems with topaz?
Ok so we hav a 91 mercury topaz 4cylinder sedan. The car has only been getting 50-55 on a half tank of gas so the gas mileage has been terrible. Any thoughts on why it is doing this? And also ther is a power steering leak that causes me to hav to put 1/4 bottle of power steering fluid in it every 2 days. Could this be in the steering rack? And also are these repairs gna cost us quite a bit bcuz thers a 91 honda accord that a friend is selling for 800 that gets 160 to a half tank in town. Should i just buy it or not? and what are the chances of ther being even more problems in the topaz related to these problems? Oh and also when im sitting at a stop sign or red light it vibrates ALOT like the whole front of the car is vibrating any ideas?
Has brand new pump, spark plugs and wires are new and the fuel filter is new.
4 Answers
- bandit_60Lv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
a dirty air filter will make it suck down the gas. as for your leak in the power steering it could be the rack, the pump or a hose going to the pump.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Ok First when you begin diagnosing this type of problem you need to start from basics. Does it run well on the road, is there black smoke while driving?
If the engine is Fuel Injected First check the fuel pressure and it should hold at about 40-45 Psi. If not I have seen the Fuel Pressure Regulators fail on these causing mass fuel to just Dump directly into the engine and cause all sorts of problems.
Is the Check Engine Light on? If so check the codes but Do Not Clear them Clearing the codes does nothing to help in a car this old.
MAP sensors are a big problem on Topaz,Tempo,and many other Ford products also make sure the supply hose to MAP is good and not loose or have a big downward loop this causes condensation to build in the hose.
Check engine Vacuum and Compression Compression needs to be approx 125 psi in all cylinders and Vacuum at Idle needs to be 18-20"
If Vacuum is low Verify No leaks at like Brake Booster hose, PCV hose,intake manifold gaskets.
If compression is low or low in one or more cylinders the car is'nt worth fixing.
Check and accurately set Ignition Timing Remember: the ford has a SPOUT CONNECTOR this needs to be disconnected prior to setting timing then reinstalled
Topaz,Tempo, and most all other Fords do have Steering Rack leak problems avg Price to fix is around $300-$450 At A shop
Contact me if you have any further Questions
rnh0157@yahoo.com
Source(s): ASE master Tech Former Owner Ace Automotive Lakewood Wa 15 yrs Diagnostics Specialist - KennyLv 71 decade ago
1. Your car needs a major tune up. Spark plugs, oxygen sensors, spark plug wires, fuel filter etc...
2. You have a power steering fluid leak. The pump could be shot, the rack could be shot or a hose could be bad.
3. The vibrations are probalby due to bad/worn out motor and transmission mounts
4. Replacing one 20 year old car with another 20 year old car is not going to get you anywhere.
Source(s): shop manager - HilljackLv 51 decade ago
Could be it needs a tune up and some general upkeep and maintenance instead of just driving it until something fails.
