Problems with EA

PhantomLord · 02-03-2006, 07:21 PM

hey guys, have a couple of problems with my EA (1990 EA Falcon 3.9 SOHC SPFI) if some people wouldn't mind lending their help to a n00b

car runs hot...just normal day to day driving, i'm getting 1/2 - 3/4 of the way up the normal...driving for extended periods of time, nearly in, or in the hot. could this be a faulty thermostat? i havn't tried flushing/replacing the radiator yet.

brakes...today was the first time this happened...though i was running for about 3/4 of an hour at 80-100 km/h, something i havn't done before, but it happened after being turned of for a while, not during driving, or just after driving.

after the hot drive (engine around the end of the normal), i pulled into sprint to get some new plugs and ignition leads, and when i came out (10-15 min later) and went to drive, the pedal went basically down to the floor, alarmed, i pumped the pedal, and it came good. it stayed good for a bit, (20 seconds?) then after driving straight and not braking for a while, it did the same thing.

straight after i got home, i checked the brake fluid, and it was full, so i don't know what the problem is. my pads are alright i'm pretty sure, havn't checked, but i blew a radiator hose during the drive, and coolant may have got on the pads, though this definitely would have been dry by the time this started happening, so i dunno guys.

car runs pretty squeaky, though only at some times. it's not the suspension, this i know, problem might be wheel bearings, as only does it (usually) on straight, relatively flat ground, at lower speeds (1 and 20 km/h). would bearings be the problem? they are probably the originals...

also, the brake fail light is on constantly, only since last weekend, when i installed a tacho to my car, so i dunno if i messed up some wires or anything, doesn't seem to be affecting anything...

gears...i have lag while changing gears, then chirps into gears even when not pushing the car, just normal driving at about 1200-1400rpm. i've been told it may be the a solonoid, but not sure. transmission fluid is full. this only happens after car has warmed up a bit.

thanks for the help

naughtyfalcon · 02-03-2006, 10:26 PM

well car running hot could be thermostat,replace it and flush the system.
brakes,see brake warning light on,means you need to get them checked out.
squeaky,bearings don't queak,check the bushes.
gear problem sounds like s5 solinoid.

fmc351 · 03-03-2006, 01:27 AM

Hot - How many K's on the clock (if the odo still counts)?

The squeak - Mine does it too. Only notice in car parks etc. once the car moves more than rolling speed, its gone. I think its the rear brakes grabbing a little (discs?). If it was bearings or rubbers youd hear at other times too.

too fix squeaks and other noises, i usually just turn up the stereo. Tuned and serviced by Pioneer.

:

vanessa0305 · 03-03-2006, 09:10 AM

I would get the radiator flushed first and maybe replace the thermostat. It shouldn't drive so hot.

agony · 03-03-2006, 09:20 AM

: i think you need to have a good look at your car mate, and maybe just needs some tender loving care and these things wont happen again.

MotherNatureVer2 · 03-03-2006, 09:54 AM

Most others have the overheating problem fixed I would guess .......

The breaks ..... as naughtyfalcon has suggested it is a bit obvious if the light has come on & now you get break fade ..... get them checked .... could be a bit of air in the lines & they need bleeding ..... make sure thats done when you get them checked out.

The squeak is a common thing in these old girls .... my previous EA did it & the one Ive just got is the same ..... is generally the bushes .......

I know I have said generally a fair bit but I am sure you will find as I have over time .... these old EA's never seem to breakdown or have problems that are normal ..... hehehehehehee. They are a great learning car as you have to start to figure things out that just arn't logical ......... Ive had some strange things happen and they never are what they first seem to be ...... Always check the obvious ... Then start looking elsewhere ;)

Dezza · 03-03-2006, 11:41 PM

I've been getting the squeak in my EA as well. I'm guessing wheel bearing.