Couple of Questions

[XJay]

Howdy all,

If you guys don't mind, I'd like to post a few questions, I need a little help with some stuff on my Stang.

#1. How hard would it be to replace the exhaust gaskets myself? Would I have to remove the engine from the bay?

#2. My car literally EATS gas. I don't expect a Mustang to have great gas mileage, but Lord, it was a lot better when I first got her back in September! I've changed the air filter, used gas treatment, but still she guzzles. What else could be causing her to eat so much gas? I know a tune-up is on the agenda in the next month, but what else could I look into?

#3. How do I remove the headlight knob and rear defrost knobs without damaging them? I just got some white-face guages in, and am planning to install them this weekend, but am worried about damaging the knobs...

#4. On that note, how do I get the smaller air vents (on each side) out? I've done some painting on the interior pieces, and want to paint those as well, but I've found that they don't come out too easily (I need to replace one of the vents anyway), and wondering if anyone here knew the best way to go about that...

Thanks for letting me ramble...

 

[5-SpeedStallion]

Howdy all,

If you guys don't mind, I'd like to post a few questions, I need a little help with some stuff on my Stang.

#1. How hard would it be to replace the exhaust gaskets myself? Would I have to remove the engine from the bay?

#2. My car literally EATS gas. I don't expect a Mustang to have great gas mileage, but Lord, it was a lot better when I first got her back in September! I've changed the air filter, used gas treatment, but still she guzzles. What else could be causing her to eat so much gas? I know a tune-up is on the agenda in the next month, but what else could I look into?

#3. How do I remove the headlight knob and rear defrost knobs without damaging them? I just got some white-face guages in, and am planning to install them this weekend, but am worried about damaging the knobs...

#4. On that note, how do I get the smaller air vents (on each side) out? I've done some painting on the interior pieces, and want to paint those as well, but I've found that they don't come out too easily (I need to replace one of the vents anyway), and wondering if anyone here knew the best way to go about that...

Thanks for letting me ramble...

1. Exhaust gaskets aren't THAT hard. You'd want to get it jacked up and on stands (or ramps) and disconnect the exhuast piping from the headers. Then unscrew the header bolts which are kinda hard to get to, but it's possible (you will have to move the dipstick and remove the intake assembly). Then you pull the headers off, replace the gaskets, and screw them back on. Not sure why you want to do this, but it's possible and not THAT difficult, but not fun. Oh, and you'll have to remove the spark plug wires.

2. Maybe try changing the spark plugs while you're putting in new exhaust gaskets ???

3. You don't have to remove the defrost, and there's a hole in the side of the headlight knob and you have to pull back a tab in there to pull it off. Annoying, but not THAT hard to do.

4. My "smaller air vents" basically just pulled out, so unless just grabbing them and pulling perpendicularly from the hole works for you, I can't help you there haha.

Well, good luck.

 

[doc4444]

I will second changing the plugs (and wires if needed). I was having the same problem with mileage, changed the plugs and she's good as new. Oh, and also change your gasoline filter if it hasn't been done in the last 10,000 miles or so.