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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Proud Owner of 83 LX Convertible.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tosteel
  • Start date Start date Feb 21, 2019
T

Tosteel

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Feb 21, 2019
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Feb 21, 2019
#1
  • Feb 21, 2019
  • #1
Got mine for a steal on January 1st, 2019. Now I join you, this is my third Mustang. I've had a 75 with a 4 cylinder, an 80 with a 4, and now this 83 with a V6 all with automatic trans.. I found and bought a Chilton guide for my year to help with maintenance. Couple questions though, any suggestions would be appreciated. First convertible top, latches are undone you hit switch and hear the motor whirring, but top doesn't move. You can put top down manually just fine. Mechanism seems to be sealed in a "Bag", but sounds like something isn't engaging. 2nd, engine cooling fan doesn't come on most of the time (electric for some reason). I've checked fuse, checked wires and seen it work once. Has almost overheated a few times and it's less than 50 degrees here.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
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#2
  • Feb 21, 2019
  • #2
Welcome to stangnet, I moved this to the general talk forum so we can get some suggestions for you. Did the 83 V6 models come factory with electric fans?
 
T

Tosteel

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#3
  • Feb 21, 2019
  • #3
Haven't checked any literature, but it looks like factory work. Where the crankshaft fan would be, isn't centered in the radiator. But with space on both sides of radiator this could've been corrected. Thanks though
 

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands
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Mar 2, 2015
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#4
  • Feb 21, 2019
  • #4
The top runs off of transmission fluid. Sounds like the fluid is low. The bag you describe, does it cover the area behind the back seat ? If you look down behind the quarter glass there is a silver cylinder that pushes and pulls the top frame up and down. The seals up top are known to leak a little bit....over time it can cause your issue. You can access the top motor through the trunk...its almost all the way in the back. If you have the felt cardboard trunk liner you have to remove it to get back there. Theres a rubber plug in the side....that's where the fluid goes.
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
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#5
  • Feb 21, 2019
  • #5
If factory equipped with elec fan and AC, the fan should come on if you turn the AC on. If it does at least you know the fan is not the problem. Try the AC and see if the fan comes on.
 

JD1964

there is enough sticking out to grab on to
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#6
  • Feb 21, 2019
  • #6
When checking and adding convertible top fluid, the top should be in the down position.
 
Reactions: General karthief and 90sickfox

Davedacarpainter

Chicks can make things hard if they’re inspired...
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Feb 23, 2019
#7
  • Feb 23, 2019
  • #7
If it matters, the electric fan is original. Like John mentioned, turn the ac on and see if it comes on.

That was the original drivetrain in my ‘83.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
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#8
  • Feb 23, 2019
  • #8
I guess those little 4 bangers needed all the help they could get
 

Davedacarpainter

Chicks can make things hard if they’re inspired...
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Feb 24, 2019
#9
  • Feb 24, 2019
  • #9
General karthief said:
I guess those little 4 bangers needed all the help they could get
Click to expand...
He has the Essex V6 in his, it was the first year for the V6.

Depending on how many hamsters you threw in your wheels you could possibly see over 80 rwhp.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 25, 2016
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#10
  • Feb 24, 2019
  • #10
So those hamsters needed help too!
 
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