Need a little help on a thermostat and a few other things.

[mustanger]

I bought a thermostat from autozone today to replace my current thermostat because I think it's sticking...my guage started jumping from 180-190 to 210-215 then suddenly dropping back to 180-190, the question I have is, how do I know if it's the right thermostat for a 347. Of course the guy gave me what I believe is the stock replacement for an 1985 mustang gt/lx, is this ok for the size motor I have or is there something more I need?

Right now I have Ford Racing 9mm wires but I'm not sure on the plugs, I've looked on Jegs and their prices seem to be very cheap, like around $40 but I've seen other 9mm wires go for around $100, is there something I'm missing here? What would be a decent plug without breaking the bank to go along with my wires,cap,button etc.?

Today I experienced something that I've never ran into before...while coming out of BestBuy I started my car up, put it in gear and took off, I got about 20 feet before the car just died. I sat there in the middle of the parking lot feeling embarrassed...cranking it over, over and over again but wouldn't start, I know I've been having small issue with my carb,(not tuned) or adjusted, so I let it sit for a couple of minutes before trying again, it started up but felt like it was flooded...it does have some hesitation when I take off, is this because of the carb not being adjusted/tuned right or is there something else I need to check?

I also have a small exhaust leak, when I got it from the guy he said there was a small pin hole(can't remember where) in the exhaust...is there a way to locate a leak like that without having to go through buying a whole new exhaust system?

And last but not least lol...I need to get new brakes front/back, rotors/drums.
Would stock replacements be fine or is there something else I need to look for...trying to save a little money without breaking the bank this time:bigthumb

Forgot one thing...my trunk will not close properly...matter of fact it won't close at all. You have to lean a little on the left side and close it softly just so something for the latch to catch. I can literaly open it with one finger..no key at all :( It's whats keeping me from installing my new sound system...any ideas what or how I can fix this without having to buy a new hatch?

Any help would greatly be appreciated...I know I'm still in the learning process.

[big cheif]

On the carb, How much rubber fuel line do you have to the steel line to the carb?

[Stangman]

Lots of guys like the Mr. Gasket 180 degree thermostat... its rather expensive though. Also on the trunk, is your striker adjusted up? Or is the plastic around it broke off?

Go buy a set of MSD wires. I had Ford Racing wires on my car... wasnt satisfied when I could start the car at night when they were still relatively new and see my own version of Star Wars...

As for the exhaust leak... usually you will see black soot around where its leaking. dead giveaway. Try seeing if tightening header bolts helps ( header bolts come loose a lot ) OR maybe the header collector not fully seated into the cup of the mid pipe? or flow tubes not seated on the mid pipe?

Just a few ideas to look for.

[mustanger]

On the carb, How much rubber fuel line do you have to the steel line to the carb?

I'll check today to see.

[mustanger]

Lots of guys like the Mr. Gasket 180 degree thermostat... its rather expensive though. Also on the trunk, is your striker adjusted up? Or is the plastic around it broke off?

Go buy a set of MSD wires. I had Ford Racing wires on my car... wasnt satisfied when I could start the car at night when they were still relatively new and see my own version of Star Wars...

As for the exhaust leak... usually you will see black soot around where its leaking. dead giveaway. Try seeing if tightening header bolts helps ( header bolts come loose a lot ) OR maybe the header collector not fully seated into the cup of the mid pipe? or flow tubes not seated on the mid pipe?

Just a few ideas to look for.

The piece around the striker isn't there...do I need to buy just the piece or the whole thing?
Is there a certain type of MSD wires...8mm, 9mm etc? Should I stay with 9mm wires? As for the plug what's a good plug to get with the MSD wires?

I'll check today for the exhaust and let you know what I find.

Thanks

[big cheif]

wise man once told me use no more than 12 inches of rubber hose to connect your carb. solved all my vapor lock problems when i was 16 and green.

[NXcoupe]

Well, did the thermostat fix your issue? And to answer the thermostat question, you order it for a stock mustang, being a 347 has nothing to do with it. the thermostat housing has everything to do with it and since it is probably stock or a stock replacement, that's the thermostat you use. if your problem persists after you replace the thermostat, yo uhave found the reason the car was sold.

[Stangman]

The piece around the striker isn't there...do I need to buy just the piece or the whole thing?
Is there a certain type of MSD wires...8mm, 9mm etc? Should I stay with 9mm wires? As for the plug what's a good plug to get with the MSD wires?

I'll check today for the exhaust and let you know what I find.

Thanks

Idk... I got the 9mm's on my car... they were a direct fit kit for the 94's... MSD has direct fit kits for foxes too..

[mustanger]

Well, did the thermostat fix your issue? And to answer the thermostat question, you order it for a stock mustang, being a 347 has nothing to do with it. the thermostat housing has everything to do with it and since it is probably stock or a stock replacement, that's the thermostat you use. if your problem persists after you replace the thermostat, yo uhave found the reason the car was sold.

Haven't fixed it yet...waiting for the housing to arrive so I can do it all at once.

[mustanger]

wise man once told me use no more than 12 inches of rubber hose to connect your carb. solved all my vapor lock problems when i was 16 and green.

I'm new to most of these terms used...what is vapor lock? And I didn't see a rubber hose from the carb.

[big cheif]

if you did'nt see a rubber line to the carb,you are fine. The best way i can explain vapor lock is when an air pocket swells in the rubber hose,not allowing gas to go to the carb.