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Author Topic: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?  (Read 3903 times)

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Offline PackerGuy

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Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« on: September 14, 2011, 01:38:33 PM »
Hey Folks, Just picked up my 1st Pinto, 73 1.6 4spd Runabout! She Originally was in Oregon, then a few years in North Dakota, Past couple years here in Superior Wisconsin. Seems in Good condition, not much for rust and the bottom is good also. Have not driven her but a couple miles, gonna take it for a road test this weekend before i take her to Minneapolis next week, From what I know timing belt was done a few years ago, Points, distributor look new, Changed the wires, plugs (old rusty) but light brown! Just wondering what else I should be checking, and what spare parts i should be taking with me? speedo reads @42,000. is 142,000 unheard of? Thanks in advance for any all all input that you folks have!

Offline phils toys

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2011, 03:15:38 PM »
sounds like you  have the bases covered. 142,000 is not unheard of but are you sure it is a 1.6 and not a 2.0 i dont rember the 1.6 still being offered in 73. my memory is not always what it should be though.
welcome to the site ans dont be afraid to ask more questions and  show us some pic
phil
2006, 07,08 ,10 Carlisle 3rd stock pinto 4 years same place
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Offline Starliner

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2011, 07:13:01 PM »
I have a 73 with a 1600.  However a 1600 does NOT have a timing belt, the cam is inside the block and is gear driven.    The 2000 engine has a timing belt with an overhead cam.
 
Here is a picture of my 1973 1600 engine
Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29396384@N05/4785368562/in/photostream
Does it look like this?
 
Whether it is a 1600 or 2000 you should do the same things before driving the car too much.
1.  Adjust the valves and install a new valve cover gasket.  This will prevent burning a valve and give you more power.  Also the gasket can leak oil if old. 
2. Change the oil and filter. 
3. Bleed the brakes (fluid could be very old)  This will make your brake hydraulics live longer.   
4. Repack the front wheel bearings & new grease seals and check the brakes.
5. Change the rear end fluid and transmission fluid. 
6. Change the anti-freeze.
7. Pull your distributor rotor.  Place 2 drops of oil where the rotor goes.  This lubricates the centrifugal advance of the distributor.  Then double check the point gap (or use dwell meter)  Put a small smudge of cam lube on the distributor lobes.   
 
 
These items are simple to do on a Pinto.  Dedicate a Saturday to get er done! 
1973 Pinto 1600 - Sold!  
1979 Pinto 2300 - Sold!
1984 Audi 5000 Avant - 60,000 original miles
1987 Audi 5000 S Quattro - The snowmobile
1973 Volvo 1800 ES wagon -  my project car
1976 Mustang II - Wifey's new toy

Offline blupinto

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2011, 08:39:40 PM »
Hi PackerGuy! Welcome! Your '73 is gorgeous! My '74 Runabout has that same rich copper color paint. I, too,am amazed that there are '73s with 1.6 engines, as I've read in manuals and such that that engine was offered in '71-'72 models. Starliner's advice is sound. I did think, however, that the 1.6 has a timing chain...but maybe that's what he meant by gear-driven. ;D
One can never have too many Pintos!

Offline dga57

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2011, 01:21:55 AM »
I did think, however, that the 1.6 has a timing chain...but maybe that's what he meant by gear-driven. ;D

That's right... timing chain, not a timing belt.

Dwayne :smile:
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Offline PintoMan1

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #5 on: September 15, 2011, 11:01:40 AM »
my '73 also had a 1600. now it has a 2000. and yes the 1600 is chain driven. congrats. on the purchase. and a. well maintaned engine will run forever. have fun with it.
1973 pinto runabout

Offline Starliner

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2011, 09:48:41 PM »
Yes, you are correct the 1600 Kent engine has a chain driven camshaft in the block.   The 2000 engine is a belt driven overhead camshaft.
1973 Pinto 1600 - Sold!  
1979 Pinto 2300 - Sold!
1984 Audi 5000 Avant - 60,000 original miles
1987 Audi 5000 S Quattro - The snowmobile
1973 Volvo 1800 ES wagon -  my project car
1976 Mustang II - Wifey's new toy

Offline PackerGuy

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #7 on: September 17, 2011, 09:20:54 AM »
Thanks for the welcomes!  Yes Starliner that looks like my engine. Looks like I better pic up a Chiltons ASAP or head to the Library till I get one. Having a hard time finding much info online. Changed the oil, Anti freeze, packed the front bearings. Picked up a valve cover gasket. From what I have seen online Valve lash is intake 0.008 and ex is 0.010? But i dont want to pull the cover till I am sure these settings are correct.  Started soaking down the bleeders on the brakes. went to check the Rear end fluid and got lost, there is some type of tube running towards the wheel well and cant trace it and further. Ordered the rear seal and gasket but lost on how to check the level of fluid? does anyone of any links where i can find more info on my car?  Not sure if i should start a new thread or what. Thanks again. (any and all input welcome)

Offline Starliner

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #8 on: September 17, 2011, 11:27:51 AM »
REAR END:

The rubber hose running up from the rear axle is the "vent".   The end of the vent hose is open.   They run the vent hose up into the frame so it gets less dust.     If the hose is still & brittle, you should replace it.

About the rear end fluid level.   The fluid level is checked by removing the fill plug.  The rear end fluid should be at the bottom of the fill hole. The fill plug is on the side of the differential (near the driveshaft).  You will see the fill plug is a round pipe fitting with a 3/8" square hole.   Use a 3/8" long handled flex ratchet to get it out.  Clean the square hole out first.

To drain the old fluid you remove the back cover.
I recommend 75W-90 gear oil using a brand name.

To fill with new fluid, install the rear cover of course.   The with the car level pump the gear oil into the fill hole.  Overfill the oil until it leaks out the hole. (have a pan to catch the mess).   Wait until the excess oil quits leaking out the hole, then install the fill hole plug.     

The Chilton book isn't very good.  Look for a factory service manual for a 71 through 73 Pinto.     Search eBay "Pinto service manual".   Then pick the year from your choices. 
1973 Pinto 1600 - Sold!  
1979 Pinto 2300 - Sold!
1984 Audi 5000 Avant - 60,000 original miles
1987 Audi 5000 S Quattro - The snowmobile
1973 Volvo 1800 ES wagon -  my project car
1976 Mustang II - Wifey's new toy

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #9 on: September 17, 2011, 02:47:53 PM »
Starliner means these.....
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-Mustang-XR7-Cougar-and-Maverick-Shop-Manual-73-/400215618455?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item5d2eb5b397
 
Chiltons is good for torque specs but thats it. I have a set for my '80 & it has EVERYTHING you need to know.
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Offline Starliner

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #10 on: September 17, 2011, 07:27:40 PM »
I was thinking more like this one:
link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-FORD-PINTO-SHOP-SERVICE-MANUAL-OEM-/130214571192?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item1e5164acb8
 
Even though it's for 1971 Pinto, it is 95% the same as a 1973 except the steering rack. 
This ones a good price too!   
 
1973 Pinto 1600 - Sold!  
1979 Pinto 2300 - Sold!
1984 Audi 5000 Avant - 60,000 original miles
1987 Audi 5000 S Quattro - The snowmobile
1973 Volvo 1800 ES wagon -  my project car
1976 Mustang II - Wifey's new toy

Offline Reeves1

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #11 on: September 20, 2011, 06:14:44 AM »
REAR END:

The rubber hose running up from the rear axle is the "vent".   The end of the vent hose is open.   They run the vent hose up into the frame so it gets less dust.     If the hose is still & brittle, you should replace it.

About the rear end fluid level.   The fluid level is checked by removing the fill plug.  The rear end fluid should be at the bottom of the fill hole. The fill plug is on the side of the differential (near the driveshaft).  You will see the fill plug is a round pipe fitting with a 3/8" square hole.   Use a 3/8" long handled flex ratchet to get it out.  Clean the square hole out first.

To drain the old fluid you remove the back cover.
I recommend 75W-90 gear oil using a brand name.

To fill with new fluid, install the rear cover of course.   The with the car level pump the gear oil into the fill hole.  Overfill the oil until it leaks out the hole. (have a pan to catch the mess).   Wait until the excess oil quits leaking out the hole, then install the fill hole plug.     

The Chilton book isn't very good.  Look for a factory service manual for a 71 through 73 Pinto.     Search eBay "Pinto service manual".   Then pick the year from your choices.

Only thing I can ad to this (for all vehicles) is to look for a breather cap thingy in the end of the hose. If one is not there the hose should be removed and blow through it. Often (at least up here) they have been plugged by mud Wasps. They put a mud plug in, then an egg & another plug etc. I've had some so bad 125 lbs of air wouldn't clear the line, and had to install a new one. With the breather thingy.
Plugged hose means a build up of pressure & blown/leaky axle seals.

Offline stickmanc

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #12 on: September 21, 2011, 05:23:23 PM »
Here is what the Chilton's book shows valve lash at when fully depressed.

Offline stickmanc

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Re: Just got my 1st Pinto, what next?
« Reply #13 on: September 21, 2011, 05:26:19 PM »
Sorry, you will probably have to click on Valve Lash 1 jpg. and save it to your computer and then open with Paint to read it.