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C - SPECIFICATIONS
1991 ENGINE PERFORMANCE Ford/Mercury - Service & Adjustm ent Specifications
INTRODUCTION
Use this article to quickly find specifications related to servicing and on-vehicle adjustments. This is a quick-reference article to use when you
are familiar with an adjustment procedure and only need a specification.
CAPACITIES
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
FLUID CAPACITIES
QUICK-SERVICE
SERVICE INTERVALS & SPECIFICATIONS
REPLACEMENT INTERVALS
BELT ADJUSTMENTS
(1)
BELT ADJUSTMENTS
(1)
MECHANICAL CHECKS
ENGINE COMPRESSION
Check engine compression at specified cranking speed with engine at normal operating temperature, all spark plugs removed and throttle wide
open.
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationAmp Hr. Rating
1.3L & 1.6L50
ApplicationQts. (L)
Crankcase (Includes Filter)3.6 (3.4)
Cooling System (Includes Heater)5.3 (5.0)
Manual Transaxle (Mercon)2.6 (2.5)
Automatic Transaxle (Mercon)6.0 (5.7)
ApplicationQts. (L)
Crankcase (Includes Filter)
Non-Turbo3.5 (3.3)
Turbo3.7 (3.5)
Cooling System (Includes Heater)
Non-Turbo5.3 (5.0)
Turbo6.3 (6.0)
Manual Transaxle (Mercon)3.4 (3.2)
Automatic Transaxle (Mercon)6.0 (5.7)
ComponentInterval (Miles)
Air Filter30,000
Camsh aft Timin g Bel t60,000
Coolant30,000
Oil & Filter3000
Spark Plugs30,000
ApplicationNew BeltUsed Belt
A/C Belt110-125 (50-57)92-110 (42-50)
Alternator Belt110-132 (50-60)95-110 (43-50)
(1)Tension in Lbs. (Kg) Using Strand Tension Gauge
ApplicationNew BeltUsed Belt
A/C Belt110-132 (50-60)110-132 (50-60)
Alternator Belt110-132 (50-60)110-132 (50-60)
(1)Tension in Lbs. (Kg) Using Strand Tension Gauge.
ApplicationSpecification
Compression Ratio
1.3L9.7:1
1.6L(1)
Compression Pressure(2)
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1971-96 MAINT ENANCE & SERVICE INFORMAT ION
Interference Verification Check For OHC Engine - T im ing Belt Inform ation
TIMING BELT INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION INFORMATION
TIMING BELT INTERFERENCE CAUTION
Crack Or Tears In Belt Surface
Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
Oil Contamination
Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
Incorrect Tension Adjustment
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (FORD PASSENGER CARS)
(1)
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (MERCURY PASSENGER CARS)
(1) CAUT ION: T he condition of cam shaft tim ing belts should always be checked on vehicles which have m ore than
50,000 m iles. Although som e m anufacturers do not recom m end replacem ent at a specified m ileage,
others require it at 60,000-100,000 m iles. A cam shaft drive belt failure m ay cause extensive dam age to
internal engine com ponents on m ost engines, although som e designs do not allow piston-to-valve
contact. T hese designs are often called "Free Wheeling". Many m anufacturers changed their
m aintenance and warranty schedules in the m id-1980's to reflect tim ing belt inspection and/or
replacem ent at 50,000-60,000 m iles. Most service interval schedules shown in this section reflect these
changes. Belts or com ponents should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions
exist:
ApplicationYear SpanEngineReplacement Interval (Miles)
Aspire1994-961.3L 4-Cyl.60,000
Contour1995-962.0L 4-Cyl.60,000
Escort1981-851.6L 4-Cyl.60,000
Escort1985-961.9L 4-Cyl.60,000
Escort1984-87(2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel(4) 100,000
Escort1991-961.8L 4-Cyl.60,000
EXP1981-851.6L 4-Cyl.60,000
EXP1985-961.9L 4-Cyl.60,000
Fairmont1978-832.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Festiva1988-931.3L 4-Cyl.60,000
Granada1981-822.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
LTD1983-862.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Mustang1974-932.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Pinto1971-742.0L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Pinto1974-802.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Probe1989-92(2) 2.2L 4-Cyl.60,000
Probe1993-96(2) 2.0L 4-Cyl.60,000
Probe1993-962.5L V660,000
Taurus SHO1989-953.0L V6100,000
Taurus SHO1993-953.2L V6100,000
Tempo1984-87(2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel(4) 100,000
Thunderbird1983-882.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
(1)Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2)Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3)Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers
suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4)Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
ApplicationYear SpanEngineReplacement Interval (Miles)
Bobcat1974-802.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Capri1971-721.6L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Capri1971-742.0L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Capri1974-842.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Capri1991-941.6L 4-Cyl.60,000
Cougar1984-862.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
LN71981-85(2) 1.6L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Lynx1981-85(2) 1.6L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
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TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (LIGHT TRUCKS) (1)
Lynx1984-871.9L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Lynx1984-872.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel(4) 100,000
Marquis1983-862.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Mystique1995-962.0L 4-Cyl.60,000
Topaz1984-86(2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel(4) 100,000
Tracer1987-901.6L 4-Cyl.60,000
Tracer1991-961.8L 4-Cyl.60,000
Tracer1991-961.9L 4-Cyl.60,000
Tracer (Canadian)1987, 19901.6L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Zephyr1978-832.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Villager1993-96(2) 3.0L V6105,000
(1)Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2)Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3)Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers
suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4)Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
ApplicationYear SpanEngineReplacement Interval (Miles)
Aerostar1986-872.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Courier1977-822.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Ranger1986-882.0L 4-Cyl.60,000
Ranger1983-962.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Ranger1985-87(2) 2.3L 4-Cyl. Diesel(3) (4) 60,000
(1)Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2)Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3)Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers
suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4)Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00062912
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MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
1988-93 MAINT ENANCE Ford Motor Co. Maintenance Inform ation
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
VIN LOCATION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the
code characters.
VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN
example below.
Fig. 1: VIN Code ID Explanation
MAINTENANCE SERVICE INFORMATION
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating
conditions:
Severe Service
Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
Towing Or Heavily Loaded
Severe Dust Conditions
Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)
Normal Service
NOTE:For scheduled m aintenance intervals and the related fluid capacities, fluid specifications and labor
tim es for m ajor service intervals, see SCHEDULED SERVICES article in this section. Warranty
inform ation and specifications for fluid capacities, lubrication specifications, wheel and tire size, and
battery type are covered in this article.
NOTE:Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or m ore) of
these conditions:
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Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some
manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt
failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-va l ve
contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement
at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist:
Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
Oil Contamination
Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
Incorrect Tension Adjustment
Replace camshaft timing belt every 60,000 miles.
COOLING SYSTEM
Replace engine coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles. Check condition of hoses and clamps every 12 months or 15,000 miles, whichever
comes first. Replace hoses and clamps if necessary.
SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Fig. 2: Engine Service Point Locations (1988
-89 1.3L 2V Carb.)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. CAUT ION: Failure to replace a faulty cam shaft tim ing belt m ay result in serious engine dam age.
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T RANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T
1988-93 T RANSMISSION SERVICING Ford Motor Co. Autom atic T ransm ission
IDENTIFICATION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS
LUBRICATION
SERVICE INTERVALS
Check fluid level at every engine oil change. Fluid, filter changes and band adjustments are not required under normal operation. Under severe
service operating conditions, change fluid every 30 months or 30,000 miles. Adjust band when fluid is changed.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
With transmission at normal operating temperature, place vehicle on level surface. Apply parking brake and run engine at idle. Run gearshift
lever through all positions, ending in Park. With engine running, fluid level should be between "F" and "L" marks. DO NOT overfill.
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Use Dexron-II ATF.
FLUID CAPACITIES
TRANSMISSION REFILL CAPACITIES
DRAINING & REFILLING
1. Remove undercover and side cover to gain access to transaxle oil pan. Remove drain plug and drain fluid. Remove oil pan and discard
gasket. Clean or replace filter screen as necessary. Tighten screen bolts to 71-97 INCH lbs. (8-11 N.m).
2. Install oil pan bolts. Tighten bolts to 44-71 INCH lbs. (5-8 N.m). On all models, install drain plug with NEW washer. Tighten plug to
29-40 ft. lbs. (39-54 N.m).
3. Install undercover and side cover. Add about 3 qts. of specified ATF through dipstick guide tube. DO NOT overfill. Run engine to
normal operating temperature and check fluid level.
ADJUSTMENTS
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
Combination neutral safety and back-up light switch is screwed into transaxle case. No adjustments are necessary.
SHIFT CONTROL CABLE
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove shift console. Place shift lever in Park. Remove shift lever knob and lock nut. Remove 4 shift
quadrant attaching screws.
2. Loosen shift cable adjuster nuts until they reach end of cable threads. See Fig. 1
. Place shift lever in Park. Tighten lower adjustment
nut until it lightly touches "T" joint, then tighten upper adjustment nut to 80-97 INCH lbs. (9-11 N.m).
3. Lightly press selector push rod and make sure guide pin clearance is correct. See Fig. 2
. Check guide pin clearance when shift lever is
in Neutral and Drive. Readjust shift cable as necessary.
4. Install 4 shift quadrant attaching screws, shift lever knob, lock nut and shift console. Connect negative battery cable.
ModelTransmission
FestivaATX/3HAT
NOTE:Capacities given are approxim ate refill am ounts that apply to overhaul situation. Correct fluid level
should be determ ined by m ark on dipstick.
ApplicationQts. (L)
ATX/3HAT5.6 (5.3)
CAUT ION: DO NOT use any type of gasket sealer or RT V on oil pan gasket. DO NOT overtighten.
CAUT ION: After com pleting linkage adjustm ents, be sure neutral safety switch operates properly. With parking
brake and service brakes applied, try to start engine in each gear position. Engine m ust crank only
when gearshift lever is in Neutral and Park.
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