Ford Falcon Problems

I would agree with the mechanic, it’s struggling under load by being too lean. I could be a broken or cracked vacuum fitting on the engine, or even the brake booster, and I would also check the PCV valve.

Thanks for the feedback, it sounds like a very dangerous situation and one that can be very difficult to diagnose.

No other reports of a similar nature have been received at Cars Guide, perhaps other readers could tell us of their experience with the system. It does sound like it could be a pump that's causing the noise, I would take it back to the installer and have it checked, if that doesn't resolve it contact Parnell direct and ask for their assistance.

Ford had some problems with one colour in the BF, but we haven’t had any reports of problems with the FG. If it is a problem from the factory I would think it should covered by the warranty, but make sure it isn’t a result of a shoddy crash repair before you blame Ford. It would also be worth having a paint specialist, such as Graham Cuthbert (0422 444 335), inspect it and give you an opinion and report, so you have some solid evidence to give Ford if you go down that route.

The fact that you can save it by using the choke tells you it's running too lean. Have the carby reconditioned, it's probably worn, make sure the idle mixture is set correctly, and replace the air filter.

The brake could be the clue. We have had reports of a vibration similar to yours that is caused by the brake master cylinder not fully releasing the brakes. Have the master cylinder checked; you might need to replace it.

It's clearly running hot and could be a sticking thermostat. These Falcons are renowned for having problems with the auto transmission oil cooler, which is located in the radiator. When it goes coolant gets the auto transmission and can affect the transmission if not caught in time, so have that checked.

Thanks for the feedback Peter, all good info for the owner of the BA, Waynne Lee.

There's no system available to do what you want, and with the plastic fittings Ford uses on the heat exchanger it's not an easy thing to develop. And a note of caution from AW Automatics, who have looked at making an aftermarket exchanger, the six-speed auto tends to run a little hot anyway and replacing the factory exchanger that uses water with an aftermarket one that uses air has the potential to cause the transmission to overheat if the replacement exchanger doesn't have sufficient capacity to do the job.

No, brake rotors are regarded as consumable items and not covered by the new car warranty.