Free Ford Tempo Diesel and GMC Diesel Pick up

[Christ]

If it was me, I'd be looking to swap that engine from the Tempo into a newer escort wagon shell.

[Christ]

Correction - if you don't need the cargo/family space, an mx3 chassis would be perfect. Lighten it up, of course, but it comes with an oem kamm shape, and a pinched nose that could translate into excellent aero with a few little tweaks here and there.

[Frank Lee]

If the Tempo doesn't have fatal structural rust, I'd just run it.

[vacationtime247]

Working on getting it at least up and running. The starter motor is froze up. Can't get it to turn over. Engine isn't locked up! That's good. Spins over freely with a socket and ratchet on the alternator bolt. Spent a few hours cleaning the mouse poop, squirrel nests and 12 years of garbage out today. Need to get the electric pressure washer out then blast away the leaves and gunk.

First thing is to just get it running. Once the starter issue is fixed, should be easy.

Does diesel fuel ever go bad over time like gas?
VT247

[vacationtime247]

Underside doesn't look bad. But the bottom of all the doors have holes and rust. The exhaust looks like it's going to need fixed. The back drivers side brake was locked. It broke loose, but can tell it's going to drag, will need fixed. The brake fluid reservoir is dry. It's farm fresh and has sat for around 12 years. Will see where I stand when it's at least drivable. Will try and upload a video tomorrow on where I'm at with it.
VT247

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

If the Tempo doesn't have fatal structural rust, I'd just run it.

[vacationtime247]

That would be sweet! Hadn't considered one of those but I'd want it to be factory 5 speed. Whatever I drop it into should be a simple bolt in. Mazda designed these engines with the same basic deminsions as an FE motor. Same basic size and bell housing. Not sure about the mounts yet. From what I've gathered so far the 1:1 axle ratio is 3.73 Think I could go lower with a gas engine 5 speed. Need to find an interchangability list for the FWD Ford / Mazda engines & manual trans such as the years and models etc.
VT247

Originally Posted by Christ

Correction - if you don't need the cargo/family space, an mx3 chassis would be perfect. Lighten it up, of course, but it comes with an oem kamm shape, and a pinched nose that could translate into excellent aero with a few little tweaks here and there.

[Christ]

As far as interchange, anything that mounts on the same side, and was masted to a1.6, 1.9, 2.0, 2.3, or 2.8, possibly. The 4 cylinders I'm sure about, though.

Diesel doesn't go bad, perse, but its always best to start with some clean fuel, so it's not suspect. Having sat for so long, I'd get some purge from the VW Parts place, or someplace similar, and run it onthat, or st least run ATF through it.. ATF will start it good and lube it up. Prime the pump with a hand siphon, prime each injector by cranking with the fuel feed for the injector loose, use a hot airgun on the intake while cranking when you finally intends to start it. If you, can, best to manually operate the oil pump with fresh oil, to prevent falling on e what will amount to dry bearings.

[suspectnumber961]

Originally Posted by vacationtime247

First thing is to just get it running. Once the starter issue is fixed, should be easy.

VT247

You'll probably find that the only place to get a starter is Ford?...they will burn out if you try to start with a low battery.

[Christ]

Talk to your local core rebuilder about either obtaining a rebuilt starter, or having yours rebuilt.

It's possible that you can fit a much larger starter (length, for more torque), by changing the front casio on the new starter to the one on your current starter. Often, with oddball parts like that, especially ones with an identified weakness, its best to see what else fits. Also check with 1.9/2.3 starters.

[vacationtime247]

Here is a video of both the vehicles.
VT247

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6qKTp-mXII