Farewell 89 McLaren in Australia - selling off or scrapping

[hopkins1104]

Well, looks like time has finally come for me to unload my beloved 1989 ASC McLaren convertible (#241). It WAS 1 of 5 imported into Australia and converted to RHD. I believe it is the sole survivor of the 5 still on the road here.

Last six months had an engine problem -- car started idling rough and stalling... replaced all sensors and some other engine parts (ordered from CJ Pony Parts and shipped)

Seems the Oxygen or Fuel Sensor just won;t behave -- the new ones (2 so far are not fixing the issue)

Sadly, I think it may be time to sell off to an enthusiast to take on a project OR to scrap it after over 20 years of owning it (first owner)

If any of you had similar problems and were able to correct give me a shout or it is time to let it go

Cheers guys

[hanksgt]

That seems like a drastic move for a rough running car. There are so many places on the web to get advice on repairing Fox body 5.0's. Youtube alone has hundreds of videos on trouble shooting and repairing. Hang in there. It took 2 years to find the clunk in my '89 front end. Loose lower control arm bolt. Even the front end shop said it was tight, until a friend put a long breaker bar on it. Never give up. Rust? That would be a different story.

Well, looks like time has finally come for me to unload my beloved 1989 ASC McLaren convertible (#241). It WAS 1 of 5 imported into Australia and converted to RHD. I believe it is the sole survivor of the 5 still on the road here.

Last six months had an engine problem -- car started idling rough and stalling... replaced all sensors and some other engine parts (ordered from CJ Pony Parts and shipped)

Seems the Oxygen or Fuel Sensor just won;t behave -- the new ones (2 so far are not fixing the issue)

Sadly, I think it may be time to sell off to an enthusiast to take on a project OR to scrap it after over 20 years of owning it (first owner)

If any of you had similar problems and were able to correct give me a shout or it is time to let it go

Cheers guys

[hopkins1104]

No rust

But frustration. Has been almost 9 months off the road ... auto shops deem unreliable and unsafe to drive (it stalls too much)

Have had no fewer than 6 "specialists" diagnose and all come up blank .... even flew in computer diagnosis of some sort and it came back clear

This is not an engine or vehicle anyone here is used to

I MAY try to seek thru here another sensor to try but I am not sure the auto mechanics are explaining the specs of ehat they THINK I need clearly or in terms understand in USA

[hanksgt]

Have you checked the ground on the computer (located in the passenger footwell)? I have found a lot of good info on mustangforums.com. I googled and found 4 videos right away on youtube for stalling 5.0 mustang. Follow the suggested trouble shooting procedure and I'm sure you'll cure it.

Side note: My 2005 Ford Ranger seatbelt warning light came on. I looked up the error code online and found I can replace the module for $250 from Ford or replace the bulb in the module for $1.00 and 20 minutes work. I followed the video and saved $249.

No rust

But frustration. Has been almost 9 months off the road ... auto shops deem unreliable and unsafe to drive (it stalls too much)

Have had no fewer than 6 "specialists" diagnose and all come up blank .... even flew in computer diagnosis of some sort and it came back clear

This is not an engine or vehicle anyone here is used to

I MAY try to seek thru here another sensor to try but I am not sure the auto mechanics are explaining the specs of ehat they THINK I need clearly or in terms understand in USA

[capri50asc]

Did you change these items:

Ignition Module on the Distributer (these fail due to heat from the engine)
Distributer Stator (also know as a cam sensor or pick up sensor) located
inside the distributer , These fail.

Ignition switch (located between the dash and the steering wheel lock) Its under the steering wheel column cover. These fail because the dielectric grease drys out and it can cause all kinds of problems, Stalling, misfiring, no start, and other electrical problems. This was a recall item by Ford Motor Company because it can cause fires.

ECM Bad connecting joints on broad rare but can happen

Failing fuel pump or plugged fuel filter.

Bad fail injectors

Bad spark plug wires

Bad PVC valve ( back of the engine ,near the firewall)

Clogged catalyst converters

Bad wiring harness

Dirty Intake system

Failing Coil

Bad ground cable at the block

Bad clutch switch (above clutch ) if this is a 5-speed

Check all of the these items before giving up. It easy to quit! This car is worth it because its right had steering.

Chris

[hanksgt]

I replaced my O2 sensors with Bosch and now I read that Ford replacements are the best.

Follow trouble shooting guides instead of just replacing parts. Ask me how I know that now.

Did you change these items:

Ignition Module on the Distributer (these fail due to heat from the engine)
Distributer Stator (also know as a cam sensor or pick up sensor) located
inside the distributer , These fail.

Ignition switch (located between the dash and the steering wheel lock) Its under the steering wheel column cover. These fail because the dielectric grease drys out and it can cause all kinds of problems, Stalling, misfiring, no start, and other electrical problems. This was a recall item by Ford Motor Company because it can cause fires.

ECM Bad connecting joints on broad rare but can happen

Failing fuel pump or plugged fuel filter.

Bad fail injectors

Bad spark plug wires

Bad PVC valve ( back of the engine ,near the firewall)

Clogged catalyst converters

Bad wiring harness

Dirty Intake system

Failing Coil

Bad ground cable at the block

Bad clutch switch (above clutch ) if this is a 5-speed

Check all of the these items before giving up. It easy to quit! This car is worth it because its right had steering.

Chris

[hanksgt]

Any updates?

Well, looks like time has finally come for me to unload my beloved 1989 ASC McLaren convertible (#241). It WAS 1 of 5 imported into Australia and converted to RHD. I believe it is the sole survivor of the 5 still on the road here.

Last six months had an engine problem -- car started idling rough and stalling... replaced all sensors and some other engine parts (ordered from CJ Pony Parts and shipped)

Seems the Oxygen or Fuel Sensor just won;t behave -- the new ones (2 so far are not fixing the issue)

Sadly, I think it may be time to sell off to an enthusiast to take on a project OR to scrap it after over 20 years of owning it (first owner)

If any of you had similar problems and were able to correct give me a shout or it is time to let it go

Cheers guys

[Agent-J]

I would love to see some picture of this car also if you are tried of looking at the old girl she might need a boat ride back to the states. Please even if your not interested in selling the car (no idea what or how to bring her home) post some pictures I would love to see a RHD ASC....

[hopkins1104]

posted some photos of my RHD 89 ASCMcLaren in my gallery not sure how to post here

Car has been off the road for about 9 months engine running rough and I don;t have time to repair. Insured for A$25,000 (about US$18,500) with only 80,000Km (50,000 miles) on her

Time to sell .. needs new top and a few other bits and pieces - all available from ASCMcLaren.com -- I just don;t have time to take care of her now

[negusm]

Best thing is to cross post this to a more active Australian car site.

While everyone here would love to get one of the rare RHD cars, nearly no one here has the means to get it.

Good luck. I hope you can find a buyer looking to fix her up.

-Mike

[hopkins1104]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rare-1989-AS ... 1a02ab5c18