Questions and Answers

'67 Mustang GT

Q. I have a '67 Mustang GT, automatic transmission with a 289 in it. I know next to nothing about maintaining a car aside from how to check my oil, put water/coolant in my radiator, and check my transmission fluid. I know I have to check my brake fluid but I don't know for sure which dip stick it is or where to put fluid in for that matter. I think I've narrowed it down to one option (the only dip stick that I don't usually mess with because I forget it's there, but as of today needs what ever kind of fluid it requires added into it) but I'm not sure. Any suggestions?

Courtney

A. The fluid levels on that car are pretty simple to keep an eye on. You have the oil level dipstick which you know how to check. The other dipstick on the right of the engine, towards the firewall is the transmission fluid dip stick. Checking the transmission fluid level is the same as the oil, the only difference is the engine has to be running to check the fluid level. The best time to check it is with the transmission at normal operating temperature. if you need to add fluid, do it one pint at a time and be careful to not overfill it. Better to be a little low than too much.

The brake fluid does not have a dipstick. To check it you need to remove the brake master cylinder cover. The brake master cylinder is located on the firewall on the drivers side. If it has power brakes it will be attached to a large power brake booster. If not, it will be mounted directly on the fire wall.

To check the fluid level, you need to put a screw driver under the large clip holding the cover down and pry it off. Then you can lift off the cover and check the fluid level. If the fluid is low, use DOT 4 brake fluid to top it off with. It should be between ¼ to ½ an inch below the top of the reservoir (it may have two). When you're done, make sure the rubber gasket is tucked back in and sitting in the cap properly. Use the screwdriver to hook the clip back into place. Now some Fords had a master cylinder with a screw type cap. If it has, then it just screws off.

If the car has power steering, you need to check that on occasion. Some ford pumps have a little dipstick like the oil and transmission. Some have a cap that you turn and pull off. Usually there is a dipstick attached to the inside of the cap. If not, the level should be about even or a little higher than the bottom of the check/fill tube. If it needs to be added to, you can use power steering fluid or transmission fluid to top it off.

Checking the battery is a good idea too. If it has removable caps it's a simple matter of removing the caps and looking down the see where the fluid level is. You can use a small screwdriver to lift the caps off. The proper level is even with the cap holes. Use distilled water to refill the battery if it's available. If not, plain tap water will do. If the battery is sealed, then you will not be able to check the fluid level.

BATTERY'S CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID AND IT CAN BURN YOUR SKIN AND CAUSE BLINDNESS. IT IS VERY CORROSIVE TO ANYTHING IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH.

If any of the levels are excessively low, that you may need to have it checked. Fluids should stay basically the same. If they are off by a lot, it may be an indication of a leak somewhere that should be located and fixed.