My GT has a small leak...Request help diagnosing

[Neilda]

Doesn't matter how many times I see those angles...... I just love the shape of it! Even on a flat-bed!!

I'm still waiting to hear from Roush and then will have the Ford replacement bolts fitted as the Accufab ones are not available (easily) in the UK.

 

[Gulf GT]

Sure enough, the garlic smell oil was gear oil. Paul B was right on the money...

Another Ford GT gives up the driver side half shaft.

Thanks to everyone for their help diagonosing, and the offers of assistance from Steve A and Nota4re.

It was picked up by Blair's Towing via flatbed this morning and is awaiting repair at the local Ford Dealer.

Next time you have your car towed, I would instruct them to not tie the car down through the wheels. It can damage your wheels. There are better suited spots under the car.

 

[SYCO GT]

Thanks Gulf for the tip. What is a recommended spot for tie down on the Ford GT? I'm hoping a tow is a rare occurrence, but would definitely like to know for future reference. I'd rather lose a wheel than a suspension part, but I'd rather have it done right also and not subject any part to undue stress.

 

[SYCO GT]

Doesn't matter how many times I see those angles...... I just love the shape of it! Even on a flat-bed!!

I'm still waiting to hear from Roush and then will have the Ford replacement bolts fitted as the Accufab ones are not available (easily) in the UK.

Thanks Neilda. It certainly got a lot of looks from drivers even on the short flatbed trip to the local dealer. It was fun to be able to actually watch reactions while being a passenger (in the tow truck cabin).

 

[B O N Y]

Every fgt was shipped with a hang tag advising only basket straps be used over the wheels.

However your flatbed operator's method is acceptable to many..

 

[Empty Pockets]

"Next time you have your car towed, I would instruct them to not tie the car down through the wheels. It can damage your wheels."


'Can't image any way a padded wheel strap can damage a wheel ...unless it has dirt (etc) in/on it. I suppose it IS possible though, in the sense that "anything is".

And regardless, I can't 'figger' how the wheel/car/trans/suspension could possibly know whether the wheel was secured with a wheel basket or a padded strap. That one has always puzzled me. (But then, lots of things in life do...)




"There are better suited spots under the car."

Not according to the factory! :biggrin:lol:cheers

 

[SYCO GT]

Every fgt was shipped with a hang tag advising only basket straps be used over the wheels.

However your flatbed operator's method is acceptable to many..

It's likely that I have that very same hangtag still. I have got to learn to read the "boilerplates." Usually, I have trained myself NOT to read them. How can I agree to something that I haven't read...:wink

Daren from Blair's Towing, definitely struck me as the type of guy that knew what he was doing. Plus he is a big musclecar fan, having owned original GTO's and other GM muscle cars. I'll post of the pics of the nice ramps he used.

He said he's towed several Ford GT's and seemed to have a good working knowledge of Lamborghini's, Ferrari's, and other cars.

 

[SYCO GT]

'Can't image any way a padded wheel strap can damage a wheel ...unless it has dirt (etc) in/on it. I suppose it IS possible though, in the sense that "anything is".

And regardless, I can't 'figger' how the wheel/car/trans/suspension could possibly know whether the wheel was secured with a wheel basket or a padded strap. That one has always puzzled me. (But then, lots of things in life do...)

You always crack me up EP! Plus, I appreciate your information.

I checked the wheel pads and they seemed substantial and in good condition.

 

[Gulf GT]

I've had two F wheels' finish damaged by using a padded wheel strap once, and I know of several owners of other exotics that the same thing has happened to over the years. There a positives and negatives for each way.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I've had two F wheels' finish damaged by using a padded wheel strap once, and I know of several owners of other exotics that the same thing has happened to over the years. There a positives and negatives for each way.

Maybe the pads either weren't really that soft or they had crap of some kind on 'em (or the wheels did). Or maybe the wheels were REAL "mag" wheels??? But, you're absolutely right. There are + & - in darn near everything.:cheers

(My GT was delivered using the padded straps method. I checked 'em IMMEDIATELY!!! 'Not a mark. :thumbsup)

 

[B O N Y]

Larry, do you think they put the warning notice in every car leaving Wixsom advising how to strap the car down for the fun of it? If it would not be important, why would they do it? By the way, the top enclosed auto transporters always use baskets.

Everyone can do what they want,... we have no shortage of experts.

However, my car will only be strapped down with baskets.

Happy New Year!!

 

[Empty Pockets]

Larry, do you think they put the warning notice in every car leaving Wixsom advising how to strap the car down for the fun of it? If it would not be important, why would they do it? By the way, the top enclosed auto transporters always use baskets.

'Not arguing that this or that method is better/equal/whatever. 'Just saying - like so many OTHER things in life - I don't get it. Dat's all.

I think the "baskets" are pbly recommended so that if there's crudd on the wheels there's no way it can get ground into the wheel's finish. Beyond THAT, like I said, it beats the heck outta me.

(Anyway ...'not looking for a shootout at high noon on Main Street over it!:lol)

 

[TEXAS GT]

Besides the possibility of scratching the wheel, you run the risk of dislodging the stick on wheel balance weights. Another consideration is that straps are usually run at an angle which puts a strong side load on the wheel while baskets usually put a much more vertical pressure on the tires when used properly.

I don't know of any good tie down points under the car. The pans cover everything except delicate suspension pieces that should NEVER be strapped to. I also think everyone here has pretty much agreed that the car should be towed OUT of gear and WITHOUT the e brake set.

I'm fortunate enough that I have never had to tow my car but I'm getting set up with all the appropriate gear to do so when needed.

And those ramps are scary, dude!

 

[Empty Pockets]

And those ramps are scary, dude!

'My thought too! :rofl

But - check out those "Got Bolt" license plates!!!! :rofl :rofl :rofl :thumbsup

 

[SYCO GT]

Yeah, the ramps definitely look like they came out of a lincoln log set. Thought you guys would get a kick out of them. But they were actually more stable and secure then they looked.

All this talk is turning me into a basket case...

Heheh. I'm not worried about it. Tow was about 20 miles total, Daren was on time and professional. I would have been more worried if I saw him looking under the front and the rear of the car for 10 minutes trying to figure out what to latch onto. I can live with padded wheel straps for a half hour ride.

I'm sure there are worse, and I'm sure there are better. But I'm glad we brought these issues out so people will know what to think about in the future - and again - I do appreciate all the input and discussion.

- R

 

[KJRGT]

Nice license plate Randy!:lol:lol:lol

 

[Gulf GT]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. Bony is 100% correect. Quote from thegtguy in an earlier post:

This is what we use. Summit Racing Part# SUM-G7971
We like them because nothing touches any painted surface, car or wheel.
Also the ratchet part clears the splitter and the diffuser. No issues with cars moving around either or messing up the alignment.
Pretty much the same ones that Reliable used to get the cars from the plant to the dealerships.

Last edited by thegtguy : 08-29-2007 at 10:26 PM.

http://store.summitracing.com/partd...UM-G7971&N=700+400304+302390+115&autoview=sku