1997 Ford Thunderbird Fuel system Problems

“I smell gas when driving at high speed of 60 and above on freeway mostly. Once in a while I can smell it when driving at lower speeds of 25 -30mph. I used to think that I had spilled gas on the outside of car when it first started happening, but now a year later, I still smell gas and I do smoke in my car, but when I smell the gas, I will put the cigarette out. Is there some kind of recall on this problem, that can repair it. I have put $4000.00 into restoring the car and I and putting another $800.00 into it next week, november 2013, to replace all of the belts around the engine. …”

“A leaking fuel line on my 1997 Ford Thunderbird, (v6 engine), with 113000 miles on the car. I had the car towed to a Ford dealer who suggested replacing completely both fuel lines, because there seemed to be corrosion, so that was done at a cost to me of $548. As far as I know this car has never been in any accidents, although I bought the car used a few years ago. Luckily I noticed fuel leaking from the fuel line, and then had the car towed by aaa to the Ford dealer. So no fire occurred. The car being just 6 years old, I am surprised that there would be a leaking fuel line. …”

“Consumer complained about having fuel line problems. The fuel line that comes out of the gas tank and rubs against the body of the vehicle leaks gas under the vehicle going in the direction of the engine. Manufacturer was contacted, and stated that they were aware of the problem, but there was nothing they could do. Dealer was contacted, and fixed the problem by removing the whole fuel line system and replacing it.”

“1. Plastic intake manifold failure - covered by general recall 97m91, although similar plastic engineering is applied to both valve covers but is not is not covered by recall. The Ford service rep informed me that the heater core will blow soon too. 2. The brakes/rotors have been a chronic problem - this is my 2nd Thunderbird - both cars had the same type problems. I have replaced rotors, brake pads repeatedly without solving the problem. The car has severe front end vibration which is makes the car unenjoyable and dangerous. I have changed tire sizes and brands 4 times. …”

“Intake manifold failure with coolant leak to engine compartment.. Car was subject to a Ford service bulletin recall in 1998 for intake manifold replacement to prevent future failure. Unfortuneately, the replacement intake manifold failed at the same glued seam that was the basis for the recall by Ford.”