1978 Continental COupe

[jgmack823]

I have a 1978 lincoln continental coupe the top of the engine has been rebuilt. I love this car but wasn't even a thought from my mom when it was built. I didn't know what the "soup cans" were on the sides of the motor, since nothing was connected. I now realize it is the over flow reservoir from searching for parts....but i have a new radiator...should i get a new reservoir? and where? or just hook it up to the soup cans...

I need a front left side marker/blinker help me

[MagicRat]

The 'soup cans' are vacuum reservoirs.

There are many vacuum operated devices in the car, including the mechanisms that control the ventilation system inside the car. But these devices only receive 'vacuum' from the engine at part-throttle. When you step on the gas hard, the vacuum supply disappears, until you let-up on the gas pedal.

The 'soup cans' are intended to hold some 'vacuum' so the ventilation system inside the dashboard operates normally when you have the gas pedal down.

Don't hook the radiator up to the cans. Your car does not need an overflow resivoir Your rad uses an air space at the top of it. When the car is cold, the coolant level should be about 2 inches below the rad cap. If it is filled-up any more thanthat, the excess coolant will run out the overflow hose the next time it is warmed-up.

Please note this is an 'open' cooling system, which is different from most modern cars. Modern cars ususally have a 'closed' system, where the rad is completely full and uses a radiator bottle half-full of coolant.

For many years, Ford made excellent service manuals intended for dealer mechanics. You probably can locate one for your car on-line (not an owners manual).
These service manuals go into great detail about your car's systems and the operating theory and principles behind its design. It will be your best friend in getting your car in shape.

As for parts, try a specialty on-line parts supplier, like this one:

http://www.lincolnlandinc.com/

[jgmack823]

well i feel like an idiot but thanks a lot i understand now....