Hello All, New to the list, hope everyone is good. My gf and I are looking at an 1988 Bronco with about 106k miles on it. V8 engine, I believe it is the 351. Power door locks, Power windows, Cruise, A/C, all look standard and all seem to work good. Rear window went down and up, no problems. We didn't drive the truck yet, but did start it and let it get to idle, while running the air. The temp gauge got up to over half way to Hot. Is this normal? We do plan on test driving this truck soon, so what kind of things should I look for? The idle on the truck was very smooth. No hiccups or any kind of problems could be scene. Engin looked clean enough, for being that old. Thanks for any input. 8-) -Dave http://www.point-three.com

I'm very new here too but I'll take a stab at your questions. First, don't let a clean engine indicate any more to you than "it's a clean engine." As you will find out here and elsewhere, a lot of us have very clean engines and yet truly work our Fords perhaps beyond design limits. Get more criteria when looking at an older (or any) vehicle. Also, be careful about making any kind of decision without having driven the vehicle and perhaps having a $100 buck or so check over done by a professional mechanic. I'm a good wrench bender and I would never think of buy a used vehicle without some help and second opinion. It's cheap insurance. Temp gage mid to high at idle warm up -- I'm gonna leave that to others,tho that's high compared to my Fords and the possibilities are quite numerous. Thermostat would be the first place I'd check. But also know that a less than 50/50 mix of coolant and water or old stuff run in conjunction with the AC puts a hell of a load on the motor. Based on what you've suggested, I'll repeat the suggestion to get some professional help in checking out the vehicle. No insult intended whatsoever. Best of luck and we all wish we had a GF that was interested in our purchasing an 88 Bronco. You've already got one keeper! :) Bob

Bob, Thanks for the feedback. Yes, we want to have a mechanic look at it. In fact, the one we use for our other truck is currently in England. He is next to go look at it. And yes, I am a lucky man. 8-) She rules. I am just to research as much as I can, in a short amount of time. I don't want to be stuck with an 88, if the 89 had like a major upgrade or modifaction over the 88. Thanks for your thoughts and taking time to answer my question. Now, if I can just talk her into a little 3" lift, with 33" tires.. hehehe 8-) And Flowmasters.... Wish me luck. 8-) -Dave