The Ford Barn

Pvmt-Pndr · 08-18-2023, 10:56 AM

New guy here and I have a few questions about my 1950 Mercury that I haven't been able to locate the answers to. It's 98% original and is a literal barn find.

First, there is no engine braking, I can't imagine this is normal or is it? When I let off the gas it coast, rpms go to an idle, when I get the rpms up to where they should be it grabs and goes. No clutch slippage, no issues just weird and I don't like not having engine braking with a single master cylinder brake system.

Second, the windshield washer squirter fluid. I had random vacuum lines laying around under the dash not hooked to anything. I was able to figure out where the vacuum lines connect but not where/how. Does anyone have a picture of the routing?

After these 2 things I'll be onto figuring out the OD next. I've been able to find a few answers to my questions about that so far.

paul2748 · 08-18-2023, 11:01 AM

If you have no engine braking then it's probably the O/D. Is the O/D handle all the way in ? If so, then the O/D is engaged. To disengage it, the handle must be pulled out.

Do you have the Owners Manual then it should explain how to use the O/D.

Can't help on the washer problem.

Pvmt-Pndr · 08-18-2023, 11:43 AM

That was my assumption at first too. I understand how to use the OD, at least i think i do. Yes i bought the owners manual have and read it. With it locked out the car still acts the same way with. This is in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear with or without it locked out.

tubman · 08-18-2023, 12:05 PM

Uh-oh. Looks like sumpin's broke in the OD.

Pvmt-Pndr · 08-19-2023, 02:47 PM

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I figure I'd update this for one of the answers to my own question. The OD works! It also disengages now too- that was the problem. I didn't do anything but drive it, I love when an old car just wants to be driven. I have engine braking. I plated it last Friday before it was even drivable, got it running and have driven it almost 100 miles now.

Washer fluid line routing?

08-18-2023, 10:56 AM	#1
Pvmt-Pndr Member Join Date: Aug 2023 Posts: 34	New Guy with a 50 Merc New guy here and I have a few questions about my 1950 Mercury that I haven't been able to locate the answers to. It's 98% original and is a literal barn find. First, there is no engine braking, I can't imagine this is normal or is it? When I let off the gas it coast, rpms go to an idle, when I get the rpms up to where they should be it grabs and goes. No clutch slippage, no issues just weird and I don't like not having engine braking with a single master cylinder brake system. Second, the windshield washer squirter fluid. I had random vacuum lines laying around under the dash not hooked to anything. I was able to figure out where the vacuum lines connect but not where/how. Does anyone have a picture of the routing? After these 2 things I'll be onto figuring out the OD next. I've been able to find a few answers to my questions about that so far.

08-18-2023, 11:01 AM	#2
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 4,009	Re: New Guy with a 50 Merc If you have no engine braking then it's probably the O/D. Is the O/D handle all the way in ? If so, then the O/D is engaged. To disengage it, the handle must be pulled out. Do you have the Owners Manual then it should explain how to use the O/D. Can't help on the washer problem. __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

08-18-2023, 11:43 AM	#3
Pvmt-Pndr Member Join Date: Aug 2023 Posts: 34	Re: New Guy with a 50 Merc That was my assumption at first too. I understand how to use the OD, at least i think i do. Yes i bought the owners manual have and read it. With it locked out the car still acts the same way with. This is in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear with or without it locked out.

08-18-2023, 12:05 PM	#4
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,441	Re: New Guy with a 50 Merc Uh-oh. Looks like sumpin's broke in the OD.

08-19-2023, 02:47 PM	#5
Pvmt-Pndr Member Join Date: Aug 2023 Posts: 34	Re: New Guy with a 50 Merc Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I figure I'd update this for one of the answers to my own question. The OD works! It also disengages now too- that was the problem. I didn't do anything but drive it, I love when an old car just wants to be driven. I have engine braking. I plated it last Friday before it was even drivable, got it running and have driven it almost 100 miles now. Washer fluid line routing?