100Kmile tune-up suggestions?

[RonSC]

Can anyone suggest or recommend any specific check-up or change I could make for a tune-up for my 107k mile '91 Eddie Bauer Explorer?

I really love my truck and I want it to last many more years. I will also be making a LONG TRIP with my Explorer from WA State to Southern CA and the last thing I want to be is stuck in the middle of no where in the wee hours of the morning!!

I just bought the used vehicle two years ago and it is running great with the exception of poor gas mileage, usually 200 to 225 miles on a full tank.

Things I have done so far are:
* New fuel filter
* K&N Air Filter
* Splitfire spark plugs
* Autolite plug wires
* Changed transmission fluid
* Ordered Edelbrocks shocks

I am not much of a mechanic so I plan on getting a tune-up from a professional. Is there anything I should look out for or have my mechanic check out specifically? Should I have my transmission checked and/or timing chain checked.

Any tips and suggestions from fellow Explorer owners would be greatly appreciated. It would also help ease my worry from taking a 107K mile vehicle on a long summer trip!

Ron

 

[Gabriel Simpson]

I hide my 95 tuned up and the place replaced my spark plugs. I had just put splitfires in about six months before. It was my fault though i didnt realize that the full tune up included spark plug changing.

I would make sure to have the transmission fluid changed and the tranfer case and differential fluids changed, if they havent in a long time. Have them chack all of your electrical on your starter and allternater and the like. I have found wires that were worn and screws loose before long trips and it gave me peac of mind to tighten the screws and change the wires.

My friend has a 91 xlt with 204,000 miles on it. it has the stock engine and transmission and besides a starter and normal maintenence the truck has had no problems. my dad always said "if you take care of your truck your truck will take care of you."

------------------
explore more!

 

[Skip Pendle]

Ron:
Definitely flush and change the engine coolant. I would also recommend doing the MAF cleaning routine which is well documented in this website and really works.
Also:
-check your battery water and terminals
-add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner now before you start your trip to give it time to clean things
-change the PCV valve
-check the power steering and brake fluids
-fill the washer fluid bottle(s)
-install new windshield wipers front and back
-clean all the glass especially on the inside, apply Jetex to the windshield, front side windows, outside rear view mirrors and the backlight
-if you are driving at night, have spare bulbs for the headlight and tail/brake light (the CHP has no humor about these things!)
-have your brakes checked and serviced
-check your tire pressures including the spare; buy a can of tire inflater and valve stem caps if you are missing any
-basic tool kit, flashlight, spare batteries

Enjoy your trip.

 

[RonSC]

Gabriel and Skip, thanks for the tips!

Even though my Explorer is running great, should I also have my transmission and timing chain checked?

Thanks again,
Ron

 

[S.Matsushige]

Ron-I would also replace the belt. I usually do this once every two years. I recommend Goodyear Gatorbacks. While the belt is being replaced, I check all the components that are run by the belt for bearing wear. By doing this I managed to head off a worn waterpump, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, power steering pump and most recently an altenator. I just managed to get home from picking up a new altenator when the charge light can on and the voltmeter dropped. Dodged a bullet. I spin the pulleys of each part to check for unusual drag or a scratching feel of sound. Believe me its better to find out and replace them before they fail.

 

[Skip Pendle]

Ron:

You had the transmission fluid changed which usually requires dropping the pan and changing the filter so your transmission has already had about as much "check" as can be done without removing parts. I assume it is shifting normally and has good kickdown response.

My 2 cents about the timing chain is that to get that far into the front of the engine risks screwing-up something in all the other stuff that has to be removed first. If the engine is running smoothly, leave it alone.

 

[RonSC]

Thanks again Skip! The reason why I asked if I should have my timing chain checked is because I had a co-worker whose timing chain SNAPPED on his 100K plus mile vehicle. It caused enough damage that he had to replace his engine, which not only cost him $$$ but misery as well. I hope that doesn't happen to my 107K mile Explorer. It runs good so I guess I shouldn't worry until maybe it starts to run rough.


S.MATSUSHIGE-

I did change my belt 2 1/2 yrs ago but it sounds like a good idea to replace them with those Gatorbacks you mentioned, especially for my long trip this summer! I'm also gonna try the hole cutting on the bottom half of my airbox since I do have a K@N. Bosch Platinums +4 are next on my list since I'm not impressed with my Splitfires. Another thing i was thinking about was the Jet low-temperature thermostat. i was reading that it does a better job of keeping the engine cool over the stock thermo. What do u think?

Thanks again,
Ron

 

[danny]

The JET thermostat does keep the engine cooler, while still hitting a good operating range. The one I had in my 91 busted a spring after "only" around 22000 miles. If that sounds ok to you, go for it. I'm thinking of trying a different brand thermostat in the 180 range, though. It is easy enough to swap the thermostat out in the explorer that it doesn't bother me to change them on occasion.

------------------
Danny
93SHO
91EB
www.hit.net/~danny/explorer.html

 

[S.Matsushige]

Ron-I have the Platinum+4 in my '91XLT. I like them. I didn't notice much of a mpg gain, but it made my engine start quicker and idle smoother than the Autolite platinums. Some members have had problems with them. I think the solution is getting cooler Platinum+4s as Rick recommended. A lower number on the plugs would indicate a cooler firing plug I believe. I can't say which I have because its been a while since I installed them, but they work fine for me. I also have Splitfire duel core wires. I did the holes in the bottom half of the airbox. It works well with the K&N drop in filter. As for the Gatorbacks, I've been using them ever since parts dealers and relatives recommended them and they are really good quiet running belts which were even less than Gates.

 

[RonSC]

S.Matsushige-

Sounds good but can u clarify something for me. When you say getting cooler plugs, where is the number on the plug and a lower number as compared to what?

Do I ask for a specific number for the Platinums+4's or is it by "luck of the draw"?

Thanks,
Ron

 

[S.Matsushige]

Ron-I did a search to find where that anwser was posted. Try checking General Explorations under past posting with the headline "Problem Airbox" posted by 1991FEEB. There Rick explains that a cooler plug has a shorter insulator and a hotter one has a longer insulator which protrudes further in the combustion chamber. He said a lower I would guess parts number in the same series on the box would be a cooler burning plug. So, I guess if you go to your parts dealer and ask for a cooler Platinum+4 they would know what you are asking for. I'm sorry Ron that I couldn't give you a more direct answer, I heard in the past of hotter and cooler running plugs but never paid much attention to it. Hopefully Rick who has more expertise on this matter could answer your question better or maybe email him. Hope this helps a little.

 

[sarybough]

Check the dealer. Even though I am one of the best local shadetree mechanics, I am incredibly lazy. I haven't had my explorer long enough to take it for service, but I took my fathers about 3 months ago. Ford has pre-priced maintenance plans thru 70,000 miles. If you haven't had it done at 70,000 it will work for 100,000 miles. For about 475 bucks Ford will replace about every critical part; filters, plugs, wires, sensors, service the transmission, reset engine timing, there is a long list of all the services offered for this price. They also examine everything so if something isn't right it can be replaced. After running my ranger from 23,000 to 72,000 with no maintenance, I would reccomend this service as cheap insurance. Good luck