60K maintenance

[rollinstone]

My 97 XLT 5.0L is coming up for its 60K maintenance. (1)Where is the PCV valve located? (2)How on earth does one get to the plugs? I see 'em, but can't even touch the ones on the RH side, and can barely reach the ones on the left let alone get a socket on them. (3)Is there anything special that I should know about replacing the thermostat at the same time as I flush out the coolant?
(4)Any tricks about changing the AT fluid?
Appreciate the help!

 

[<<MONOCHROMOUS>>]

hey buddy, i feel your pain on those spark plugs. i bought $80-90 worth of plugs and wires, popped the hood, took one look, the plugs and wires are sitting the back of my garage now. im going to get it professionally done soon i guess. technically, you dont REALLY have to drain fluid to change the thermostat, i didnt, ONLY because my safari bar was holding the radiator shroud on over the valve. it was a little mess no doubt, but i have a hose! dont know about the PCV valve though.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by rollinstone
My 97 XLT 5.0L is coming up for its 60K maintenance. (1)Where is the PCV valve located? (2)How on earth does one get to the plugs? I see 'em, but can't even touch the ones on the RH side, and can barely reach the ones on the left let alone get a socket on them. (3)Is there anything special that I should know about replacing the thermostat at the same time as I flush out the coolant?
(4)Any tricks about changing the AT fluid?
Appreciate the help!

The spark plugs are much easier to get to through the wheel wells, especially if the tires are removed. I replaced mine on my V6 when I had the wheels off to work on the brakes. Ford will replace your PCV valve at no charge when you reach 60K miles, it's in your Service Maintenance Guide. It may be more of a hassle setting up an appointment though than it is worth. Mine is going back next week when they get the camshaft tensioner parts in. Since I have 62K on it, I asked them to change the PCV while they have it. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I was planning on changing it myself.

 

[65Matt]

I just changed my plugs and wires on my truck this weekend. And believe me, I have a few cuts on my knuckles to prove it. I am used to working on a 65 Stang, and it was slightly more crowded!

I pulled the wheelwell covers to do most of it (little flaps you can pull off by wiggling the snaps loose). All the plugs can be changed through the wheelwells. Just get a spark plug socket, extensions, swivel attachments, and a pair of Mechanix gloves (I did not have the latter and thus my hands are nicked up). I did not remove the wheels, though.

I could not find the PCV valve, though. Does anyone know where it is on a 5.0?

 

[EMStaxi]

The PCV valve is very well hidden...Still haven't found mine yet. Actually, there was sometime a recall I believe, and it was recommended that the dealer replace them. If anyone else finds their PCV valve, let me know so I can change mine.

 

[Ru Dawg]

PCV VALVE LOCATION

Hey everyone, no matter what engine you have, the PCV valve should be somewhere on the valve cover. You can't see it directly because it will be cover by the rubber hose that fits over it. You should be able to find a diagram in you owner's manual...that's how I found mine! Mine was on the driver's side of the valve cover towards the firewall (4.0L OHV).

 

[CBoug76]

Plugs and Wires

I changed my Spark plugs and Wires here at work one day durring my lunch hour, well it took more like an Hour and a half, but I did it with out taking the tire or wheel well covers. Good Luck.