High Mileage Maintenance

[ChrisO63]

I have a '96 XLT 2WD with 203K miles (rode hard and put up wet) and want to squeeze at least 50K more. Transmission replaced at 175K. What other items should I consider replacing/overhauling? Still has original timing belt to the best of my knowledge. Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[Triton46]

Belts, hoses, regular fluid changes, and brake pads.

any leaks?
hows the water pump?

 

[ChrisO63]

Good advice. No visible driveway spots. H2O pump "seems" to be working fine but I'll have it checked.
Thanks.

 

[Triton46]

How is your mileage? Any check engine lights? This is where yours will differ from mine. I installed a new FPR (not sure if you have one) and O2 sensor at 90k to return my mileage to normal. I also installed a new TStat, since mine had been reading cold for 4 years.

 

[rjc]

Triton, how many MPG did you pick up with the new O2 sensor. Did you spend $160 replacing both of them? Thanks, rc

 

[mgv366]

I have the same question about the O2 sensors. Went to Autozone and they want $45 a piece. My mechanic called his parts supplier and he said they are $80 a piece!! What's the story here? Are there better or worse sensors to buy?

 

[Kontrol-Trak]

Plugs and wires, change all fluids, filters

 

[ChrisO63]

Originally posted by Triton46
How is your mileage? Any check engine lights? This is where yours will differ from mine. I installed a new FPR (not sure if you have one) and O2 sensor at 90k to return my mileage to normal. I also installed a new TStat, since mine had been reading cold for 4 years.

Check engine light currently on. Any way to shut it off permanently? Mileage has slipped a bit the past week. O2 sensor replaced within the past 40K miles, IIRC. Both Tstats have been replaced within the past 2 years. Thanks.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Originally posted by ChrisO63

Check engine light currently on. Any way to shut it off permanently

Pull out the bulb....

On a serious note, might be O2's again. Check FPR (you may even want to replace it, since they do crap out after a while), clean MAS, and everything everyone else said.

 

[ChrisO63]

A bad O2 sensor was part of the problem. Thanks to all for their input. In for service as I type.

Chris

 

[rjc]

What is the FPR? Thanks, rc

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

Fuel pressure regulator. All of us, at least 91-94, have replaced it if not by failure by preventive maintenance. I had to at about 160K.

As for hi mile maintenance- break your hubs and spindles down for a cleaning or replace. Plugs, wires, h20 pump b/4 it fails, a real good upper intake cleaning, synthetics, flush and fill of the radiator and use water wetter when you refill.