Tune up for a 2002 with 170,x.. miles?

[juicy-jj]

Hey guys, I have a 2002 Ford Explorer with the v6 that gas a 170,000 miles on it. I want to give it a tune up and replace anything that could potentially lesson my fuel mileage. Here are the parts I am planning to replace. If any of these are not necessary or if there is anything else I should add to this list, please post and let me know.

Plugs
Wires
Coil
MAF
O2 senser('s)
Cabin air filter
Fuel filter
Belt
Muffler

Thanks!

 

[JohnnyO]

Unless you have a CEL you shouldn't need to replace the coil, MAF, and O2 sensors. Muffler only if it has a hole or is leaking. You can buy a MAF cleaning spray at AutoZone or wherever.
I would however change the air filter if it needs it and replace the lube in the axle(s), transfer case if it is 4wd, and flush the transmission. Also flush the coolant if that has never been done.

 

[fedyfedz]

you dont have a cabin filter in the explorer unless you or the person before you made a custom one.

Clean the throttle body(Remove And soak in throttle body cleaner for best results-CRC works great)
Clean pcv valves
Seafoam perhaps(might cause slight leak if sludge was holding a seal together)
The wires most likely dont need to be replaced, they have the coil packs on top of the plugs so if you not getting a code leave them just put some dielectric crease in them before re-installing.
Oil Change
Check all fluids
Run some gas treatment through(high mileage in your case)

 

[Joe Dirt]

Agreed- don't just replace parts to replace parts. Unless you have a CEL and are getting 8 mpg, nothing in there is going to give you any real savings on gas. If you see even 1 mpg after replacing everything, I'd be surprised, if you don't have a CEL.

 

[swshawaii]

Excellent tips above. In addition, stick with OEM spark plugs. Motorcraft SP-500 or
Autolite 103 Series @ .054 gap. Use anti seize on plug threads and dielectric grease
on wire boots. Recommended interval for "normal service" plug replacement is 100K.

 

[HiImBrian]

Change out your fuel filter while you're at it. There are several threads explaining how to do it in here. Also wouldn't hurt to take a peek at your brake system and suspension. There are loads of people around driving with broken coil springs and bad ball joints.

 

[juicy-jj]

Ok, thanks for the replies. I have a few questions based on the feedback that you guys are providing. First off, what is dielectric grease? What is a CEL? Is the throttle body very hard to remove and clean? How do I clean the PCV valves? I greatly appreciate all of the responces!

Oh and btw- how do I flush the transfer case fluid? Is there a drain plug and a refill nozzle?

 

[HiImBrian]

Ok, thanks for the replies. I have a few questions based on the feedback that you guys are providing. First off, what is dielectric grease? What is a CEL? Is the throttle body very hard to remove and clean? How do I clean the PCV valves? I greatly appreciate all of the responces!

Oh and btw- how do I flush the transfer case fluid? Is there a drain plug and a refill nozzle?

No problem.

- Dielectric grease is a sealant/lubricant that is placed around the rubber boots on each coil pack to seal your spark plugs from air/water/debris. It also keeps your connection clean.

- CEL: Check Engine Light/Service Engine Soon

- The throttle body is not too difficult to remove. Just take it apart and be careful to not damage anything while doing so. Then clean it really well with throttle body cleaner. Let it dry THOROUGHLY and put it all back together, remembering to use ALL the parts you disassembled. You may want to replace your gaskets while you've got it apart.

- I haven't cleaned my PCV valves yet, but with your throttle body torn apart it will be very easy to get to them.

- Also can't really help with your transfer case fluid, as I'm only 2WD. It shouldn't be too difficult.

Use the SEARCH tool to find how-to's and threads on all of these topics. Good luck!

 

[tower]

Hey guys, I have a 2002 Ford Explorer with the v6 that gas a 170,000 miles on it. I want to give it a tune up and replace anything that could potentially lesson my fuel mileage. Here are the parts I am planning to replace. If any of these are not necessary or if there is anything else I should add to this list, please post and let me know.

Plugs I would, use "stock" ones

Wires Check them out if they look bad (dry/cracked) replace

Coil Some say using high performance ones give a hotter spark and burn the fuel more effectively. I am not one of them I say if it is not broken let it be

MAF Clean it

O2 senser('s) I might be bucking the others on this but I would change them but if your O2s have 170k one them they may not be throwing a code but they are not working great. I have grafted old ones and new ones and the new ones react much faster this greatly helps with the fuel trim.

Cabin air filter you don't have one

Fuel filter it's a PITA but yes change it

Belt look at it is it dry cracking? if so change it

Muffler unless its broken changing it will only make the truck sound different.

Thanks!

I will add change all your fluids. It will help things last longer and will help your MPG.

 

[tower]

How do I clean the PCV valves? Just replace it, it is cheap. You have a V6 so you can't see it but it is on the drivers side on the end of the valve cover between the fire wall and the valve cover.


Oh and btw- how do I flush the transfer case fluid? Is there a drain plug and a refill nozzle? Yes you have a drain plug and a fill plug. they are on the back of the transfer case. The drain is lower and towards the drivers side and the fill is higher and towards the pass side

 

[Exproblems]

First off, what is dielectric grease??

FYI, when you go to the parts store to pick up your parts for the tune up, just ask the clerk for the die-electric grease. They usually keep it right at the counter in small packets along with other automotive greases and lubricants that come in similar small packets. 1 packet costs around $1 each.