whats in a good tune up?

[brandonloserkid]

my truck is getting up there in mileage... so i decided to do a nice little tune up, cause im doing other things already....

im changing my oil....
im chaning my plugs and wires...
and also changing my belt...

what else should i do
(im at about 180,000)

i know im probably getting on everybodys nerves with my questions, cause theres so many of them, im just trying to let my X live as long as possible!

 

[aldive]

By all means ask all the questions that you want.

In addition to what you are doing, I would also do a trannt flush and I would replace the rear end fluid.

Good luck.....

 

[brandonloserkid]

are those two things i can do in my own garage? any special tools or disposal i need to take into consideration? also any write ups on this? or will my explorer book have it, i dont have it by myside to check, its in my truck, outside...

 

[aldive]

For the tranny flush, read the following thread ( all of it )....http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=77507&highlight=transmission+flush

 

[410Fortune]

well at 180K miles it needs alot more then that!

Hopefully some of this has been done but I suggest:

coolant flush and fill
new thermostat
CLEAN the MAS and intake
fuel filter
power steering fluid exchange
replace the t case gear lube (if you have a t case)
fuel system treatment (red line or BG only)
PCV valve
air filter


thats the small list.........at 180K you should also consider:

02 sensors
cat converter
waterpump
tensioner pulley

 

[jgilbs]

first thing i recommend is run some seafoam through it(autozone doesnt carry it but NAPA does) this made the single most noticable difference in my car's performance, i could feel the increased power WAYY more than with my new intake. with a car with that many miles on it, the engine is guarenteed to be gunked up.. run a can of seafoam through and watch your performance return to that of a new car. you'll be amazed.

 

[general x]

Is seafoam a fuel additive for fuel system cleaning or an oil additive?

 

[old mechanic]

sea foam is something that you pour into your fuel system while the motor is running. Check the instructions on the can.
Also check your radiator & heater hoses.

 

[EliteConcept]

don't forget about fuel filter

 

[aldive]

You may also add Sea Foam to the crankcase as well as the gas tank.

Take a look at http://www.seafoamsales.com/ for details.

Good luck....

 

[jgilbs]

you guys are missing the best use of seafoam - when added to a vac line (such as the brake booster cable) it will clean out the deposits inside your engine. well worth the $6 IMHO

 

[Blastingcaps]

cleaning carbon from cylinders

the trick they tought in mechanics school back in the seventies was to get engine up to operating temp then pour a cup of tranny fluid thru the carb and then chase it with a pint of cold water.. the tranny fluid gets under the hot carbon and the water shatters it and cleans it off and carries it out the exaust.. if you have ever replaced a blown headgasket the cylinder that leaked water will be clean as new ... i have not tried it on an injected system but im sure it would work as well.. on the carb engines the results were very noticable .. and cost is about a buck.. Blastingcaps