Preventative Maintenance
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 41
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Preventative Maintenance
My 91 XLT is in pretty good shape and has about 204K miles now. I'm passing it on to my son for his transportation until he can afford something 'cool'. Anyway I've been doing some preventative repairs including rebuilding the alternator and starter (both a few miles from being kaput). I'm just wondering if there is anything else that definitely should be done. Outside of having the tranny rebuilt and the normal plugs, wires, and oil changes, nothing has ever been done to the van.
Specifically should the timing chain be replaced, and then other things like sensors and waterpumps, etc...
The van runs very good, still gets about 18-20mpg combined. If anything it is slightly, and I mean slightly cold blooded. The oil pan area leaks oil pretty bad too.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Specifically should the timing chain be replaced, and then other things like sensors and waterpumps, etc...
The van runs very good, still gets about 18-20mpg combined. If anything it is slightly, and I mean slightly cold blooded. The oil pan area leaks oil pretty bad too.
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: laurel springs NJ
Preventative Maintenance
My '93 3.0 shorty has about 110k miles now.
In the last 2 months (approx.) I have replaced the Original waterpump, and immediately after that, the timing chain.
The vanes on the pump were short little stubs, and I dont know how any water got circulated. The timing chain was also original, and that let go as soon as I started the van after replacing the pump.
In looking at the chain, it looked as if a few links were broke for a while, it held together then just "crapped out".
If you are going to do the pump, the shroud, fan & clutch, belts etc. have to come off. Since all of the extraneous stuff is now off anyway, spend a few more hours and replace that chain.
If you got 204k without breaking the original chain, then you are set for another 12 years. Buy your chain and sprocket from Ford, I paid about $6.00 less for the set then at the local Advanced Auto.
Oh yeah, I also did the Oil pan gasket. Not something I would ever attempt again! No wiggle room to pull down pan because the oil pump sits too low into the pan. Pan gets stuck between pump and large crossmember for front wheels. I completed the job, but cussed and sobbed the whole time!
reever
In the last 2 months (approx.) I have replaced the Original waterpump, and immediately after that, the timing chain.
The vanes on the pump were short little stubs, and I dont know how any water got circulated. The timing chain was also original, and that let go as soon as I started the van after replacing the pump.
In looking at the chain, it looked as if a few links were broke for a while, it held together then just "crapped out".
If you are going to do the pump, the shroud, fan & clutch, belts etc. have to come off. Since all of the extraneous stuff is now off anyway, spend a few more hours and replace that chain.
If you got 204k without breaking the original chain, then you are set for another 12 years. Buy your chain and sprocket from Ford, I paid about $6.00 less for the set then at the local Advanced Auto.
Oh yeah, I also did the Oil pan gasket. Not something I would ever attempt again! No wiggle room to pull down pan because the oil pump sits too low into the pan. Pan gets stuck between pump and large crossmember for front wheels. I completed the job, but cussed and sobbed the whole time!
reever
Last edited by reever; Jul 18, 2003 at 11:53 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: New Brunswick
Preventative Maintenance
A preventive maintenance tip:
Pour some "engine restorer and lubricant with CSL" Made by Automotive restore products.
It will:
RESTORE COMPRESSION
RESTORE HORSEPOWER
REDUCE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
RESTORE ENGINE LIFE
Or find something equivlant.
Also check your transmision cooler. If you don't have one THEN FOR GOD'S SAKE INSTALL ONE!!!! It is the little radiator square hidden in the bumper on the front.
Best of luck!!
Timothyap5vm (92 ford Aerostar) (85 Citation)
Pour some "engine restorer and lubricant with CSL" Made by Automotive restore products.
It will:
RESTORE COMPRESSION
RESTORE HORSEPOWER
REDUCE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION
RESTORE ENGINE LIFE
Or find something equivlant.
Also check your transmision cooler. If you don't have one THEN FOR GOD'S SAKE INSTALL ONE!!!! It is the little radiator square hidden in the bumper on the front.
Best of luck!!
Timothyap5vm (92 ford Aerostar) (85 Citation)
