Gotta get the Aerostar prepped today. Going to take that highly dependable machine down to Florida. Gotta haul some stuff down there and can't get it in the Lincoln.LOL!
Going out to change oil and antifreeze, maybe do a radiator/system flush.
probably should put 2 rear tires on it. One has a plug at the edge of the tread.
Check the AC pressure also,as my AC has never been great.
Here's to traveling! don-ohio

 

good luck! traffic in Orlando is horrible, millions of cars and nobody knows where they're going, they just follow the car in front which is following the car in front, etc.

 

I would definitely replace that tire with the plug at the edge of the tread. That's a questionable area to patch, and could blow out under extended heavy load.

If you can, check inside the radiator hoses for their condition. They disintegrate from the inside out.

Is your AC system using R-134a? If so, you can still get refill kits from your local auto parts store. But you need a gauge set to check operating pressures first. If it's extremely low to the point of not turning on, you probably have a leak, which is all too common with those slip-fit couplings. Look for oily residues around the couplings. If you see that, the seals are leaking, and should be replaced. But that requires taking them apart and then evacuating the system before recharging. If the leak is not too bad, you might be able to just refill it, and it may last through your trip.

 

Forget Orlando, get ready for Atlanta. I drove through I75 last month, I was in my new car. Everyone was doing 95mph in the dark through the city. It was fun as crap. But I was glad I was driving my newer car.
Glad you taking your Aero, Get it out there on the highway, And REPRESENT!!

 

Thankfully I don't have to go thru Atlanta and not Orlando either. I'm heading for Amelia Island to look at some property.
Thanks,all ! I appreciate the kind advice! don-ohio (:^)

 

id bring a gallon of trans fluid just in case.

 

Blow the bug guts, road oil and dirt grime out of the radiator and a/c condenser fins and tubes. Will make them much more efficient. Best to pull the radiator out to do best job. Pressure washer on med/low setting and strong detergent grease cutter. Car wash pressure sprayer works also, better if it has a hot water setting, good luck finding one that allows radiator cleaning.

ONLY good new tires. The road heat this time of year in the SE will blow any old tires right off the rims, carcassess torn to shreds. Setting along a SE US freeway for hours in the heat is no fun.

Flush and new synthetic ATF in the tranny and power steering. Mobil 1 is the best availability and quality wise.

Carry a couple gals of antifreeze 50% mix or just distilled water.

Most important, have fun and gl property hunting.

We need pictures of the Aero on the trip

 

This is great advice, and something VERY few people realize. Let alone actually do... There are specific 'coil fin' cleaners you can use for that. Many years have passed since I last used any of them but know for a fact they work great. Just be sure to get something safe for paint, rubber, and plastics.


.

 

Definitely take care of that air conditioner. It's hot down here.

 

I installed steel window screen behind the grill to keep bugs, leaves, and other road debris off of the AC condenser (and ATF cooler in my case).

 

Has the front seal on your tranny ever leaked?

 

Well,I blew the radiator out a few months ago and cooling seems to be no problem since I installed that 180 degree NAPA thermostat.
I always have those fluids with me,but seldom need any. I found another bad tire today,while inspecting it on the 2-post lift. I will go to Chillicothe (Tire Discounters) tomorrow and get a new set of Coopers probably and a free alignment.
I like to buy tires made in USA if possible.
Checked the front end parts,drive shaft,rear end oil,etc. and everything is ready to go.
Remember I run an UNPRESSURIZED cooling system,so I use 60-65% antifreeze to water. I never overheat even with the AC full blasted.
ALL my vehicles,even my backhoe have been Unpressurized for the last 20 years.
I never spring leaks or blow hoses. If something rots,it just seeps and I smell antifreeze.
The trans has full synthetic fluid and stays pretty red and clean.
THANK YOU for the good advice! I appreciate the reminders. don-ohio (:^)

 

No, I have never had any trans trouble or leaks with both Aerostars. The old Eddie had synthetic trans fluid also.
I'm pretty easy on a vehicle.........I don't just take off in cold weather without warming it up a minute.
Cold weather is hard on seals.
We put off leaving for a few days. My PC is in safe mode and about to die.LOL! It hasn't defragged for months.
I'm trying to coax it thru the house hunting/buying trip. don-ohio