Hey all:

I've been reading through some posts and would like your advice on what kind of preventative maintenance I should think about on my new (to me) 1992 E350. 460ci/7.5L V8, not sure which transmission. Single tank, 'Club Wagon' style with all the seats and stuff.

It's got 193000 miles on the original engine and transmission. At some point the AC was upgraded to the less-expensive-to-recharge type, but I don't know if it's ever had any engine work. Probably not. The exhaust is colour-less, even uphill with 12 passengers (took some friends out to lunch) and my foot on the floor.

I haven't driven it enough to see how much oil it burns, but the 1/4 tank I've gone through so far suggests about 8-9MPG driving around town. The engine makes lots of noise, but no obvious problem sounds.

I'm going to use it to haul roadracing motorcycles around on the weekends, sometimes 1600 miles round-trip. I'd just like to avoid being stranded anywhere, I'm not too concerned about fuel economy, performance, etc.

So what kind of engine (and other) things should I look at? The steering is a little vague, but it drives straight at 80mph. The brakes are very good. The previous owner put in a new battery, and I'm wondering if that's because he used the rear AC a lot (read something about using tons of AC can kill the battery).

I've been trying to find a factory shop manual, but no luck. I don't want to waste my time with the Hayes/Chilton. Does anyone have one for sale? Even better, anyone got one on CD they could throw up on an FTP site or something?

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

 

Hi Will,

The 460 is pretty much a cast iron skillet. Its not fancy but you can't hurt it. At nearly 200K miles I would recommend a thorough service: Motor oil, PCV, Coolant flush (check the hoses carefully), fuel filter, bottle of injector cleaner, air filter, serpentine belt, rear end oil change, transmission service, grease the front suspension joints, spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, etc....

Don't worry about the rear AC killing the battery. That's not the case. I use the rear air in mine alot and never had a problem.

The transmission in it is an E4OD, Ford's biggest. Unfortunately, 200K miles is well into its expected life span so keep a close eye on the transmission and have it checked at the first sign of trouble. (the O/D light on the end of the gear selector blinking is an indication of a transmission problem)

I use my Clubwagon (a '95 XLT) to tow my racecar around the country. That's all its done its entire life and it now has 220K miles on it, ... still going strong.

Oh, and I bought a Haynes manual for mine and it seems OK for most of what I have needed it for.

Steve

 

The Haynes is a good choice... I would rather have the Ford/Helm service manual though.. I would definately have a trans shop, change the fluid, make sure they flush it to to get all the old fluid out....

 

I would change the fuel pump. It is expensive, but that is the type of problem that comes with no warning and can leave you stranded.