Got A New Aero
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Cincy, OH
Got A New Aero
Just got another Aerostar, it's a 1993, 3.0. It's got 169,000 miles I got it as a set, this one and the 1994 4.0 L for $1500. The 4.0 has 240k and a nasty leak out at the intake manifold and timing cover, so she's taking a rest until I have enough time to repair the leaks. The 3.0 L (the gray van my wife calls it), has stains in the carpet, smells a little musty, but is otherwise in great shape except for a dent on the driver's side behind the door close to the bottom.
The engine seems to be in good condition, even though the oil hasn't been changed in a long time. The exhaust is a little loud, and the trans makes a small whine, but otherwise everything seems to be good. Shifting seems smooth, and even though its a 3.0 L it seems to accelerate quicker than the 4.0L maybe because the 4.0L is extended.
I figure a tune up is in order, but what other things should I do initially not knowing the history of this van really? I don't want to lose another Aero, we love our vans.
The engine seems to be in good condition, even though the oil hasn't been changed in a long time. The exhaust is a little loud, and the trans makes a small whine, but otherwise everything seems to be good. Shifting seems smooth, and even though its a 3.0 L it seems to accelerate quicker than the 4.0L maybe because the 4.0L is extended.
I figure a tune up is in order, but what other things should I do initially not knowing the history of this van really? I don't want to lose another Aero, we love our vans.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
glad you found another Aero,
remove tires and check brakes all around for pad and shoe wear thickness and for any brake fluid leaks
change ATF in tranny
check plugs for wide gap and electrode wear off
ig. wires for cracks and checks in insulation and loose connectors
cap and rotor for carbon tracks and excessive wear on electrodes
jack up the front end and check for any loose worn steering parts
get a bottle of liquid doggie odor remover for the carpet
find the window/door seal leak that is causing musty
do a Seafoam whole can treatment into engine
put a full 20oz bottle of Techron Concentrate in the gas tank
change rear end lube 75w90
remove tires and check brakes all around for pad and shoe wear thickness and for any brake fluid leaks
change ATF in tranny
check plugs for wide gap and electrode wear off
ig. wires for cracks and checks in insulation and loose connectors
cap and rotor for carbon tracks and excessive wear on electrodes
jack up the front end and check for any loose worn steering parts
get a bottle of liquid doggie odor remover for the carpet
find the window/door seal leak that is causing musty
do a Seafoam whole can treatment into engine
put a full 20oz bottle of Techron Concentrate in the gas tank
change rear end lube 75w90
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
I'm not as experienced as some here, but I just bought a 97 3.0 shorty (106K) about a month ago. I did:
* Replaced plugs with Autolite Double Platinum. Didn't do wires, wish I had done that--and plan to go back and do that with Autolite Professional. (If you're going to do the work to pull the old plugs and check the electrodes, I'd just go ahead and replace with the Double Platinums.)
* Replaced top and bottom radiator hoses, along with thermostat.
* Replaced tranny filter. (Still need to do a gentle flush.)
* Replaced serpentine belt.
* Replaced all 4 shocks.
* Replaced air filter. Wish I had done a K&N filter.
Things I have yet to do (besides the plug wires):
* Replace fan clutch.
* Replace fuel filter.
I would also check the front sway bar connectors. One of mine was busted. I replaced both.
Hope that list helps.
* Replaced plugs with Autolite Double Platinum. Didn't do wires, wish I had done that--and plan to go back and do that with Autolite Professional. (If you're going to do the work to pull the old plugs and check the electrodes, I'd just go ahead and replace with the Double Platinums.)
* Replaced top and bottom radiator hoses, along with thermostat.
* Replaced tranny filter. (Still need to do a gentle flush.)
* Replaced serpentine belt.
* Replaced all 4 shocks.
* Replaced air filter. Wish I had done a K&N filter.
Things I have yet to do (besides the plug wires):
* Replace fan clutch.
* Replace fuel filter.
I would also check the front sway bar connectors. One of mine was busted. I replaced both.
Hope that list helps.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
Heaven,
save your hard earned money and don't waste it on a K&N air filter.
the Aero factory ford filter, box and tube will outflow the max. demands of a 4L at redline rpm...
plus the K&N will allow more and larger particles into engine which end up in oil....bearings and rings wear out faster....
if these oil doush rags were safe, don't you think the Big Rig OTR diesel boys would run them on their big 1000 hp CATS? all a diesel is a big air pump.....
cut out or remove the blocking plate in front of the filter box input in the opening in the radiator support wall.....lets in more direct cold air flow from grille plus sounds mean
buy a quality filter like Motorcraft, Wix, Purolator and change every 30k, more often in dusty condxs
put the money into custom wheels....they look nice on an Aero
save your hard earned money and don't waste it on a K&N air filter.
the Aero factory ford filter, box and tube will outflow the max. demands of a 4L at redline rpm...
plus the K&N will allow more and larger particles into engine which end up in oil....bearings and rings wear out faster....
if these oil doush rags were safe, don't you think the Big Rig OTR diesel boys would run them on their big 1000 hp CATS? all a diesel is a big air pump.....
cut out or remove the blocking plate in front of the filter box input in the opening in the radiator support wall.....lets in more direct cold air flow from grille plus sounds mean
buy a quality filter like Motorcraft, Wix, Purolator and change every 30k, more often in dusty condxs
put the money into custom wheels....they look nice on an Aero
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
You shouldnt be walking for a long time
I have 3 aerostars. A 95 3.0 ,a 94 3.0 and a 94 4.0 exstended body. I drive the 94 3.0 with 190k on it and use the others for parts. With the two you have a little work will keep you from ever needing to buy a new van!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Grovetown, GA
Congrats we love out Aero! We've had it for four years now and travelled all over Europe in it. With only 120K on it we'll probably have it for quite a while 
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by KimChee75
Thanks for the tips guys. My wife went to change the oil today come to find out it was missing an oil cap! My blood pressure didnt need that
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