Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Maintenance question, Duratec w/MTX

As my car approaches the 60,000 mile mark, and I NEVER GOT THE MAINTENANCE SUPPLEMENT to the owner's manual, I am wondering what maintenance service I SHOULD DO and/or SHOULD HAVE DONE by now.

I have a general idea as to what needs to be done, like new plugs/wires, new MTX fluid, maybe power steering & brake fluids, etc.

Looking for advice/ideas. I've had the car 1 1/2 years, and I'd really like to keep it in great shape for years as it soon is going into semi-retirement as a weekend driver.

Thanks!

I found this cool addition on the partsamerica.com page . However, I'd really suggest buying a Haynes, Chiltons maintenance book or Ford maintenance CD-ROM. This will get you started at least. One critical repair that's not on the website above is a waterpump replacement. If you know it's been replaced, fine. If not, replace it with the revised Ford WP (plastic impeller) or an Autozone pump with a metal impeller.

Just what I do for my car every 30,000 miles. You can decide for yourself beyond that.

Change coolant. (I do mine once a year)

Change brake fluid. (I do mine once a year)

Change oil and oil filter. (I do mine every 3,000 miles)

Change air filter. (I do mine every 15,000 miles)

Change fuel filter. (I do mine every 30,000 miles)

Change cabin filter. (I do mine every 15,000 miles, sometimes more often if I have A/C odor)

Clean throttle body. (I do mine as needed, usually about 5,000 to 10,000 miles)

Add injector cleaner to fuel tank. (I do mine with every throttle body cleaning)

Optional have injectors cleaned at a shop.

Replace MTX fluid. (I do mine every 30,000 miles) (make sure you use friction modifier)

(some use the Mobil 1 "cocktail") (I use ATF+3 which already has a higher level of FM)

Rotate tires. (I do mine every 6,000 miles) (inspect brakes while wheels are off)

Clean the PCV valve. (I check mine every time I clean the throttle body, it is not likely that it needs to be replaced)

At 60,000 miles, replace spark plugs. (I do mine at 60,000 miles)

If your car is a V6 and you have not replaced the water pump yet you should think about doing it soon.

If your car is a V6 you may want to consider cleaning the intake manifold, especially if the throttle body and / or air filter has not been serviced / changed regularly.

If you haven't done it yet, consider flushing the power steering system. (I changed mine over to Mobil 1)

Inspect the car carefully for the condition of the suspension, steering, hoses, belts, etc.

That's all I can think of from the top of my head. I hope this helps.

Good stuff Jim, thanks !

Thanks so much, Big Jim!

I was actually hoping that I might get a response from exactly you on this question.

From your posts about your car, I can tell that you know how to keep a good thing in great running condition. Cheers to 136K miles on your 98 SVT!

Mine, with about 58K miles is soon going into semi-retirement as a weekend driver. Hope to keep it a longs time, that's why I asked about maintenance.

Thanks again!