60k is approaching by the end of next month on the '99 Zetec and I'm trying to plan out what work I need to get done and what I can do myself. In the past month I've seen my mileage slip by about 3mpg and when I step on the gas I get a nice miss. I'm willing to spend the extra money for reliability and longer life on components over stock, I'm not looking for performance, I was getting 27/33 before and I'd like to have that back.
What I have already decided having replaced is this:
1. Brakes, haven't been done yet, most miles were highway, pads and rotors as needed. I'm not going to fool around with regrinding rotors as I only hear the pulsing comes back 3-6mos later.
2. Trans fluid and filter, I do this about every 20k or so, $60 every 9-12 months is cheaper than a new trans.
3. Plugs, wires, and coil.
4. Coolant system flush.
5. Fuel Filter
6. Replace leaky struts
I'm debating going with Ford Racing wires, possibly magnecor not likely though and the improved coil. I've read people saying that they get a smoother idle out of the Ford Racing wires. I'll probably do the coolant flush and plugs and wires myself, my only question is if anyone has used Dexcool or some other 5year/100k normal antifreeze alternative in their contour? I'm also looking at least one leaky strut, do I need to replace all 4 for an even ride or just do them in pairs? Call me lame but the ride I have is comfortable and I'm not looking for "performance" handling, if anyone has an aftermarket suggestion I'd appreciate it.
Work I'm considering having done:
1. Replace brake fluid
2. Replace timing belt
3. Replace water pump
4. Wheel bearings, I think the other shop fsck'ed them up at 50k, the growl is back.
I don't have a hayne's manual as a reference nor would it really do me any good as from what I understand the water pump got relocated after 98, so you don't need to do that in conjunction with the timing belt to save labor. I'm not sure if that's a Duratec or a Zetec thing even. Regardless I'm debating just waiting until the timing belt breaks, or when the water pump goes to do the work of the water pump is located there. The only thing I haven't been able to fully determine yet is if the Zetec is an interference fit engine, if it is then I'm not going to wait. If it's not then I'll just let it break and fix it thereafter as no damage to the engine will occur. I'd look all of this up on the Ford CDRom I bought which is the service manual for all the dealers technicians for the 99 model year. Trying to use it for 2 hours it's a chore to use, and it's no wonder people complain about having their car fsck'ed up by some technician. The references to parts numbers, alot of them are not entered, or the information is poor, the instructions are basic at best. They might just have well written it in latin and the technicians wouldn't be any worse off. At any rate I appreciate any information / suggestions that they can offer is appreciated. Any work that I'm looking at that would be unneccessary I'd like some input on. I also picked up an obd-2 scanner any suggestions on things to look for with that would appreciated as well.
Thanks,
Brian
'99 Zetec 57k
