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Tune up help


Killa
09-05-2007, 10:16 AM
Hi this 1995 Ford Windstar is my DD now ( cause my mustang gt is broken down ). I want do much tune up as possible,

1995 Ford Windstar 3.8L 126k miles

What plug and wire do you guy recomment ?
How much gap do I need and how much torque for spark plug.
How do I change the back 3 plug ?
What tranny fluid and filter do i need to use ? and how to do it ?
How to change fuel filter ? thanks

wiswind
09-08-2007, 11:00 PM
You can get some great repair information at www.autozone.com in the vehicle specific repair guides (FREE).
The spark plug gap is listed on the emissions information sticker on the underside of your hood.
It will also be listed, along with torque specifications in the AutoZone repair guide.
Pay attention to the difference between Ft pounds and Inch pounds!!!!

Spark plug.....Motorcraft or Autolite Double Platinumn.
Stay away from the Bosch plugs with the multiple tangs...etc....not good for the Windstar application.

I used the Autolite brand of Spark Plug wires......they had 2 levels at the time...and I got the "premium" or "Professional" level.
Stay away from "racing" or other specialty wires as they are not best for this application.

I also recommend the "dielectric grease" for the inside of the spark plug boot.
This will seal out moisture as well as make the wire easier to remove in the future.

I got the rear 3 spark plugs by driving the front of the vehicle up on car ramps....Set the parking brake, put transmission in PARK, and put blocks in back of AND in front of one of the back tires.
I then slid under the front of the vehicle....back far enough that I was looking up just in front of the firewall......if I slide any further back.....I would be looking at the floor pan.
You can then reach up to the rear 3 spark plugs.
To remove the wires.....grip the BOOT of the wire, not the wire......rotate the boot on the body of the spark plug to break it loose, then pull out to remove.
I remove ONLY 1 wire at a time.....change the wire and plug.... then move to the next wire.
This prevents me from crossing wires.

Transmission fluid, FORD NOW specifies Mercon V transmission fluid for our older vehicles that specified Mercon.
Mobil 1 makes a good Mercon V ATF.
I posted pictures that show step by step how I changed my transmission fluid and filter.
The capacity of the transmission system is 12.25 quarts......and I used 15 quarts to do the job...and the extra helps to flush all the old fluid out.
You don't want to overfill the level.
Transmission fluid needs to be changed AT LEAST every 30K miles for normal service application.

Fuel filter, is under the vehicle.....in front of the rear, driver's side, wheel.
It is on the inside of the "frame" member.
I posted a picture or so of it.
The rear most connection on my '96 uses a "duck bill" clip as shown in my pictures.
The front crome connector has a retaining clip.
Then you need to use a "fuel line disconnect tool" to slide up inside the crome connector to release the clips that are up inside there.
Then, while pressing the disconnect tool firmly up inside the connector.....as far as it will go (should hear/feel a click as it releases the clips) pull the crome body of the connector off of the fuel filter neck.

Also check the serpentine belt and replace if it has any signs of cracks or fraying.

I would also replace the engine coolant using either the "traditional Green" that was used at the factory or the G-05 (Motorcraft "gold" or Zerex G-05)
You will have to shop around to find the traditional green coolant nowadays....most of what I see is the long life "OAT" (Organic Acid Technology) coolants like Dexcool, or the Prestone "All Makes All Models" that is in their yellow jug.
Motorcraft still hase the traditional green as well as Zerex.

I would also replace the power steering fluid using Type F Automatic Transmission Fuid, or even the Mercon V ATF you are using for your transmission.

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