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Re: tune up????
The original "term-tune" up was geared towards the running state of the engine. Points, condensor, rotor, cap, wires, plugs, timing adjustment, mixture adjustment, and idle speed adjustment were all part of the procedure. Most of these parts are nonexistant with the exceptance of plugs. The adjustments for most cars are not even possible with the exception of a base idle adjustment. Even that is not recommended except under very specific circumstances.
With three kids still at home the vehicles range in year from 85 to 98. The 85 still has wires,cap and rotor. You can also do a timing adjustment. The 2 1996 models only requires wires. The 1998 doesn't even have those. The coil on plug units can have the plug boots replaced seperately which I did do at 100,000 miles.
Service intervals for most other items are spelled out in the owners manual. You can download one for 96 and later models fords off the net if yours is missing. Autozone's site also has a feature once you register that lists maintenence intervals for your vehicles.
For myself a major service would include a "tune-up" and everything that Manuel mentioned. I would also include cleaning the throttle body, IAC valve and port, and the EGR valve and port. Flushing the cooling system, tranny fluid, and brake fluid, at recommended intervals also.
MT-2500's advice to "check other stuff while you are at it. Like fuel filter and fuel system belts and hoses battery and cables condition and a general look over. It will give you trouble free driving if you do." is excellent.
Over the years I have developed a routine to do just that. I change oil every 5000 miles. While I'm at that I also:
Rotate the tires.
Check the brakes while the wheels are off.
Check tire pressure, including the spare.
Check under the hood, air filter, fluids, belt, and hoses.
I try to hand wash my car also. That is a good time to check:
Lights and lenses
Wipers and glass
Rubber seals for the trunk and doors
Hinges for the doors, trunk, hood, and gas filler door.
Don't forget to lube the hood release.
One thing I missed on the crown vic was that damn heater hose that runs under the intake manifold. I'm in the process of trying to replace that now. A mechanic friend recommended replacing it every 4 years.
Preventitive maintenance will save you time and money not to mention aggrevation.
Sorry for the long post.
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