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Post by alecbeaton on Oct 24, 2007 22:21:11 GMT -6
My and my buddies will be taking a road trip here next week, and i just wanted to see if anyone had any maintainence thoughts for me. I've taken care of this as of now for the trip: Fresh oil/filter Fresh fuel filter Replaced the wheel bearing that's been bad for 12k miles Checked and filled tires to 37psi Fresh tank of 93 will be added before we go New front brake pads Checked and replaced all burnt bulbs on the car Anything else i should be doing? I've got around 10k on a fresh tranny service, so i know that's good to go. Coolant is tested to spec and topped off, as are all the other fluids. I even changed the wiper blades  Anything else you guys can think of right off the bat? Oh and just to keep from starting another thread, does anyone know why, on occasion, after a highway drive while pulling away from the off-ramp, i get an occasional puff of blue smoke? Thanks guys. |
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Post by aldrichd on Oct 25, 2007 11:38:40 GMT -6
Anything else you guys can think of right off the bat? Oh and just to keep from starting another thread, does anyone know why, on occasion, after a highway drive while pulling away from the off-ramp, i get an occasional puff of blue smoke? Thanks guys. Wiper blades and windshield washer solvent. Worn rings? |
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scottydl
Super Moderator 
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
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Post by scottydl on Oct 25, 2007 13:50:22 GMT -6
And I thought you meant suggestions on WHERE to go for the roadtrip... now THAT would be trust in your fellow forum folks!  I like aldrichd's suggestions, even though your original post says you already did both of those. ;D If you battery/electrical system is up to spec, I'd say it sounds like you thought of just about everything! |
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Post by alecbeaton on Oct 25, 2007 15:45:51 GMT -6
As far as I know the charging system is up to spec. The battery is about 6 months old, although i did load test it and it passed w/ flying colors. I get a pretty steady 14.8-15 volts at warm idle, so i think the alternator is good. I've never had any trouble starting it.
Also a few things more: today I added lucas fuel system treatment to the tank and did a seafoam treatment through a vacuum line. Seems to have cured my smoking, and man did i get some power back. Sure idles smooth now too. Also, I think I may have had a very VERY slightly leaky injector, because for the past few days I've been getting a rich smell when it's warm, and a very slightly long warm-crank situation. Those have both cleared up with the treatments.
All in all... I think my 170k car will do just fine. It should be around a 1000 mile trip, from the minneapolis area to about 2 hours outside chicago. Thanks a lot guys!
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Post by Marc on Oct 25, 2007 18:03:15 GMT -6
All the hoses should be looked at & replaced if necessary.
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Post by algonquin on Oct 25, 2007 19:13:34 GMT -6
Make sure all your lights are working - could save you a ticket !
Depending on your route you may want some winter safety gear and clothing as well as a survival kit in the car.
Puff of smoke ? - Could be that questionable injector you mentioned. Other reasons are a dirty throttle body or bad valve seals.
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Post by alecbeaton on Oct 25, 2007 22:41:23 GMT -6
Thanks guys!
Marc- The radiator, WP, belt, and all hoses are new. Well, 6 months old.
Algonquin- i'll make sure and bring some warm clothes also. I checked and replaced all the bulbs already. I had quite a few out. I had a feeling about valve seals too, but the TB should be good because i cleaned it about 3 months ago.
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Post by aaaauroraaaa on Oct 25, 2007 22:46:48 GMT -6
How does a person tell if their radiator hoses are going bad, are there cracks, mushiness, etc?
Or the water-pump too, will the engine just start overheating when it goes bad? Or a thermostat, any warning signs?
Lol. Winter survival kit. Sandbags, a shovel, a blanket, a bag of chips. Maybe a cord of wood to roast the roadkill if you are feeling particularly adventuresome.
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Post by kaykirk on Oct 26, 2007 7:35:38 GMT -6
Lol. Winter survival kit. Sandbags, a shovel, a blanket, a bag of chips. Maybe a cord of wood to roast the roadkill if you are feeling particularly adventuresome. maybe a bottle of whiskey (or other preference) for heat! |
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Post by killroypete on Oct 26, 2007 9:23:45 GMT -6
An AAA membership, just in case of long distance towing... Of course, as soon as you get a membership,
the car will run forever without any mechanical breakdown.
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Post by Marc on Oct 26, 2007 9:48:33 GMT -6
How does a person tell if their radiator hoses are going bad, are there cracks, mushiness, etc? Or the water-pump too, will the engine just start overheating when it goes bad? Or a thermostat, any warning signs? There will be cracks & mushiness. Replace them at that time. As for the thermostat, if you see the water temp gauge above normal, the thermostat is the first thing to check. When the water pump fails, the engine will overheat. |
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Post by aaaauroraaaa on Oct 26, 2007 12:26:23 GMT -6
How does a person tell if their radiator hoses are going bad, are there cracks, mushiness, etc? Or the water-pump too, will the engine just start overheating when it goes bad? Or a thermostat, any warning signs? There will be cracks & mushiness. Replace them at that time. As for the thermostat, if you see the water temp gauge above normal, the thermostat is the first thing to check. When the water pump fails, the engine will overheat. How comforting... only after my head bolts have stretched past the limit will I know my water pump has failed. But if it's only a little bit of stretch, it's the thermostat. |
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Post by jose on Oct 28, 2007 13:23:57 GMT -6
tire repair kit and a bicycle pump will get you back on the highway quickly, if you're out in the middle of nowhere.
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