Basic Tune-up...

[jmccrary]

Gents,
I am looking at doing a basic tune-up on the beast. She runs pretty good, but want to make sure I am not over looking anything basic.

So far I have done/going to do:

Dizzy cap
Rotor arm
spark plugs
coil
plug leads (still trying to source)
fuel filter (still trying to source)
air filter
oil/filter change
Belt check/replacement
Gearbox fluid change (maybe)
Radiator fluid flush and change


Anything else I am missing?

[Loach1]

That's a pretty good list. After fuel filter change, I would run some injector cleaner through the system.

You can find the fuel filter off the shelf in the chain stores on this side, same with cap and rotor, plug leads, air filter, most gaskets, and so on. I even bought an alternator last week for $60. I can look up part numbers if you like.

[jmccrary]

are you talking about like autozone or advance? To be honest, I was thinking most of that stuff would be hard since the motor is German...as far as I know, the motor never made it to the States.

[jmccrary]

After doing some further research...looks like the Capri was in the States as a Mercury...this makes it a lot easier to get motor parts!!

[Loach1]

Yes, Autozone/Advance have a lot of parts. You need to be a bit creative, like plug leads from a '75 Mustang, distributor cap and rotor from a 1988 Alfa Milano or Porsche 911, gaskets from Ford Ranger (they had the 2.8 Cologne, but with some differences). It's always a fun challenge to find a cross reference, then find a common vehicle that used that part! The Merkur Scorpio/XR4ti are another good source of parts. I haven't bought an accessory belt yet, but I think that would be very easy to get matched at the store.

[jmccrary]

Wicked! Thanks man!!

[GreenV8S]

The ignition consumables are not dated and only need to be replaced if they fail. If they aren't showing any signs of distress and are working OK I suggest you leave well alone.

Will you be servicing the brakes and prop shaft UJs, and checking the state of the transmission and running gear?

[v8s4me]

As above - if it aint broke, don't fix it. Gear box oil change is a good move and you might as well change the diff oil while you're at it.

[jmccrary]

Well...I like preventive maintenance...better to spend a bit now and not worry when you are on a road trip and then it breaks...

[glenrobbo]

jmccrary said:

Gents,
I am looking at doing a basic tune-up on the beast. She runs pretty good, but want to make sure I am not over looking anything basic.

Anything else I am missing?

I would definitely also check :
brake discs, pads & shoes for wear,
rear wheel cylinders for leaking seals ( have a look behind the dust seals ),
& change brake fluid ( every 2 years, as it is hygroscopic ).
Clean & lubricate steering u/j's.

[jmccrary]

glenrobbo said:

I would definitely also check :
brake discs, pads & shoes for wear,
rear wheel cylinders for leaking seals ( have a look behind the dust seals ),
& change brake fluid ( every 2 years, as it is hygroscopic ).
Clean & lubricate steering u/j's.

Glen,
The brakes have been done with all new. As for the other bits, good idea and I will check out the seals and lube the steering joints. I know one of the cv boots needs to be replaced, so add that to the list.

Justin

[DamianS3]

Good list so far one small thing to check would be rad fan operation and specifically the vulnerable wiring under the front crossmember.

Enjoy

[jmccrary]

DamianS3 said:

Good list so far one small thing to check would be rad fan operation and specifically the vulnerable wiring under the front crossmember.

Enjoy

I know it works, but how do I check to ensure correct operation...I am thinking "search" lol

[phillpot]

jmccrary said:

I know it works, but how do I check to ensure correct operation...I am thinking "search" lol

When you get back from a run (everything nice and hot) park but leave engine running, watch gauge, temp should creap up and fan kick in, gauge should settle.


If gauge rocks up and steam hisses from everywhere I never said this