Maintenance opinion question...

[drj02]

I just purchased a '04 SB MM with 15k on the clock. All stock with the exception of a K+N air charger kit. Even though the mileage is super low, I wanted to do any fluid changes / flushes, filters, etc. that "time" may be a factor just as much as "mileage". Just wondered if anyone can give suggestions above and beyond what I have thought about doing or if I shouldn't do something I'm thinking about which is....
Oil change (all Motorcraft materials)
Transmission flush (BG at Ford Dealer)
Fuel Injection flush (BG at Ford Dealer)
New OEM Fuel Filter
Power Steering Flush (BG at Ford Dealer)
OEM PCV Valve replacement
Brake Flush (BG at Ford Dealer)

[Pat]

Doing all these things is fine, but it will be expensive. I would break down the jobs into groups over a few months, letting some payday's accummulate. IMHO

Engine oil and filter, Fuel filter together $80.00

Transmission fluid change $180.00

brake fluid, (you will prolly have to clean or replace the K&N youself)

Coolant system flush and gush

Power steering fluid change

Fuel injectors can be cleaned with products from Auto Zone or buy gas from stations that mix techtron in the fuel.

PVC valve lasts a lot longer than 15K miles. I would wait on that till about 60K miles or more.

Lumping the tasks together at a dealership doesn't save money, The practice seems to be levy the charge of each job seperately. That is, if the labor manual says the task is an hour, that's what you will be charged, even though it only took 30 minutes. That's been my experience at several dealerships.

Happy Maraudering,

[drj02]

Thanks for your thoughts. So you think I should do a coolant flush as well then? I wasn't sure if I should do that at the current mileage or not. I have been undecided but will certainly have done if I should because of age and "time" on the fluid.

[fastblackmerc]

I just purchased a '04 SB MM with 15k on the clock. All stock with the exception of a K+N air charger kit. Even though the mileage is super low, I wanted to do any fluid changes / flushes, filters, etc. that "time" may be a factor just as much as "mileage". Just wondered if anyone can give suggestions above and beyond what I have thought about doing or if I shouldn't do something I'm thinking about which is....
Oil change (all Motorcraft materials)
Transmission flush (BG at Ford Dealer)
Fuel Injection flush (BG at Ford Dealer)
New OEM Fuel Filter
Power Steering Flush (BG at Ford Dealer)
OEM PCV Valve replacement
Brake Flush (BG at Ford Dealer)

You might be able to negotiate a better deal at places other than the dealership. Alot of places are hurting for business. It might be cheaper if you can supply your only materials such as antifreeze, tranny fluid, etc.

Have any friends that work on cars? Case of beer & pizza go along way. :beer:

If your handy you can do most of the maintenance yourself. Search the forums for how-to's.

[CBT]

That's incredibly low milage. Keep an eye out for inner tire wear on the fronts, a good alignment is cheaper than new front tires, and it seems lke you are at the right milage for that problem to pop up. Mine barely made it 20 thousand and they were shot.

[babbage]

Coolant should be changed every two years tops so -- it's due.

I'd go to your local FLM dealer and have it done right. They make give you a nice discount if you have it done all at the same time.

Would also be a good time to do upgrades - better trans pan - better fuel filter - better water pump.

Seafoam would be a good idea too - and/or get a JLT oil seperator to help keep your upper intake clean.

Change the rear Diff oil too - girdle upgrade?

[drj02]

Thanks to all for the great info. and opinions. I didn't realize the coolant would need flushing at this time. Glad I asked these questions here first. For example, I was told by a tech that the new coolant lasts much longer and not to do it at this mileage but will obviously have it done as I am getting many people here saying it's due. Pardon my ignorance on this but what is and how is this applied as far as the Seafoam or oil separator you are referring to? It's the K+N conical style air filter that is exposed. Just to clarify as well, I should definitely replace the rear differential fluid as well at 6 yrs. / 15k, right? I apologize for so many questions. It's hard to get good answers from dealers etc. on this stuff as I, myself, prefer to go overboard on maintenance and with a 6 year old car and 15k miles, I tend to get the answer "not needed" from the techs. I don't trust this answer 100% as I feel time is just as wearing on a car as mileage can be in most cases. I guess my only concern and is why I hesitate any services based on the so called "not needed" front is that I may unintentionally and potentially cause myself problems just trying to do the best thing for the car. Having said that, I sincerely appreciate and value everyones thoughts on this topic immensely. Thanks! MM.net is the best!

[sconut1]

What you've suggested that you want to do, is exactly what I'd be doing if I bought the car your looking at. A coolant flush is probobly a good idea as was suggested earlier. I think even the long life stuff is good for about five years, and you're past that time frame for sure. I hope you enjoy your new car.

[drj02]

Thanks so much! Can't wait for the weather to break.

[fastblackmerc]

I'd just do it all. This way you know its been done then start a regular maintenance schedule.

[tbone]

Trans flush can be had for $90, not $180. They also do the complete flush. The local quick lube places are WAY cheaper than the dealer, plus you can stand there and watch to "make sure it's done right". Personally, I don't like taking it to the dealer and "trusting" them to change fluids that aren't easily checked up on by yourself. It's sometimes hard to really know if they changed the tranny fluid, radiator fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, especially if you change it more often than needed. I've been burned before, therefore I like to see it happening in front of me.

[babbage]

All of this can be done yourself too, then you *know* it's done right.

Jiffy lube will not use Mercon V to flush the trans, they'll use some compatible crap. OEM parts like fuel and oil filters are better than their aftermarket compatible parts (e.g. stay with Motorcraft)

Seaform a bottle of petro-distillant that can safely clean your upper/lower intake. Do a search - there are many posts on it.

The JLT oil seperator can be ordered here: http://jlttruecoldair.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_11

Install it on the passenger side valve cover.

[JimmyXR7]

Doing all these things is fine, but it will be expensive. I would break down the jobs into groups over a few months, letting some payday's accummulate. IMHO
. . .
PVC valve lasts a lot longer than 15K miles. I would wait on that till about 60K miles or more.

Happy Maraudering,

I agree it can become expensive.

Besides motor oil most all of the fluids will last years (5 to 15 years). If you know the Marauder was garage kept it will probably be towards the 15 years. When you check the fluids, such as the trans fluid look for tiny spots in bright light. If it has the 'bubbles' then change the fluid. Same for brake fluid. A relative's Mercury showed the bubbles at 16 years old but only 39,000 miles. On my Marauder, I changed the trans fluid at 30,000 miles because I did not know how the previous owner drove and found that it needed the magnet on the bottom of the pan to be cleaned.

I recommend you Google for the 'FORD service intervals'. FORD provides charts for the Marauders. I try to use the higher duty use charts for my services.

Jim

[DJCV]

What's a 'dealer?' :)