general service concern/question

[kyle]

01 zx3 zetec 5 speed. 120,000 miles.

some to most of you have seen my posts from a few months ago when i bought this car back ... anyway ..

basic info listed above. im not 100 percent sure what has been done and what has not been done service wise from the previous owner. i dont feel im getting the best mpg, or really at least what i should be. ive got a mildly heavy foot, but still i feel i should be getting a little better mileage. ive laid of the gas as much as i can lately but thats not all.

can i check and test things before i go replacing stuff? i cant afford to spend money on something that isnt entirely that worn or used. and i do notice a sputtery kind of hesitation from a dead stop ... fuel filter?

just looking on advice of what to check with higher mileage and unknown service from previous owner. to some extent i dont mind replacing things just to know for sure it has been done.

[GapBoyPCS]

What mileage was on the car at the time you bought the car? Did you buy it from a dealer or privately?

If you've already done regular oil and filter changes, you're already on your way to getting the car back on proper service track. Some fluids you can visually inspect (like coolant or brake fluid). Some parts (air filter, spark plugs, serpentine belt) you can probably make a visual inspection. Otherwise, it's really up to you how you want to go about this. If money were no object, it may not hurt replacing stuff like the plugs, filters, fluids, belts, etc. so you start off fresh. In your case, it may be better off to just get the car back on a regular maintenance schedule and replacing things as Ford's schedule dictates. If the car still acts up, then take it to a shop and get it diagnosed.

[G-forces]

What kind of milage are you getting?

Make sure the air filter and MAF are clean and your grounds are all good. Sometimes a little cleaning can help a few things. A new fuel filter won't hurt, but if that were a problem it should show up more at high rpms.

[kyle]

ill calculate the mileage soon. ive not filled up completely for a while due to money being tighter. typically i do about $25 and that lasts maybe a week. granted i live just a few miles from work ... my school is ... 15 miles? maybe. and the other random driving. so unfortunately its a large mix of city and highway miles.

ill check and clean what i can this weekend and post back. how do i clean the maf sensor? i think ive seen a special kind of spray at the store but am not sure ... am i correct?

any other gas saving tips? other than lay off the lead foot? which isnt horrible anymore.

[mwillette2006]

try lucas fuel injector cleaner...its about 4 bucks it'll will help the gas to burn more evenly...or try 91 octane. I drive an 02SVTF and use 91 anyway but once a month or so use one bottle of lucas it works like a charm.

[G-forces]

Originally Posted by kyle

how do i clean the maf sensor? i think ive seen a special kind of spray at the store but am not sure ... am i correct?

Yes, you can get MAF cleaner at many car-part stores, or get electronics cleaner. Same stuff. Fast evaporating solvent, like an ether.

[kyle]

so just pull it out of the intake, spray, re-install?

[GapBoyPCS]

Originally Posted by kyle

so just pull it out of the intake, spray, re-install?

Pretty much.

Just note the MAF sensor is held in place by security Torx bits, so they aren't really your typical Torx bits. A trip to a hardware store or maybe a good friend might yield one to get it off.

[kyle]

Originally Posted by GapBoyPCS

Pretty much.

Just note the MAF sensor is held in place by security Torx bits, so they aren't really your typical Torx bits. A trip to a hardware store or maybe a good friend might yield one to get it off.

i actually have some from when i had an aftermarket intake. it came with it. i saved that damn tool. its come in handy more than i would think.

[kyle]

sort of along the same lines ... what are the key things to check/replace at 120k miles?

i checked the oil this morning. its not too ugly yet and is full. ill change it for sure before winter hits.
checked over all the fluids .. seem to be fine.

this weekend im going to look into the plugs/wires, air filter. im going to just replace the fuel filter as i do not know if/when it ever has been. and its not too expensive for peace of mind ill just change it.

new front tires coming in a few weeks. or less. anything else to keep up on a higher mileage car? am i missing anything or am i pretty much on par as far as keeping the car mechanically maintained?

oh and im going to have the battery tested as soon as i get ready and leave.

*edit: ive ran lucas once or twice after the re-tune and 91 octane. i have NOT done the MAF cleaning yet as i keep forgetting.

[kyle]

Originally Posted by GapBoyPCS

What mileage was on the car at the time you bought the car? Did you buy it from a dealer or privately?

If you've already done regular oil and filter changes, you're already on your way to getting the car back on proper service track. Some fluids you can visually inspect (like coolant or brake fluid). Some parts (air filter, spark plugs, serpentine belt) you can probably make a visual inspection. Otherwise, it's really up to you how you want to go about this. If money were no object, it may not hurt replacing stuff like the plugs, filters, fluids, belts, etc. so you start off fresh. In your case, it may be better off to just get the car back on a regular maintenance schedule and replacing things as Ford's schedule dictates. If the car still acts up, then take it to a shop and get it diagnosed.

about 117k. private. im still working on getting all the maintenance up to date. but you mentioned up to spec per ford. do you have that list? i know it would be in the manual .. but thats long gone.