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98 V6 motor help!!!!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stanger16
  • Start date Start date Jan 31, 2011
S

Stanger16

Member
Jul 11, 2010
76
1
7
Connecticut
Jan 31, 2011
#1
  • Jan 31, 2011
  • #1
my stang in a 98 V6 coupe with 180,000 miles and i need to start repairing/replacing things under the hood as well as drivetrain... I was looking into a new car but with the economy and finances right now saving for a house and wedding are more important. So now the goal is to make the car run smoothly for another year or 2. I need help or info on what people would start with first and inexpensive ways to keep her running at the top of her game. To this date I do oil changes every 3,000 miles and she just got new plugs and wires. I feel i should do a seal overhaul first, but i'm not to sure. Any information people can give with brands or websites would be greatly appreciated. I hate to part with her eventually and i want to do her justice by fixing her right.
 

1987LXragtop

Member
Jan 26, 2008
837
3
18
Just outside Philly PA
Jan 31, 2011
#2
  • Jan 31, 2011
  • #2
Whats wrong with it?
 

Skymarshal

Member
Nov 5, 2004
572
0
16
Dallas
Jan 31, 2011
#3
  • Jan 31, 2011
  • #3
You're doing the most important thing- changing the oil regularly. Neglected oil changes are probably the number one killer of engines. Many people (myself included) go with a 5000 mile interval, but 3000 definitely won't hurt anything. I would suggest using off the shelf oil and filters- that means doing it yourself or taking it to the dealer. The stuff they have at oil change places is really sub-par in some cases.

I would stay away from additives (with the possible exception of a Sea Foam treatment and an occasional bottle of fuel system cleaner). I would definitely not use those seal "conditioners". They cause more seal problems than they prevent. If the engine doesn't have any big oil leaks, why mess with it?

Other things you can do are a brake fluid change (hasn't ever been done on most cars) and coolant change. If it's an automatic, a tranny flush and fill would also be good.

You're on the right track to keep it on the road for another couple of years! Most cars are junked not because they're just worn out, but because neglect of routine maintenance has caused early systems failures.
 
S

Stanger16

Member
Jul 11, 2010
76
1
7
Connecticut
Feb 1, 2011
#4
  • Feb 1, 2011
  • #4
1987LXragtop said:
Whats wrong with it?
Click to expand...

Nothing major just the typical parts becoming rusted and gaskets starting to dry and crack. The suspension is a little rough because its the original and the rear end is lose, and i need a new exhaust from the headers back, But besides that its more just replacing parts to avoid something major. Hence why i figured i need to do new gaskets and seals
 

1987LXragtop

Member
Jan 26, 2008
837
3
18
Just outside Philly PA
Feb 1, 2011
#5
  • Feb 1, 2011
  • #5
Do your exhaust then your suspension bits first. Not really a believer in cracking open the engine unless something has gone.
 
R

robb15033

Member
Dec 8, 2010
67
0
7
Feb 7, 2011
#6
  • Feb 7, 2011
  • #6
If your still interested, I did a tune up at 200k miles and the following changed the overall performance incredibly:
Replace the fuel filter. I had no idea it was robbing performance so much.
Do the Seafoam treatment. Soak the upper intake plenum, use it through the pcv intake, and put it in the gas tank. Those two easy and cheap preventive maintenance procedures will make you happy when done.
 
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