Tune up

[Cobrajet]

Just general Question: is there a larger oil filter that would fit our car?

The Mobil1 book calls for an M1-104 oil filter, but I have used a slightly longer M1-106 filter on my VX. Not sure about other brands since I never used any other brand.

[89Vette]

In past 4x4's, I've had good luck with valve cleaning to combat lack of responsiveness. I'm thinking of trying seafoam thru the intake. (Before now, I used to have tune-up shops de-carbon the valves.) This was usually good for 1-2mpg and snappier exceleration. (Part-throttle anyway)

Injector cleaning (or replacement) is another possibility. I actually have a set of cleaned injectors that I tested. I also have a set from a 40k unit that I'm running for comparison. Seem pretty equal -- and about 1mpg better than before.

I should probably sell one of those sets in the near future.

I think 100k is about the most you should push an OEM set of plugs. They'll still work but I wouldn't count on 100% performance.

[tom4bren]

Inspect the air filter too.. invest in a k&n filter for better perforance.

Use the search function to read up on this before you invest. Many members have switched back from K&N because of fouling the MAF. Others still swear by them though.

I don't know about replacing plugs, mine has 158K on the original plugs, and no misfiring yet?? ( I know this sounds spooky, but as far as I know it's true.) My NAPA guy told me to forget plugs, he used work at a BMW dealer and the cars came in there with 130k plus all the time with the original plugs and no misfires. Take it from there.

Yah, I'm not a big fan of changing out the plugs either ... unless there is a problem. In the Samurai I had years ago, I never changed the plugs & at 225K miles, it started running really bad. I pulled the plugs & found that although they were in pretty good shape, the gap was about 60 (twice what it should have been). The replacement plugs lasted about 20K miles. I regapped the original plugs & put them back in for the remaining 50K miles that I had it.

On the other hand ... with electronic ignition, bad plugs CAN cause upstream problems if left in too long. Basically, if the plug is bad enough, the coil can stay charged up all the time & never get discharged. Coils don't like that.

[blacksambo]

Yah, I'm not a big fan of changing out the plugs either ... unless there is a problem. In the Samurai I had years ago, I never changed the plugs & at 225K miles, it started running really bad. I pulled the plugs & found that although they were in pretty good shape, the gap was about 60 (twice what it should have been). The replacement plugs lasted about 20K miles. I regapped the original plugs & put them back in for the remaining 50K miles that I had it.

On the other hand ... with electronic ignition, bad plugs CAN cause upstream problems if left in too long. Basically, if the plug is bad enough, the coil can stay charged up all the time & never get discharged. Coils don't like that.[/QUOTE]


Let's hear it for recycling!