60K on ATX - Is it worth it

[eacyde]

I have read that the ATX has a self tensioning Cam belt and does not loosen as much as an MTX.

My car has 58,300 Miles (All by 85 year old man)

Is it worth doing a 60K @ 60k? The car runs tip top.

Let me know

Thanks

 

[SHOtimer]

Yes, it is worth it to do the 60k. You won't have to do a ton of stuff, but what would be best is:

Timing belt
Water pump (if it doesn't leak I wouldn't worry about it)
Coolant flush
Transmission fluid flush
If the front main or cam seals are leaking take care of them now.

Your plug wells will probably have oil in them, so new valve cover seals and new plugs and wires (motorcraft).

The timing belt is self tensioning, however the timing belt will stretch and age, just like the serpentine belt, and to avoid being stuck with a broken belt and to keep it running well, it should be changed.

Doug

 

[justin mccluske]

what shotimer said

 

[wood_e]

ATXs don't need a "60k" until 100k... or until your water pump starts making your car stall

 

[SHOtimer]

ATXs don't need a "60k" until 100k... or until your water pump starts making your car stall

Yes, but age can become more important than mileage...that belt is 10 years old.

Doug

 

[The Dude]

I wouldn't touch it either. I replaced the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, CPS sensor, and the cam sensor on my atx this summer. I have 140,000, the only reason I replaced all of it was because my water pump started leaking. The timing belt was in absoluty perfect condition, and there was no oil leaking anywhere at the seals. After all that my car doesn't run any better or worse, it just doesn't leak anti-freeze now. Like the other guy said, wait until the water pump goes, or you have a engine light. Then while your in there for that you'll realize how easy it is to get at all the other stuff I listed.

Just an opinion. I know I'm gonna hear it though.

 

[eacyde]

Thanks for the input. I think that if it aint broke, dont fix it. I will check the plug wells & watch for Antifreeze leaks.

My grandpa was the previous & original owner & he was an **** mechanic before he retired.

 

[jedhead]

I would not trust a 10 year old belts. I don't trust old tires either. Pennywise pound foolish.

Bob

 

[TYSHO]

I think that if it aint broke, dont fix it. I will check the plug wells & watch for Antifreeze leaks.

Exactly, I wouldn't mess with anything other than the following:

Serpentine Belt
Spark Plugs
Air Filter
Fuel Filter

These should be replaced for a basic tune up. The OEM spark plugs wires are said to be good for up to 120k miles. If you replace these with "el cheapos" from the parts store, you're asking for trouble. Therefore, I suggest leaving the Motorcrafts in place.

 

[Alex Perry]

I went with the Motorcraft wires last time, but at $160cdn (originally $260cdn, family member & former ford tech got me a discount), it's a bit much. There are AC Delco wires, as well as Taylor that people are using at a fraction of the price and fit just as well. They seem to be holding up well, do a search.

Just inspect everything. If nothing's wrong, then I wouldn't bother with it. The ATX's have a 60k/100k maintenance schedule. The timing belt at 100k, but the plugs/wires/valve adjustment still at 60k.

Keep your eye for the symptoms; oil in the spark plug wells, coolant seeping from the weep hole on the water pump and misfire under load around 3000-3000rpm.

When you do decide to do the timing belt, do yourself a favour and put another in there. It seems lately everyones timing belt tensioners have been failing (mine included, Nov/04). It seems as if Ford built an internal clock into the tensioners to fail after ten years.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

If you have the vlave covers off I would to the valve adjustment as that is part of the 60k. Some need it some dont, wont know till you get in. Also you dont want to find out when you have a nice ticking sound.

 

[TYSHO]

When you do decide to do the timing belt, do yourself a favour and put another in there. It seems lately everyones timing belt tensioners have been failing (mine included, Nov/04). It seems as if Ford built an internal clock into the tensioners to fail after ten years.

I'm beginning to wonder if the problem is NOT changing the timing belt at the recommended interval. The SHO that I bought never received a timing belt change and the tensioner crapped out at 140k, when I got it running. I wouldn't replace the tensioner until it actually gives out, you never know how long it will last.

 

[Alex Perry]

My opinion is it's along the same lines as the water pump. People recommend changing the water pump and crankshaft position sensor while in there, Even if they haven't failed.

I can see the reason for the tensioner failing being what you said. Think of a caliper piston, if you leave it too long, it can become overextended.