Any other maint. that I should do?

[Calypso]

Hey. I've got a question. Come spring-time, I am planning on changing the much needed plug well seals, plugs, and wires, along with the valve cover seals (and that darn dented fender.) I was just wondering, while I have the intake manifold off, is there any other good preventative maintenance that I should do? Is there anything I should take off and clean or just plain check? My car (1993 MTX) currently has about 141K miles, with an unknown service history (My guess is that it is shady, alhough the car performs fine.) I do have a little bit of a valve ticking. I am planning on doing a 60K later on this year if I keep this particular SHO. I just replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the MAF. But, I was just wondering if there was any easy/cheap maintenance that I should do, so I don't have to take the whole intake off again. I did clean the intake out a LITTLE shortly after I got the car, but is there anything special to clean the intake out? Just trying to get an idea of other things that would be good to change or clean.

Thanks in advance for any help and sorry if this is an odd question...

-Matt

 

[T.O_SHO]

Although its not in/near the intake, do the rod bearings if they havent already been done.

 

[Rockledge]

Be careful with the valve cover bolts. When you go to remove them, clean out the torx heads real good so the tool/bit can get a good grip. Same goes for reinstalling them. I forgot what the torque specs are but they are very low. Don't over do it! Also, the rear valve cover gasket in back likes to roll over on people when they are re-installing the cover which results in leaks later on. So pay special attention to that.

Check for coolant leaks up at the throttle body area where all those lttle coolant hoses get connected up.

Use Berrymans and a small brush on the inside of the intake to help clean the carbon and coke out. It's strong stuff, so keep it off the gold paint the best you can.

 

[Calypso]

Thanks for all the info, guys. I have been thinking of doing the rod bearings, they just seem kind of intimidating. I do think I have a few coolant leaks (small ones), so I'll get those fixed/looked at. I'm just trying to get all the stuff bought and gathered up so there are no surprises in there. I'll prolly do the rod bearings shortly after.

 

[SASHO91]

RB's are a straight forward job.. just give yourself plenty of time... my first time i did them in about 4hrs... with a couple breaks and taking my time...
there are some very very good write ups on this forum... a search should find alot of them!

 

[T.O_SHO]

Heres the write up I will be using very soon: http://www.kurtmetros.com/bearings.html

 

[Minnesho]

cheap maintenance

does that really fit for a SHO?

I think the valve cover bolts are about 12 ft lbs, but if you just use the long end of an allen wrench as the bit and the short end as the handle you should be fine.

 

[Calypso]

haha. Yeah, I guess I made a mistake in wanting to do "cheap" maint. on this car. Thanks again for the help!

 

[Calypso]

Okay. My engine has had a SLIGHT knock for a while now. I noticed it after I had owned the car for about 3 months. I did the ol' screwdriver pinpoint test and it is definetely coming from the front valve cover at the "****" on the right. I did a quick search and didn't find anything. I know I have seen some threads on this before and it is something to do with the Cam chain or something? Hopefully it is nothing too serious. The car has never stalled on me or anything. Always starts right up. Just wondering how much trouble the chain would be to replace or if it is somthing else I need to replace. Might as well fix that while I'm in there.

Again, sorry for all the questions...

-Matt

 

[SASHO91]

nothing too big...

either one of two things happend..
1) the timing chain tensioners' (thats what you were trying to find) oil passege has gotten clogged and will not allow the tensioner to move... resulting with the chain slapping...
2) the actuall wear pad is worn out completly....

which in some cases, problem 1 will result with problem 2....

since you are doing the top maintance anyways, just check them....

as search for timing chain tensioners will yeild some good info...

 

[Calypso]

Alrighty, where do I buy the timing chain tensioner, and maybe the chain just for fun? I checked out fordspecialists.com (someone said they got them from there) and midwestsho and could not find them. Found the info on changing them, though.

Thanks again!

-Matt

 

[SASHO91]

tough one... IIRC, they are discontinued... and your best bet would be a JY.... or try a want-to-buy add here on the forum....

 

[Calypso]

aghh, thanks. Hopefully, the passage is just clogged...