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  #1  
Old 05-10-2012, 05:31 PM
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Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

My car is running a little rough before it gets warmed up, and I have a few leaky seals and the oil pressure sensor is leaking as well. I want to do a good tune up and replace the seals while I'm at it.

So I'm wondering what I should do for the tuneup. This is what I've thought of so far:

1. Plugs (what kind?)
2. plug wires
3. should I do coils or would it be obvious if one was bad? EDIT: just looked at coil prices. I won't be doing those unless necessary!
4. clean TPS
5. already changed fuel filter not too long ago
6. Air filter
7. Clean injectors
8. What else??

Since I need to replace the rocker/valve cover gaskets, I'm thinking it will be easier to just pull the engine. That will make changing the plugs easier and then I can do the main seal at the same time.

I did a search for what to do for a good tuneup, but couldn't find much so that's why I'm asking
Any and all suggestions welcome (doesn't mean I'll listen, though )

Thanks!
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SOLD - 1992 LSL 180K #8588 with svxfiles' all aluminum radiator; Wolf's head synthetic ATF in tranny and power steering; lighted power mode switch; Mobil 1 10W30 motor oil with Bosch 72158 filter; ACDelco A975C air filter; Valvoline synthetic 75W-90 gear oil, Optima BlueTop battery
2002 F550 74K
SOLD - 2000 F450 215K
1987 BMW 535i 209K
1999 Yamaha SRX 700

Last edited by SVX8588; 05-10-2012 at 05:35 PM.
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  #2  
Old 05-11-2012, 06:01 AM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SVX8588 View Post
My car is running a little rough before it gets warmed up, and I have a few leaky seals and the oil pressure sensor is leaking as well. I want to do a good tune up and replace the seals while I'm at it.

So I'm wondering what I should do for the tuneup. This is what I've thought of so far:

1. Plugs (what kind?)NGK Irridium
2. plug wires Do not exist
3. should I do coils or would it be obvious if one was bad? EDIT: just looked at coil prices. I won't be doing those unless necessary!
4. clean TPS
5. already changed fuel filter not too long ago
6. Air filter
7. Clean injectors
8. What else??

Since I need to replace the rocker/valve cover gaskets, I'm thinking it will be easier to just pull the engine. That will make changing the plugs easier and then I can do the main seal at the same time.

I did a search for what to do for a good tuneup, but couldn't find much so that's why I'm asking
Any and all suggestions welcome (doesn't mean I'll listen, though )

Thanks!

Remove the airbox and snorkus.
Remove the airbox mounting bracket.
Remove the battery.
Pull the coils, using a 12mm ratcheting box end wrench.
Spend some quality time "expressing yourself".
Use words like;!@#$%^ and &*()_!!! You will feel better for it.
Apply salve to your burnt hands, and wait for the engine to cool.
Remove the valve covers using a 1/4" drive ratchet and a short 10mm socket.
A 10mm ratcheting box end is usefull as well.
Once the valve covers are removed the plugs are now a 18-30 minute job!
Use anti-sieze on the threads.
Now spend the rest of the day cleaning up the 17 gallons of oil that has covered your garage floor.
Golly this has been fun!
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  #3  
Old 05-11-2012, 01:04 PM
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icingdeath88 icingdeath88 is offline
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by svxfiles View Post
Use anti-sieze on the threads.
To clarify, he means use anti-seize on the threads of the spark plugs. This is important.
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  #4  
Old 05-11-2012, 03:08 PM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

uh oh....i didnt know this (edit) about the anti-sieze that is




i changed mine like 2 years ago....are they gonna be a b!tc# and a half to change again?
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Last edited by LastSVXintheChi; 05-11-2012 at 03:11 PM.
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  #5  
Old 05-11-2012, 03:47 PM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by LastSVXintheChi View Post
uh oh....i didnt know this (edit) about the anti-sieze that is




i changed mine like 2 years ago....are they gonna be a b!tc# and a half to change again?
They could be.
It is better to change them out sooner than later.
Be gentle.
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www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link
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  #6  
Old 05-11-2012, 05:02 PM
92snowmachine 92snowmachine is offline
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

not to post to disagree but i wouldn't put anti-sieze on the plugs. if torqued properly they should be no problem to remove next time.
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  #7  
Old 05-11-2012, 05:06 PM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Shows how much I know...

So the coils are mounted directly on the plug and the wires that go to the coil don't need to be changed? (unless they're broken obviously)
I'm used to working on stuff with cast iron heads and distributor caps and stuff
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SOLD - 1992 LSL 180K #8588 with svxfiles' all aluminum radiator; Wolf's head synthetic ATF in tranny and power steering; lighted power mode switch; Mobil 1 10W30 motor oil with Bosch 72158 filter; ACDelco A975C air filter; Valvoline synthetic 75W-90 gear oil, Optima BlueTop battery
2002 F550 74K
SOLD - 2000 F450 215K
1987 BMW 535i 209K
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  #8  
Old 05-11-2012, 05:11 PM
92snowmachine 92snowmachine is offline
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

yes coil is directly on top of the plug. you may want to check or replace the rubber boots between the coil and plug as these can develop arcing issues.
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Current Stable:
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1979 K5 Blazer Cheyenne
1956 Plymouth Belvedere - Daisy
1967 Chevy C20
1953 Chevy 210
1969 Plymouth Satellite
1949 Chevy Thriftmaster
1959 Chevy Apache
1951 Chevy Stepside
1969 Chevy Camper Special
1978 Ford F150 w/ stroked 460
1986 Volvo 740 turbo wagon
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  #9  
Old 05-12-2012, 08:04 PM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Thanks for the input. Any comments on cleaning the TPS and injectors?
Any other suggestions for what else to do while I'm in there?

I just bought 7 qts of Mobil 1 synthetic 10W30 and some synthetic gear oil for the diffs. I couldn't find any synthetic 80W90 for the front diff, so I figured 75W90 would be fine since that's what goes in the rear diff and it's pretty close to the 80W. Anyone know of a good reason not to?
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SOLD - 1992 LSL 180K #8588 with svxfiles' all aluminum radiator; Wolf's head synthetic ATF in tranny and power steering; lighted power mode switch; Mobil 1 10W30 motor oil with Bosch 72158 filter; ACDelco A975C air filter; Valvoline synthetic 75W-90 gear oil, Optima BlueTop battery
2002 F550 74K
SOLD - 2000 F450 215K
1987 BMW 535i 209K
1999 Yamaha SRX 700
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  #10  
Old 05-12-2012, 09:25 PM
Blacky Blacky is offline
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

75w90 is fine. For the injectors, just use a bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner. It's miracle juice and has worked wonders for me in various vehicles and machines.

P.S. WOO HOO! 1,000 posts.

Last edited by Blacky; 05-12-2012 at 09:27 PM.
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  #11  
Old 05-27-2012, 08:55 PM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Ok, finally have all the parts to do this. Well, most of them. I can't seem to find spark plug boots or oil separator gaskets anywhere. Hopefully I can reuse the old ones.
So I'm gonna do it tomorrow since I have the day off!
I picked up some MAF cleaner and Throttle body cleaner and some vacuum hoses (I hear the old ones break easily...), and some black RTV in case I need it. I have 7 qts of M1 10W30 and a Bosch 72158 oil filter and 2 qts of synthetic 75W90, 6 NGK Iridium spark plugs, new valve cover gaskets and a new oil pressure sensor (yes, it is a genuine Subaru one ). I also have some exhaust sealer so if I have extra time I can fix my exhaust leaks and rattles.

Should be a fun day!

Just remembered I have a new PCV, too.
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SOLD - 1992 LSL 180K #8588 with svxfiles' all aluminum radiator; Wolf's head synthetic ATF in tranny and power steering; lighted power mode switch; Mobil 1 10W30 motor oil with Bosch 72158 filter; ACDelco A975C air filter; Valvoline synthetic 75W-90 gear oil, Optima BlueTop battery
2002 F550 74K
SOLD - 2000 F450 215K
1987 BMW 535i 209K
1999 Yamaha SRX 700

Last edited by SVX8588; 05-27-2012 at 09:09 PM.
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  #12  
Old 06-01-2012, 03:07 AM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by svxfiles View Post
Remove the airbox and snorkus.
Remove the airbox mounting bracket.
Remove the battery.
Pull the coils, using a 12mm ratcheting box end wrench.
Spend some quality time "expressing yourself".
Use words like;!@#$%^ and &*()_!!! You will feel better for it.
Apply salve to your burnt hands, and wait for the engine to cool.
Remove the valve covers using a 1/4" drive ratchet and a short 10mm socket.
A 10mm ratcheting box end is usefull as well.
Once the valve covers are removed the plugs are now a 18-30 minute job!
Use anti-sieze on the threads.
Now spend the rest of the day cleaning up the 17 gallons of oil that has covered your garage floor.
Golly this has been fun!
Old Tom, how best to determine if new coils are necessary? I have been experiencing engine lurching from a stop. I cleaned the MAF, added injector cleaner (Chevron w/techtron) still not completely free of lurching from a standing start. Could it be time for a new fuel filter? Changed it 10K miles ago.
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  #13  
Old 06-01-2012, 08:55 AM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dromano View Post
Old Tom, how best to determine if new coils are necessary? .
On an OBD1 system, like the 1992-1995 SVXi,
it is best to have a second responsible person to help.

Have the other person in the drivers seat,
have them start the engine, (WHEN TOLD!)
Have them set the parking brake,
hold the foot brake,
put the car in a forward gear, and to watch the tachometer.

With the engine running disconnect the fuel injector connectors, one at a time to determine which cylinder is not making a differance.

This only works if the engine has a miss at the time that you are testing it.

The ones that make the most differance should have good coils at time of testing.

This is the easiest method IMHO.
__________________
www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link
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  #14  
Old 06-01-2012, 01:58 PM
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by svxfiles View Post
On an OBD1 system, like the 1992-1995 SVXi,
it is best to have a second responsible person to help.

Have the other person in the drivers seat,
have them start the engine, (WHEN TOLD!)
Have them set the parking brake,
hold the foot brake,
put the car in a forward gear, and to watch the tachometer.

With the engine running disconnect the fuel injector connectors, one at a time to determine which cylinder is not making a differance.

This only works if the engine has a miss at the time that you are testing it.

The ones that make the most differance should have good coils at time of testing.

This is the easiest method IMHO.
Tom, thanks, at age 20+ I think the coil test is in order.
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  #15  
Old 06-01-2012, 03:26 PM
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svxfiles svxfiles is offline
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Re: Want to do a tuneup. Suggestions?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dromano View Post
Tom, thanks, at age 20+ I think the coil test is in order.
Since its most likely warm where you are
you could pressure wash the engine at a car wash.
This will usually show up a failing coil.
However make sure that you stay away from the coils on a wet, running engine,
BECAUSE A 50,000 VOLT COIL/STUNGUN CAN KILL YOU,
if powered by a big 12 volt system with a giant battery, helped along by a 90 amp alternator!
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www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link
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