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Major service on a low mile engine (question about what to replace)

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    Major service on a low mile engine (question about what to replace)

    Hi,

    I'm a new E30 owner. Just picked up a 92 vert. The car has 63k on it. It had 59k on it in 1999, so it has been driven very little in the last 12 years, and sat for about 5 years until just recently without being driven at all.

    I know it had a timing belt replaced at 49k in 1995, so by the numbers it is 12 years past due for a new timing belt (48 months). I drove it home and have parked it until I can do some service on the car, but it ran pretty smoothly on the drive home.

    I've used the search button, picked up service manuals, etc, but here is my question:

    1. Since I'm going to tear into the car, and ideally, do all of the needed service at once, what absolutely should be replaced?
    2. And, since I'm going to be in there, what makes sense to replace out of convenience?
    3. Where are good places to order from (I've seen Pelican Parts, but don't know how their prices on service parts compare, they're replacement body parts/emblems/vert top/etc seem on the high side).

    I ask, because it seems that every timing belt, or service thread assumes that you know what parts you're planning on replacing, rather than providing some recommendations on parts.

    I figure I need to do the following, please comment if you think I should add something, or don't need to do something.

    Thanks in advance,
    Pete




    Oil change

    Adjust valve clearance
    Replace cyclinder head cover gasket

    Check Spark plugs (do I need to replace if they look good?)
    Replace air filter
    Replace main fuel filter
    Check ignition distributor cap (how can I tell if it needs to be replaced?)
    Check ignition rotor
    Replace spark plug wires (how do I know?)
    Check ignition coil (how does one check the coil?)

    Flush brake fluid
    Flush clutch fluid
    Flush engine coolant
    Replace V-belts
    Replace cam shaft drive belt
    Replace cam shaft drive belt tensioner pulley
    Replace water pump and gasket
    Replaces radiator hoses

    Replace manual transmission oil
    Replace differential oil
    Check power steering system for leaks. Check fluid level?
    Check/Replace oxygen sensor (every 24 months, even if it passes smog?)
    The Definitive 1991 M-Technic Thread - a work in progress

    #2
    If you replaced all the listed items, you would be good for many miles. Are they all necessary? Perhaps not, however it is a 19 year old car and things can happen. To add to your list: replace the thermostat and check all vacuum lines and water hoses.
    Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to R3V.

    Comment


      #3
      Another thing-post a picture of your car because you are going to get asked!

      Comment


        #4
        I would do timing belt, cam seal, water pump, all filters, all fluids, belts, cooling system hoses at the minimum. I'd give serious consideration to replacing the radiator, expansion tank, cap, plugs, and ignition wires. Given how little the car was driven, don't be surprised if the transmission and/or diff seals soon start to weep and keep a watch fopr cracks on the half shaft boots,

        My logic here is that all of those rubber and plastic bits age and get brittle. Oxygen and ozone aren't plastic & rubber friendly.
        The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
        Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by Keith M View Post
          Another thing-post a picture of your car because you are going to get asked!
          Thanks for the advice. Here are few snapshots from last Friday when I took possession.





          The Definitive 1991 M-Technic Thread - a work in progress

          Comment


            #6
            Very nice Pete! Almost everyone on the board will tell you to lower it, but I like the way it looks now.
            For parts-Blunttech (don't be afraid of the name, Steve is a heck of a nice guy) and Guten Parts both advertise on this site. There are others, I just can't think of the names now.
            There is a nice DIY section and of course, don't be afraid to ask.
            Good luck and keep us updated.

            Comment


              #7
              Sweet vert man, good to see someone owns it who is willing to put the time and money into it and keep it alive.

              Definitely use Guten for parts but if you find a better deal from Blunt use them. I use Guten and they are amazing.

              Comment


                #8
                nice car, i had tired to talk my dad into getting that one.

                also before winter check all the roof seals. they tend to leak at the corners in the rain.
                Much wow
                I hate 4 doors

                Comment


                  #9
                  Thanks for the advice. I placed my orders this morning. Parts should be here by Thursday or Friday. Does anyone have any experience using the Ford fan clutch removal tool that can be borrowed from Autozone, etc? It lists Ford specific, but in the details says GM/BMW. It just looks like a large tuning fork, rather than a lawnmower blade (like the counter holder looks like).

                  I also found a rear seat in San Diego that isn't torn on the seams, and am having it shipped up to me. I'm hoping for a productive weekend.
                  The Definitive 1991 M-Technic Thread - a work in progress

                  Comment


                    #10
                    dam that thing is clean. keep it in a nut shell.. it will be worth a lot later down the road.
                    Bought parts from me before? leave your feedback here

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by mr.vang View Post
                      dam that thing is clean. keep it in a nut shell.. it will be worth a lot later down the road.
                      I wish. I bought it as a 3rd car and weekend driver for my wife. Here in northern california we should be able to enjoy the car about 9-10 months out of the year the way it was meant to be driven.
                      The Definitive 1991 M-Technic Thread - a work in progress

                      Comment


                        #12

                        I bought one of these from a bike shop to remove the fan. It's reverse threads btw.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Nice very clean. If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay for it?

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Yeah, I ordered one up, but was hoping I could borrow the tool from the local auto parts place, as the one I ordered won't be here until next week and I want to get started this weekend.

                            Is there any way to tell if the fan clutch has been replaced with the "newer/better" design?

                            On a side note, and entirely un-engine related. I took apart, cleaned an reassembled two window switched tonight. Yeah, all my power windows work now, and at a cost of $0.00
                            The Definitive 1991 M-Technic Thread - a work in progress

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by Acehye559 View Post
                              Nice very clean. If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay for it?
                              No worries. Asking price was $4150. I offered and paid $3500. It needs:

                              - Engine maintenance (been sitting 12 years, more or less) ~$400 parts (self labor)
                              - A new top ~$600 parts (self labor)
                              - seat refurbishment (and repair to the rear upper - seams have long since popped) ~$180 used replacement upper + lots of elbow grease
                              - Probably some suspension bushings, etc - ???
                              - Replacement power antena (not motor, just the antenna) ~$50
                              - Hood roundel came off on the drive home ~ $25
                              - To be driven!!! - priceless
                              - A good cut and buff on the paint to take out scratches ~ lots of elbow grease

                              How did I do? If I over paid, no worries, but what would a fair selling price have been.
                              The Definitive 1991 M-Technic Thread - a work in progress

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