Hey all....

Just to settle my mind, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for minor work to be done to my car before I start out on a 1300 mile drive from Ohio to Texas. I'm leaving in two days so I don't have much time to deal with.

Over the winter, I had some issues with the 25 amp fuse under the hood and that problem has been fixed. In trying to fix the problem, I also installed a new fuel pump and fuel filter. The battery is brand new. The spark plugs are about 2 months old (the old spark plugs were sooty and black, but not oily). The alternator is about 2 months old and so are 3 of the 4 belts (the power steering to A/C compressor belt didn't get changed). In the past few weeks, I've also installed a new oxygen sensor, cleaned the flame trap, cleaned the AIC valve, cleaned the throttle body, and flushed the ATF fluid. After cleaning the flame trap, the AIC valve and the throttle body, the car ran notceable smoother with a little more power. When I flushed the ATF fluid it was brownish red. No noticeable large particles in the fluid.

She does act up once in a while when I start her up. The engine acts like it isn't getting any fuel for a few seconds and then she purrs like normal as if nothing happened. I'm thinking that might be fuel pressure regulator related and I wish I had spent the money and changed it out. But now with 2 days before the move, it's a little late for that. I'm getting the oil changed later today. The car runs smoothly (not like brand new, but like a 20 year old car would). Burns a slight amount of oil, maybe 1 quart every 3000 miles. There are no known electrical problems and I've visually checked the wiring and the fuse panel, everything looks ok. Suspension wise, the rear springs sag a bit, but I haven't had the money to replace them with wagon springs. Cosmetics wise, the car is kind of rough, no rust, but missing some trim pieces, a cracked turn signal lens, and the paint is horrible.

Yesterday, I took a small road trip and she did fine (150 miles round trip). Gas mileage wasn't as great as it should have been, but I guess after 20 years, what would one expect? I estimate the mpg for the 150 mile trip to be in the vicinity of 18-20 mpg. I left home with a half tank, filled up at 1/8 (11.6 gallons to fill) and when I got home, she's got a little more that 3/4 of a tank. In estimation, I used a little over 1/2 tank of gas from the 15.8 gallon capacity fuel tank.

I'm basically asking if there's any small, minor things that I haven't thought of. I'm trying to make sure my 1300 mile drive goes without interruption and without a break down. I plan on stopping every few hundred miles for gas and I'll be keeping an eye on fluid levels and the sort. Wish me luck and any advice would be greatly appreciated......


Matt

You don't mention the air filter in your long list of items you've checked/replaced. That could be a contributor to sooty plugs and low fuel economy. New one is maybe $7.

Check all fluids, and carry a bit extra of whatever looks like it may be low or leaking. Don't overlook the rear axle lube level - pretty easy to check once you get the back end elevated a few inches.

One more thing is wheel alignment - any unusual front tire wear and you should do this. It will pay off in tire life and fuel economy.
--
Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F, dtr's 83-244DL B23F, 'my' 94-944 B230FD; plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, hobbycar 77 MGB, and a few old motorcycles)

I'm changing the oil tomorrow, I'll change out the air filter as well as checking the rear axle lube. Thanks for the info as I had overlooked those two things. My mind's been a million places at once with getting rid of all my belongings (I'm only taking what will fit into my car and I have a three bedroom apt to myself). Preparing for this move has been tiresome.


Matt

BTDT too many times. You have my sympathy.

Moving will never replace having fun.....
--
Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F, dtr's 83-244DL B23F, 'my' 94-944 B230FD; plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, hobbycar 77 MGB, and a few old motorcycles)

You'll at least be able to get a better gas mileage readings on the long trip. Good chance to check out your odometer accuracy as well using the mile posts. I think you should get at least 25 mpg. I get 30 on the highway. Maybe the manual trans does better.
--
Simon 80 240 307k 18 years. 'White Lightning'

Carry as many spares i.e. Relays, AMM, belts, coolant, oil etc. as gives you peace of mind would be my advice. And the usual pre-trip check fluids and tire pressures of course.

Did a FL to MI round trip two years ago, my longest road trip to date, in my 83 245GL, loaded to the gills with the wife and two dogs and had not the slightest hiccup.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Ditto. Was also going to say relays and how about last timing belt change? I would not worry about fuel pressure regulator, its not going to quit all of a sudden like a fuel pump relay may.

Sounds like you have covered yourself fairly well. Enjoy the trip.

Gary

Fuel Pump relay should be good as I examined it in December. There were no visual blemishes or signs of wear. The timing belt? As far as I know, It's only about 14 months old/less than 10,000 miles. I purchased the car in March of 2004 and the gentleman I bought it from was really honest with me about everything (or at least I think he was) and had said that the timing belt was changed in January of 2004. I've examined it and there were no signs of fraying or any major cracking. I had wanted to get it changed, but the lack of money to pay someone to do it kept me from doing it. I purchased a timing light from Harbor Freight and was going to change out the belt myself just to be on the safe side, but the timing light only works intermittently and not well enough to see what the timing is set at. It's an el-cheapo model costing just a mere $12.99. I guess I got what I paid for (though I'm returning today). Thanks to the two of you for the advice!!!!!