How long is my V8 good for?
06-25-2007, 03:08 AM
#1
Deputy CatDog - To Purr'tect and Explode
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NM
Posts: 1,900
How long is my V8 good for?
I'm not too familiar with these puppies, so how long can I expect it to last?
I'm **** about getting oil changes/belts checked/Gear Box checked etc.
My friends Contour lasted him about 113,000 than the Tranny started slipping like crazy.
But than again, my grandpa has a Bronco with well over 230,000 that runs like it was built a month ago...
It's a 4.6L with 79,000 on it. Never red lined, don't take it speeding very often.
I'm **** about getting oil changes/belts checked/Gear Box checked etc.
My friends Contour lasted him about 113,000 than the Tranny started slipping like crazy.
But than again, my grandpa has a Bronco with well over 230,000 that runs like it was built a month ago...
It's a 4.6L with 79,000 on it. Never red lined, don't take it speeding very often.
06-25-2007, 03:11 AM
#2
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Whitehall, Michigan
Posts: 2,638
RE: How long is my V8 good for?
The 4.6 is not a bad engine. I'm sure we've got a few well over 150-180k without any major failures. Obviously, many of ours see their fair share of beatings, but they hold up well. They're not bullet-proof, but decent.
06-25-2007, 10:23 AM
#4
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location:
Posts: 2,028
RE: How long is my V8 good for?
If you keep the fluids changed and don't abuse the car the engine and tranny will last pretty much forever.There are thousands of taxicabs and cop cars out there with 250,000 miles and they are still running.One thing though,you have to take care of the rest of the car also or you won't care how well the engine runs.
06-25-2007, 11:22 AM
#7
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,986
RE: How long is my V8 good for?
Its all in the maintenance. Get your oil changes every 3k, do a drain and fill on the trans every 15k, flush it every 30K, change your brake fluid at least every 30K, change your coolant once a year, check your airfilter every 15k replace as needed (more often if you live on a dirt road), Change diff fluid every 30K., change plugs every 60K, fuel filter every 60K, leave the power steering fluid alone unless its leaking, rotate your tires every 6k.
If you follow that schedule, your car should last till 200K easily. Also, if you live in a really hot climate, its not a bad idea to get a supplemental trans cooler, heat kills automatic transmissions.
Also, when you get your trans flush DO NOT let tham put ANY additives in it, and make damn sure they use the appropriate trans fluid. If it calls for mercon 5 use only that, dexron3/mercon is NOT the same.
-P.
If you follow that schedule, your car should last till 200K easily. Also, if you live in a really hot climate, its not a bad idea to get a supplemental trans cooler, heat kills automatic transmissions.
Also, when you get your trans flush DO NOT let tham put ANY additives in it, and make damn sure they use the appropriate trans fluid. If it calls for mercon 5 use only that, dexron3/mercon is NOT the same.
-P.
06-25-2007, 03:36 PM
#8
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,441
RE: How long is my V8 good for?
ORIGINAL: P Zero
Its all in the maintenance. Get your oil changes every 3k, do a drain and fill on the trans every 15k, flush it every 30K, change your brake fluid at least every 30K, change your coolant once a year, check your airfilter every 15k replace as needed (more often if you live on a dirt road), Change diff fluid every 30K., change plugs every 60K, fuel filter every 60K, leave the power steering fluid alone unless its leaking, rotate your tires every 6k.
If you follow that schedule, your car should last till 200K easily. Also, if you live in a really hot climate, its not a bad idea to get a supplemental trans cooler, heat kills automatic transmissions.
Also, when you get your trans flush DO NOT let tham put ANY additives in it, and make damn sure they use the appropriate trans fluid. If it calls for mercon 5 use only that, dexron3/mercon is NOT the same.
-P.
Its all in the maintenance. Get your oil changes every 3k, do a drain and fill on the trans every 15k, flush it every 30K, change your brake fluid at least every 30K, change your coolant once a year, check your airfilter every 15k replace as needed (more often if you live on a dirt road), Change diff fluid every 30K., change plugs every 60K, fuel filter every 60K, leave the power steering fluid alone unless its leaking, rotate your tires every 6k.
If you follow that schedule, your car should last till 200K easily. Also, if you live in a really hot climate, its not a bad idea to get a supplemental trans cooler, heat kills automatic transmissions.
Also, when you get your trans flush DO NOT let tham put ANY additives in it, and make damn sure they use the appropriate trans fluid. If it calls for mercon 5 use only that, dexron3/mercon is NOT the same.
-P.
HOWEVER, if you live in a dusty area like i do (Las Vegas)
Differential fluid every 10-15k miles and airfilter should be checked as often as you change your oil (every 3,000) but the rest is pretty much standard
06-25-2007, 05:27 PM
#9
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Pittsburg, CA (BAY AREA!)
Posts: 1,399
RE: How long is my V8 good for?
Like stated above, in short words, how long your car will last depends on how well it is maintained. As a car ages, things are going to start going bad on it. BUT, If it was well maintained, that would help reduce and/or eliminate future problems with it.
Upkeeping and mainting your car properly will have it running strong 150K+.
Upkeeping and mainting your car properly will have it running strong 150K+.
06-25-2007, 07:30 PM
#10
Deputy CatDog - To Purr'tect and Explode
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NM
Posts: 1,900
RE: How long is my V8 good for?
Thanks for the info guys, I'll be sure to take care of it! I want this car to last me a long time.
One last question, aside from waxing is there anything I can do to take care of my paint?
I live in a High Heat/High Elevation town where cars with "Male Pattern Baldness" is a common thing...
One last question, aside from waxing is there anything I can do to take care of my paint?
I live in a High Heat/High Elevation town where cars with "Male Pattern Baldness" is a common thing...