Last weekend, did an oil change using the Mobile 1 extended life oil, and replaced the spark plugs with new ones.
One of the interesting things I've found so far is every "consumable" part that was replaced on the car was always Motorcraft (and were not original to the car - this car looks like it has actually had the proper maintenance done to it!)
Today, was to replace the rear differential fluid, attempt to install a trailer hitch, and check the car for the presence of the air lines and compressor and test those components to see about returning it to air ride.
Differential was a surprise, I don't think the fluid was more than 10,000 to 15,000 miles old, and there was life left, but, we went ahead and replaced it with Mobile 1 synthetic. All the gears look good, and its in good shape/condition, and minimal metal shavings on the magnet.
Hitch install didn't go as planned, as there were a couple of unplanned fitment issues. I need to redrill the mounting holes and offset it about 1/8" to get the fit exactly right, and since the back mounts mount in the same place as the exhaust hangers, I'll need to get some longer bolts to mount them properly together.
I have had a roof rack on my tbird for a few years (and it fits the Mark just fine) but decided to move to a hitch bike rack instead to make life a bit simpler.
Another one of todays goals was to remove the air silencer, and since I was also wanting to check to make sure the air lines and compressor were still in place, this was a good time to do both, along with replacing the fuel filter.
Thankfully, once the fender was pulled, the compressor is present (prior owner said the front right air shock had failed) and the ride height sensors are still in place, and the connectors for the solenoids and the air lines are all nicely tucked by each wheel! Sadly, I forgot my EEC-IV tester, so, I wasn't able to initiate a self test on the compressor to see if it still works properly.
I am hoping to get the air ride reinstalled next Friday (hopefully I can figure out a way to test the compressor to make sure it pumps)
From what I can tell, it looks like the suspension wasn't replaced to long ago, so I'm hopeful that a reinstall of the air bags and a new air dryer is all I'll need. The wire for the check air-ride I actually cut myself.
I'm also attempting to replace the O2 sensors, as they do appear original to the car, and I'm having a slightly rich reading (6% long term fuel trim) on bank 2, and at 90k, the cars due for them. I picked up two Motorcraft sensors, but, was unable to get them out today. I have one of the claw type O2 sockets, and it just wouldn't come loose. I'll try hitting them up with power blaster this week to see if that'll help loosen them up, and then see about an alternative wrench.
Only one "issue" I'm having is the P0411 - incorrect secondary airflow error coming up on me. I did pull off the hose to the diverter valve, and I've got a nice strong airflow from the pump itself, but, I haven't been able to validate a good vacuum from the manifold to the valve.
I'm willing to look at the P0411 a bit, I do plan on getting the car tuned, so, if its anything major, well, we'll just remove it from the computer!
I want to see on the O2s as I'm running about 16.5 mpg (per the PC) and 18 per tank from tracking with Fuelly with about 50/50 driving and I think it could be a bit higher.
