Noob's 308 Must Check/Do List

Okay, so here goes...first, I've read damn near every DIY sticky on the 308 and have searched for a good list of tasks to accomplish on our 308s. Some lists are good and some aren't. I recognize that every car's needs are different in reality. My goal with this thread is to develop a decent list of tasks that one might consider doing on a newly acquired 308 that has either been sitting for a while, been driven very little, or has an essentially unknown (or untrusted, in my case) service history.

I am hoping we can keep the suggestions focused by recommending items that either impact road worthiness, and therefore safety, and also those that can prevent damage to the vehicle or it's engine if missed.

Hopefully we can prioritize as well.

Let's assume said vehicle does start and drive, so we need not deal with the items regarding starting a long time sitting vehicle.

Imagine you're sitting in your newest 308 driving down the road in your neighborhood, but you cringe as you do, like you just know the wing just fell off some airliner overhead and you're wondering if part of it is going to hit you any second!

I'll start off and would like those smarter than I am (all of you, probably), to add to it.

Simplest (and most important before even driving shorter distances before moving on to bigger tasks):

- PPI if not already done
- Brake fluid change, flush, and line check
- Engine oil/filter change, check for wear particles in old filter, check lines
- Gearbox oil drain and change (check for wear particles)
- Coolant drain and replace, check all accessible coolant lines
- Fuel line check
- Battery check, age and does it hold a charge
- Brake lights and signals
- Tire condition and alignment
- Air filter R&R

More involved:
- Ignition check by cylinder. Each plug, extender, wire, distro cap, coils
- Compression and leak down test
- Timing belt R&R with valve clearances checked, seals R&R
- Check water pump/AC/alternator belt(s)
- Carb sync n tune (with exhaust monitoring)
- Shocks to rule out seizure
- All suspension bushings (or bushes, for those of us that say aluminium)
- Include sway bar bushing check
- Engine mounts, including reaction rod bushings
- Wheel bearing change and repack
- CV rebuild/repack
- Brake rebuild, master cylinder rebuild if any issues or unknown
- Steering Rack rebuild
- Replace long coolant hoses in sill
- Radiator core flush or replace
- Fuel tanks flushed
- Shifter rebuild from grate to gearbox
- Ensure you have the proper cigarette lighter in working order

That's what I've got for now. Of course, any items that say check, I'd replace if there's even a hint of uncertainty. Yes, my car's 37 years old and I don't know a damn thing about it. What else can we think of? Safety and protection-wise...

I'll return to this thread and summarize others' inputs from time to time, so no need to re quote my list, unless part or all of it sucks...

Ciao!

Hannibal

 

Just thought about the clutch...anything to do there if it's functioning well?

Also:
- Clutch linkage preventive maintenance or check for the clutch cable...or just forget it if it's working well?
- Throttle linkage...same as above?
- Handbrake check and service?

I guess what I'm asking, are there common failure points that could leave us stranded or worse, that could be avoided by checking and possibly replacing parts of the system?

 

Double fill? Does that mean change oil and filter, drive to circulate briefly, then do it again? If so, how quickly...how many miles before re accomplishing? I like that idea, but never heard of it. Thanks!

 

Copy! I'll add that useful advice to a list of things not to do.

I may still do my own run-in oil change at 200 miles. Might just be better for me than it really would be for the car!

Ciao!

 

Yeah, but no oil starvation issues during a long sweeper were a bonus!

 

Great story, Doc! Thanks for sharing it.

Bullet proof...except when they're not!

Ciao!

 

Adding to the more involved list of things to do:

Throttle/Accelerator linkage removal, inspection, rebuild or lube as needed
Steering linkage inspection (under dash), rebuild or lube as needed
Inspection/magnaflux axles when doing brake rebuild

What are thoughts on fuel pump/filter service, inspection, replacement?

Ciao!

 

Reviving my own thread from the dead...

My VR is fairly new to me and from the UK. First things done:

- Points ditched
- Swapped the plastic cam sprockets for OEM steel ones
- Fixed the Brico!
- Removed the Momo Prototipo steering wheel for another non-original but period 4-spoke wheel...I prefer them. The Prototipo is black and can let it go if anyone wants it...PM me for pics.

 

An indi in town ordered them for me $800 all four. New. I can check for you if you like.

 

Checking...