328 Tune-up

Luch,

Is there a problem with the car? Not running right? In my opinion, for ordinary maintenance, you should be doing as little as possible, on the theory "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." On my '86 328, I'm planning on doing a few things over the winter, but mostly just clean-up of the engine bay. Here's what I'm planning:

1. Change the plugs
2. Oil, filter change
3. Transmission fluid change
4. Check belts (timing, water pump, alternator)
5. Check/test coolant and flush and replace if it comes up under spec.
6. Run some Techron through the system with my next tank full of gas to clean the injectors.
7. Check brakes, pads and rotors, replace if needed.
8. Lube what needs to be lubed.
9. Check all hoses, fuel lines, etc., and replace those that look less than good.

I'm not planning on fooling around with the timing at all. The car starts and runs great, so just plan on leaving it be. I might check the timing, just for fun, but won't mess with it unless it really needs it. I have some electrical things to sort with the car, some systems and items not working at all or not working right, but I knew about those when I got the car, and a couple of cosmetic things like carpets that need to be replaced.

So that's what I'm doing. YMMV, but I try not to go looking for problems, because when I do, I usually end up creating lots of them. Just my view of things auto-related.

 

With the age of the car, some small preventive things that may be more important than the more obvious fluids, belts routines...

Get some "De Oxit" and put it on the various ecu connectors, and the relays, and other electrical connections. Enhances electrical contact, and solves many wierd potential electrical gremlins. Consider replacing all the main relays, they are not that expensive.

I think the coils are prone to failure with age. The cost is big, a grand or so each, but a failure can strand you, or cause a cat fire. Ask me how I know...After 20 years, I would replace.

The dist. caps are expensive, many just replace the carbon contact and the rotor, and clean up the cap contacts. Wires are also pricy, might replace plug extenders if you are cheap, but wires wouldn't hurt while you have the caps off for inspection of things.

Tighten up (not too much) all the hose clamps you can see, many loosen a bit with time and the rubber losing a bit of resiliance. You end up taking a closer look as the condition of various hoses, I found a couple of ones rubbing things, put some tape and bit of foam to prevent a problem.

Look at the cv joint gaitors, make sure they are pliant and no tears hidden in the folds.

WD 40 the door hinges, various strut contact points, the headlight mechanisms. The hood locks should be greased a bit, they dry out and squeek.

I do redline mtl in the gearbox every two years, really eased up the shifting.

All small things, but I find that the real benefit of a "tuneup" is a really
good look about and inspection, more than parts replacement.