YACT: Maintenance time!

[Chaotic42]

Howdy.

I just bought a 1995 Mazda 626 5-speed about two weeks ago. It's got about 104K and change on the odometer. The guy I bought it from did some work (cleaned the battery, brakes, struts, windshield), but did not mess with any of the fluids (he only had it a couple of weeks).

Since it didn't come with a maintenance record of any sort, I figure I'd better bite the bullet and get the works.

Here's what I'm planning on doing, I'd like to know what you think the costs will be, and if I'm missing anything:

1. New battery
2. New oil + filter (synthetic or regular?)
3. Manual transmission flush
4. Radiator flush
5. New spark plugs (Do I need new wires?)
6. New tires (How high-end should I go?)
7. Front end alignment

Keep in mind that I want this car to last for a good 5 or 6 years if I can. I want to keep it running in tip-top condition.

 

[Atomicus]

Ka-bOOm

 

[OrganizedChaos]

A/C evac, flush, recharge

 

[OrganizedChaos]

don't forget to break out the greese gun

 

[Heisenberg]

1) If the current one works, there's no need for a new one
6) If the tires aren't worn, there's no need to replace them
7) Not a bad idea, if the car doesn't pull one way on the highway or when braking, you're probably okay

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
1) If the current one works, there's no need for a new one
6) If the tires aren't worn, there's no need to replace them
7) Not a bad idea, if the car doesn't pull one way on the highway or when braking, you're probably okay

Well, the battery does work. The tires are worn for sure. I looked at them today and one was flat. I measured it. 1PSI....

The car does pull right a little.

 

[Heisenberg]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
1) If the current one works, there's no need for a new one
6) If the tires aren't worn, there's no need to replace them
7) Not a bad idea, if the car doesn't pull one way on the highway or when braking, you're probably okay

Well, the battery does work. The tires are worn for sure. I looked at them today and one was flat. I measured it. 1PSI....

The car does pull right a little.

Just because the tire's flat doesn't mean it's worn out. It's probably got a small hole or a valvestem leak. What's the tread look like? And if the battery works, there's no point in a new one.

 

[virtueixi]

1) 50-100 (less if you do it yourself).
2) 15-45 (Varies by synthetic or dino, self or mechanic, Type of filter)
3) 70-99 ( filter change & pan drop extra)
4) 40-55 ( $10 if done by self)
5) 20-35 for just plugs (less self installed) Check wires yourself.
6) your choice
7) Varies w new tires.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg

Just because the tire's flat doesn't mean it's worn out. It's probably got a small hole or a valvestem leak. What's the tread look like? And if the battery works, there's no point in a new one.

They're worn. The tread comes up to about half-way between the top and bottom on Lincoln's hair on a penny. It doesn't touch his scalp.

 

[virtueixi]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
1) If the current one works, there's no need for a new one
6) If the tires aren't worn, there's no need to replace them
7) Not a bad idea, if the car doesn't pull one way on the highway or when braking, you're probably okay

Well, the battery does work. The tires are worn for sure. I looked at them today and one was flat. I measured it. 1PSI....

The car does pull right a little.

Just because the tire's flat doesn't mean it's worn out. It's probably got a small hole or a valvestem leak. What's the tread look like? And if the battery works, there's no point in a new one.

I beg to differ. You will find out if it works or not when your car is dead on the side of the road. You could also damage the alternator by riding on a dead battery.

 

[Heisenberg]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Heisenberg

Just because the tire's flat doesn't mean it's worn out. It's probably got a small hole or a valvestem leak. What's the tread look like? And if the battery works, there's no point in a new one.

They're worn. The tread comes up to about half-way between the top and bottom on Lincoln's hair on a penny. It doesn't touch his scalp.

Yeah, you probably need new one's then. For a daily driver sedan like that, any decent tire should do. I certainly wouldn't spend more than $60-70 per tire, and probably not even that much.

I beg to differ. You will find out if it works or not when your car is dead on the side of the road. You could also damage the alternator by riding on a dead battery.

If the battery has shown signs of dying, then he should of course replace it. But replacing a perfectly good battery if it has not shown any problems is just silly. If you want to be sure, take the car to any auto parts store and they'll load test the battery (usually for free) and then you'll know.

 

[BadNewsBears]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Howdy.

I just bought a 1995 Mazda 626 5-speed about two weeks ago. It's got about 104K and change on the odometer. The guy I bought it from did some work (cleaned the battery, brakes, struts, windshield), but did not mess with any of the fluids (he only had it a couple of weeks).

Since it didn't come with a maintenance record of any sort, I figure I'd better bite the bullet and get the works.

Here's what I'm planning on doing, I'd like to know what you think the costs will be, and if I'm missing anything:

1. New battery
2. New oil + filter (synthetic or regular?)
3. Manual transmission flush
4. Radiator flush
5. New spark plugs (Do I need new wires?)
6. New tires (How high-end should I go?)
7. Front end alignment

Keep in mind that I want this car to last for a good 5 or 6 years if I can. I want to keep it running in tip-top condition.

1.Maybe, take a look at it. Is it OEM or has it been bought somewhere? Are the terminals corroded?

2.If the car has 140,000 and does not have synthetic in it right now, I highly advise you to not go
synthetic. A premium dino oil is good. I think Eli is the local oil nerd, ask him.

3.No flushing, just drain and refill, some manuals have filters some dont, if it does, change that as well.

4.Its more than a radiator flush, you need to do a coolant sytem flush, using a rust wash, to remove any rust from the water jacket. When filling it back up use water wetter.

5. New plugs AND wires.

6.I don't know alot about tires besides that my M/T Drag radials are sticky, and my BFG Mud Terrains are grippy.

7.Just drive down the highway after the new tires, and see if it drifts one way or the other, especially right after you get off the freeway back onto the street, going say 45 is when you might notice it the most.

8.ALso let me recommend you replace the o2 sensor and air filter.

If it runs good now, it'l run like a champ when all thats done.

 

[Chaotic42]

If it helps, here is a picture of the engine bay and here is the battery. I can post tread pics if you like.

 

[virtueixi]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Heisenberg

Just because the tire's flat doesn't mean it's worn out. It's probably got a small hole or a valvestem leak. What's the tread look like? And if the battery works, there's no point in a new one.

They're worn. The tread comes up to about half-way between the top and bottom on Lincoln's hair on a penny. It doesn't touch his scalp.

Yeah, you probably need new one's then. For a daily driver sedan like that, any decent tire should do. I certainly wouldn't spend more than $60-70 per tire, and probably not even that much.

I beg to differ. You will find out if it works or not when your car is dead on the side of the road. You could also damage the alternator by riding on a dead battery.

If the battery has shown signs of dying, then he should of course replace it. But replacing a perfectly good battery if has not shown any problems is just silly. If you want to be sure, take the car to any auto parts store and they'll load test the battery (usually for free) and then you'll know.

That is a good idea. Go get your battery load tested w/ your oil change.

 

[homestarmy]

...

 

[homestarmy]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Heisenberg
1) If the current one works, there's no need for a new one
6) If the tires aren't worn, there's no need to replace them
7) Not a bad idea, if the car doesn't pull one way on the highway or when braking, you're probably okay

Well, the battery does work. The tires are worn for sure. I looked at them today and one was flat. I measured it. 1PSI....

The car does pull right a little.

Why did you buy a car in that condition?

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: homestarmy
Why did you buy a car in that condition?

Why did I buy a car with a tire that would go flat in two weeks?

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg

Just because the tire's flat doesn't mean it's worn out.

That was fing hilarious. I need to write that down. *


*not questioning your abilities... I just find that statement hilarious when I repeat it without thinking about it too much

 

[homestarmy]

Yeah, what were you thinking?!

 

[v3rrv3]

I don't know if I'd suggest switching over to synthetic in the engine with that many miles. Although synthetic works well it can be bad. Overtime if your seals get small leaks, sludge and such from regular oil can plug the holes, and if you switch over to synthetic it can clear the sludge away and cause a leak How much does the car pull to the right? Most roads(atleast here) are slanted a little bit so the rain and such drains off and will pull your car to the right.

- Kevin

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: v3rrv3
I don't know if I'd suggest switching over to synthetic in the engine with that many miles. Although synthetic works well it can be bad. Overtime if your seals get small leaks, sludge and such from regular oil can plug the holes, and if you switch over to synthetic it can clear the sludge away and cause a leak How much does the car pull to the right? Most roads(atleast here) are slanted a little bit so the rain and such drains off and will pull your car to the right.

- Kevin

Not much. It's less noticeable now that the tire is up to 32PSI. I guess it was slowly leaking and just went flat today.

Also, what signs of a bad clutch can I look for? How long do those things normally last?

 

[0roo0roo]

1. New battery

50-60 bux. 50 cents dielectric grease, 2bux for connector scrubber

2. New oil + filter (synthetic or regular?)

3-4bux filter, 4-6bux oil. synthetic for old engine? hells no. its only worth it for performance cars. ~8-10 for old engine oil which is probably what u need. it swells those old seals a little more and stuff.

3. Manual transmission flush

no idea, if u can do it, well might as well.

4. Radiator flush

easy, and coolant is ~10bux

5. New spark plugs (Do I need new wires?)

depends on condition of wires. plugs are about 2-3bux each

6. New tires (How high-end should I go?)

low end is fine. don't make an old car a money pit maybe 40 per tire installed at a local shop.

7. Front end alignment

sure why not. get it in tire installation package