Hitting 10k Miles - What Needs To Be Done?

[sdwindansea]

I’m approaching 10,000 miles on our 2007 4x4 6.0 PSD SMB. I want to make sure that I don’t drop the ball on any necessary scheduled maintenance. Here is what I’m planning on doing and what I’m aware of. Am I missing anything? Thanks!

• * Replace both AMSOIL filters (Full Flow and Bypass) and add new oil lost by filter changes. I am running the AMSOIL synthetic and I did a full oil & filter change at 5,700 miles.
  
  * Have a Blackstone oil analysis done (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/)
  Replace the both fuel filters (under van and engine mounted). It is recommended every 10k to 15k miles. Has anyone replaced the one under the hood themselves (the engine mounted one)? If yes, how difficult is this? Or am I better off having this done for me?
  
  * Inspect hoses, fluid levels, etc.
  
  * Lube job (did last one at 9,700 miles)…there are only three grease fittings I can find, all around the front axle
  
  * Inspect Air Filter (it seems fine right now according to the restriction gauge).

From what I’ve read in the guides (Ford & SMB), here is what I will have in the future:

• * Change automatic transmission fluid and filter - every 30k miles
  * Change engine coolant – every 105k miles

Questions

• * When do I need to deal with the front and rear axle fluids (20k miles)?
  
  * When do I need to deal with the Atlas transfer case fluids (20k miles)?

[charlie56]

Check the torque on your lug nuts. I did this the other night and found several that were not close to 140#.

Call the Amsoil rep for recomendations on the tranny, transfer case and differentials. I seem to recall him advising me to change all of them at 18 - 20k. He claimed changing over to Amsoil will increase the fuel economy by 2 mpg.

I don't have it with me now but isn't there something like an 18 point checklist in the Ford Owner's manual.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Try this for changing the fuel filter:

http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articles/ ... -06-06.php

I've done it without moving the upper, main wiring harness. It is tight, but it can be done. Next time I will remove the harness.

Mike

[sdwindansea]

Thanks for the reply Charlie and thanks for the link Mike. That article is really helpful. When you replaced the fuel filters what did you lubricate the new O-rings with? Also, how messy was it? Finally, any tips for replacing the filter under the van in regards to keeping it non-messy and how to catch/dispose of the diesel fuel?

[Ford_6L_E350]

I use oil to lubricate the o-rings.

And only a cup or two of diesel came out when I changed the lower filter. Maybe because the van has the fuel pump in the tank. Might be a good idea to have a low tank when you do it, then fill it afterwards.

Take an old plastic milk carton, cut it in half and use it to catch the diesel. It seems like there is a drain plug, but I actually don't remember (and the van is at home, I'm not). You will smell like diesel afterwards, maybe some disposeable gloves would help.

Mike

[sdwindansea]

Thanks again Mike. I have what is probably a dumb question. What do you do with the diesel fuel that you collect when changing the filters?

[Jeffrey]

Sell it to me for less than $4 a gallon!

Really, take it to a recycle center or an oil change service to recycle.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Really, it is diesel fuel. I just put it back in the tank.

Mike

[sdwindansea]

I told you it was a really dumb question

[sdwindansea]

Mike, thanks yet again for the link. I changed both fuel filters today and everything went smoothly.