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Old 03-31-2008, 10:55 PM   #1
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First tune up questions

Everyone,
I've put nearly 6K miles on the van, some of it towing a U-Haul. I need to find a Ford dealership and introduce the van for it's tune up. I remember reading somewhere here that there was a list on this site of things that should be tended to at certain milages beyond what is in the Ford manual. Ours is an 07 E350 diesel 4x4.
Is there any way to judge a dealership? I'm new to the area. I see lots of Ford trucks, maybe I should just ask the drivers.
Thanks,
Joanna

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Old 04-01-2008, 07:48 PM   #2
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I'm not sure what you mean by 'tune up'.

Not much to do on a diesel.

What you probably need is:

- Oil and filter change - every 2500 to 7500 miles depending on how the van is used. Ours is driven every week, never less than 20 miles, mostly long trips, with 7500 mile oil changes. Short tripsmean shorter oil change intervals.
- Fuel filter change - every 15000 miles. Don't neglect this one. If the fuel filter gets plugged, you may cause damage to the injectors.
- General lube and checkup.

Mike
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Old 04-01-2008, 10:07 PM   #3
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This is my first diesel powered vehicle and my first 4x4, so admittedly, I have alot to learn, even vocabulary! I want to be diligent about maintenance and appreciate any suggestions.
I took the van to a Ford dealership today for an oil and oil filter change. It's my only vehicle, but I don't drive it every day, and when I do, usually more than 20 miles. That's punctuated with longer trips, so what's the opinion about oil change intervals for that kind of use?
Also, the technician recommended rotating the tires. Does this sound right for 6K miles?
Thanks,
Joanna
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Old 04-01-2008, 10:14 PM   #4
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Joanna,
If you rotate your tires every 3500 miles you will win in the end , also check your tire pressure at least weekly and you will increase milage and tire longevity
Greggde
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Old 04-01-2008, 10:35 PM   #5
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I do check the tire pressure manually. I have the Hella monitoring system, but this thing drives me crazy. The first time it went off driving from California, I nearly had a heart attack. It sets off warnings: flashing tire signals, a signal that the sensor is out of touch, signals about the tire temperature and then stops signaling altogether.
When you're on a long trip, what can be done about the temperatures anyway?
I think it's more than I ever wanted to know about my tires.
I can't figure out if the warning system has gotten off track somehow. Or even how to diagnose the problem. I printed out the instructions from the disc, but it's Greek to me.
Joanna
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Old 04-01-2008, 10:45 PM   #6
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I changed the differential oil front and back with standard diff oil at an early stage to remove new metal to be on the safe side. I also changed my oil in the motor at the first 1000 miles for the same reason and then every 4000 until 20000. I Now run synthetic at 30K in the engine and diffs. I know it was overkill.
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Old 04-02-2008, 09:13 AM   #7
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Joanna,

What you did and what the tech suggested sounds about right.

If you want to learn more about diesels (more than you ever wanted to know) check this site:

http://www.dieselstop.com/forums/

There is a forum for 6.0 diesels and another one for diesel vans. I've learned alot on that site. And there is some BS there also, so don't take it all as gospel.

Mike
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Old 04-02-2008, 09:29 PM   #8
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Thanks, Mike,
Dieselstop is one of the automotive forums where I lurk. I understand about a fifth of what I read, esp. when guys (mostly) speak in abbreviations, but I'm patient.
Can you give me the url of the diesel van site?
Joanna
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Old 04-03-2008, 09:44 AM   #9
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The van forum is on the 'DieselStop' site. It is further down the page under 'Ford Diesels'

http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/f14/

Mike
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