Found this on Samba... added a few things to the list.
Any other suggestions on things to look for before a big trip or winter storage?
Engine Mechanical ___ _____ Any Abnormal noises ___ _____ Check for engine fluid leaks (Oil, Fuel) ___ _____ Compression test: (disconnect coil, remove ALL plugs) ___ _____ 1. Dry: 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________ ___ _____ 2. Oiled: 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________ ___ _____ Plug condition? (OK? Burnt? Oily? Sooty?) ___ _____ 1____________ 2____________ 3____________ 4____________ ___ _____ Oil Pressure: idle_______ 4000 RPM_______ ___ _____ P/S, Alt, & A/C Belts not cracked, not frayed, deflection correct ___ _____ Check water pump for leak at weep hole, pump noise/wine ___ _____ Visual check of fuel lines from pump-firewall-injectors!! If original lines REPLACE!!! ___ _____ Fuel Pressure: _______ ___ _____ Visual check of Vacuum hoses/lines stiff? Patched? Capped? Missing? Cracks on ends?
___ _____ Visual check air intake system, AFM, check electrical connections?
___ _____ Vacuum Idle: _______ 4000 rpm: _______ ___ _____ Tune up parts Cap, Rotor, Plugs, Air Filter, distributor, coil etc
___ _____ Oil level/color ___ _____ Power steering fluid level/color
Electrical Systems ___ _____ Battery voltage ____________ volts, load test ___ _____ Alt/Chg Volts/Amps: idle____________ 4000 RPM____________ ___ _____ Engine compartment wiring harness not loose, not frayed, oxidized ___ _____ Engine compartment relays in the black box, check fuses for corrosion and proper contact ___ _____ Starter motor/ wiring from battery/alternator ___ _____ Battery cables, ground points (Battery case, Cyl head, tranny, dash star) ___ _____ Spark plugs (NGK - B6ES)/coil wires cracked, water spray test check for sparks jumping ?
___ _____ Check lights, bulb contact points, add di-electric grease where needed
___ _____ Visually inspect exposed wires, chassis grounds - clean and reattach, O2 sensor wires, etc.
Cooling System 1. Flush and Fill Cooling System - use http://yhst-1918367471896.stores.yahoo.net/peliang12.html also add http://www.redlineoil.com/Products.aspx?pcid=10 (do this every 5 years with this coolant, every 2 years with other phosphate free coolants)
___ _____ Cooling system pressure test & check for external leaks, pressure cap ___ _____ Cooling Hoses no bulges or soft ___ _____ Check reservoir/expansion tank for cracks ___ _____ Check Rad Fan Motor on Hi-Low speed, Relay ___ _____ Check PH condition of coolant (Acidity/Phosphate) - or replace if due ___ _____ Coolant level/color
Braking System ___ _____ Brake disks/drums grooved? LF_____, RF______, LR______, RR______ ___ _____ Measure % Discs/Drums & Linings/Pads LF_____, RF______, LR______, RR______ ___ _____ Visual check of rubber brake lines, cables for leaks, brittle, cracked ? ___ _____ Master/Wheel cylinders Inspect for leaks from, brake pedal test ___ _____ Brake fluid level/color (Use Castrol LMA dot 3/4 fluid) Suspension/Steering ___ _____ Steering wheel play ___ _____ Tie rods inner & outer straight? Tie rod end boots intact? ___ _____ Ball joints upper & lower boots intact ___ _____ Control arm upper & lower bushings ___ _____ Engine and transmission mounts ___ _____ Front & Rear Suspension: Springs, Spring mount and Shocks ___ _____ Check shock absorber action (bounce test) and component leaks ___ _____ Check CV joints, 2 tight 360' turns each way. Any noise, cv boots intact? ___ _____ Check power steering for leaks and noise, steering rack boots intact ___ _____ Check front & rear wheel toe in/toe out ___ _____ Wheel bearings move wheel on hoist check wear/play, Axle bolts torque, cotter pin in ? ___ _____ check Tires wear LT / "C" Tread? Bulges? Cracks? ___ _____ check Rims Bent? Rusted? Cracks? Wheel bolts up to torque ?
Auto Transmission ___ _____ check for slippage ___ _____ Check for leaks from all components ___ _____ Check for leak in tranny cooler aluminum heat exchanger ___ _____ Gear oil level/fluid color ___ _____ Transmission fluid level/color
Road Test ___ _____ Automatic transmission shift points? ___ _____ Any noises/vibrations when accelerating, coasting, decelerating, braking? Any Other general comment recommendations
Prior to Winter Storage: 2. Fill fuel tank and add 1 can of Seafoam to stabilize fuel 3. Change/Replace Fuel Filter - Every 5 years or 30k miles. Bosch PN: 0-450-905-030 4. Change Oil and Mann Filter (use TOTAL Quartz Racing (ELF) 10W-50 5L Synthetic Motor Oil from S&G 5. Clean K&N Filter and re-oil, or install K&N Air Filter Part E-2475 6. Treat all rubber with protecting conditioner (including weather stripping) 7. Drain water storage tank 8. Hook up battery float charger |
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