Service info

[zacob]

I'm looking for information on servicing my FTO. Not a great knowledge with cars but getting a hand off a buddy. For a full service I'm going to change.
Oil filter and oil
Air filter
Spark plugs
Brake pads (front and back).

Can anyone give me info on part numbers ect for the above. Is there anything else I need to do for a full service. For brake pads are green stuff or red stuff pads better. Appreciate any advice info ect.

[CJ]

Zacob, take a look at this thread and the Parts page for p/ns. Greenstuff v3's are supposed to be better than previous versions, I'd give the Red Stuff ceramics a go if I were you, they've been getting good reviews.

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

I'm using Greenstuff V3 - the only thing that would stop me using the Redstuff is that I heard they may be a bit much for the standard brake disks and could be prone to causing them to warp. Greenstuff is quite a soft pad - for fast road use - it tends to wear pretty quickly and hence I've found it gives off a fair bit of dust. Would like to try Redstuff myself but I'd probably get the uprated disks first (camskill have these in stock).

If you just got your FTO into the country Zacob and are unsure about its service history I'd recommend getting the belt kit from Camskill (special offer at the mo!) for the Alt belt, PS belt and Cambelt plus uprated tensioner. This will give you piece of mind esp if you have 50K miles or upwards on the clock. The Cambelt is a bit tricky to fit though - you'll need to have a good mechanic. A lot of mechanics don't like going near the back plugs either as they are awkard to get at - you may want to get the relevant gasket as well - I find that Camskill are very good for all these parts inc all the parts you mentioned - they are generally better than Orig Equip spec and cheaper too - you'll have your order within a couple of days.


Other things on your to-do list in the future should include drop links & Poly bushes on front and rear Anti roll bars and maybe changing the oil in the braking system - I found that the ITG air filter is a nice to have as well - its pretty cheap and gives off a nice sound - I put in Denso Iridium plugs at my last service - they are virtually fit & forget - good for 50-60K miles - and much better performing than standard plugs.

If you have a tip - then sooner or later you'll also have to change the oil in the tip box.

You could spend a lot of money on the first couple of services but at least you'll have a clean car that you'll feel confident of revving the nuts off and the piece of mind that its unlikely to give you any trouble.

[zacob]

This is the final list I've got together for a full service using camskill for all parts.

- ITG Induction Kit
- Oil Filter
- EBC V4 greenstuff pads (front and rear)
- Automatic gearbox oil filter
- Dextron III auto transmission fluid
- Iridium spark plugs X4
- Cambelt kit includes
OE spec Cambelt
Koyo tensioner
Alt belt
PS belt.

It's costing about 520 euro for parts plus carriage is extra.They only had V4 pads and not V3 as recommended. Is there a difference?. I know it looks expensive but I think it covers most items and as mentioned it should give piece of mind for future driving. Does the list look o.k. Any comments ect appreciated.

P.S thanks Myfecin FTO, CJ for your help.

[Mustang]

Zacob wrote

- Iridium spark plugs X4

Just to clarify. You are driving a 1.8 GS yes?

As well as the engine oil filter, you should also replace the small crush washer that seals the oil filter / sump interface. The original mitsi one costs about €0.60, or you could get a cheaper one in a motor factors.(They're sold by the packet)
Replacing this washer when changing the oil filter is often over looked by mechanics

MfFTO wrote

I put in Denso Iridium plugs at my last service - they are virtually fit & forget - good for 50-60K miles - and much better performing than standard plugs.

Another plug for the iridiums You an agent/ rep? Just wondering if you're working on commission

Mustang

[Myfeckin FTO]

Zacob,

From previous posts I thought you had a GR - if this is the case you're gonna need 6 plugs as you would now be the proud owner of a V6 rather than a 4 cylinder. Green Stuff V4 will be a better pad than V3 so go with them.

Good luck with the service - and watch that cambelt - make sure the guy knows what hes doing.

Mustang - Yeah I'm a fan of the Iridiums - maybe because the last set of plugs were fried when I got the FTO and they made such a huge difference or might have something to do with the claimed increase in performance - a lot of Jap performance car owners fit Iridiums (Denso,HKS etc) almost as a matter of course as its a relatively cheap way to gain performance (though modest - maybe 3-6BHP on FTO ?) and reliability. The fact the back set of plugs are so difficult to get to also makes these worth while as you'll save on service costs. I suppose like a lot of things on the FTO they all give small gains but its the sum of the parts thats important. I'm pretty sure I'm preaching to the converted on this anyway

[CJ]

I'm pretty sure I'm preaching to the converted on this anyway

Aye, the Iridiums have always got good press, mind you I've never used them. The Platinums I have in place have another 20k or so on them so I'll have to wait about for a while to find out! Where did you get them MFFTO and what did they set you back? www.xyberautos.com do a set of 6 (IK22) for €87 delivered, at €14 a plug, you would expect them to be good!

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

Where did you get them MFFTO and what did they set you back? www.xyberautos.com do a set of 6 (IK22) for €87 delivered, at €14 a plug, you would expect them to be good!

CJ

Got them from Camskill - I was getting a load of gear off them anyway so I just added them to the list - could have got them cheaper from a number of other sites - but figured that the delivery would have made up the difference anyway - think I paid £13GBP x 6 for the Denso Iridiums - need to check invoice - €87 for a set is certainly a v good price.

[CJ]

think I paid £13GBP x 6 for the Denso Iridiums - need to check invoice

€113 for a set of plugs is some money alright

CJ

[zacob]

Appologies

6 plugs needed not 4 as stated.

[zacob]

P.S

does the ITG Induction Kit give a few extra BHp

[Myfeckin FTO]

P.S

does the ITG Induction Kit give a few extra BHp

I dare not answer - I'll have about 50 replies telling me it doesn't. ITG and the UK forum suggest it increases your power by 8BHP - I believe this is possible also but you'd need a full exhaust and Iridiums to help with this - No real point in having more air going in if your exhaust is too restrictive. It works for me - and it will sound better too.

OH - SH1te - I think I've just answered. Here come the critics!

[Mustang]

b]Zacob wrote[/b]

Appologies

6 plugs needed not 4 as stated.

No need to apologise. I was just pointing this out in case you ordered the incorrect amount of plugs.

With regard to ordering the equipment from camskill (or elsewhere). Are you ordering the dextron III from there. I'd have a look at the prices first I expect this could add significantly to the cost of postage. Dextron III grade ATF is not the gold dust that some people would have you believe.
A good motor factor should be able to supply.

P.S

does the ITG Induction Kit give a few extra BHp

You have now opened a can of worms, and started to induction kit debate again! This has been thrashed out a couple of times.
Here's the summary: nice noise little or no bhp gains. Potential to reduce bhp (based on tests).
Standard filter design is quite efficient, etc, etc

Mustang

P.S. MfFTO was writing at the same time as me, and just got in ahead

[CJ]

I'd have a look at the prices first I expect this could add significantly to the cost of postage. Dextron III grade ATF is not the gold dust that some people would have you believe.
A good motor factor should be able to supply.

On that front, I know its €8.50 a litre out my way, I know someone who paid €10 a litre recently.

As regards the induction kit (here we go again ), yes it sounds great, no you won't get performance gains unless you enclose it and install cold air induction. If I where you zacob, I'd just get a K&N or Momo panal filter and drop it into the airbox, its offers a freer flow than the standard filter and you still have a cold air feed.

CJ

[Mustang]

ATTENTION ZACOB
Look like it's my turn to apologise:
Mustang wrote

As well as the engine oil filter, you should also replace the small crush washer that seals the oil filter / sump interface

This is of course incorrect please ignore. It should read:
As well as the engine oil filter, you should also replace the small small sump plug washer, that helps seal the interface of the sump and sump plug. The washer deforms when the plug is tightened and should not be reused. (There is of course no washer for the oil filter/sump interface, the connection seal in this case is provided by rubber O-ring, on the filter)
Sorry for any confusion caused!

CJ wrote

Mustang wrote:
I'd have a look at the prices first I expect this could add significantly to the cost of postage. Dextron III grade ATF is not the gold dust that some people would have you believe.
A good motor factor should be able to supply.


On that front, I know its €8.50 a litre out my way, I know someone who paid €10 a litre recently

CJ as I have a manual car, I've never had to buy the dextron III ATF myself, but being an FTO fanatic I do keep an eye out for the stuff, in motor factors, etc, although I never did pay any attention to the price!
There seems to be a bit of a myth with regard to the non-availability of this stuff on the Irish market. (You just have to look at some of the earlier posts on this forum).
This may lead people to think the only way to obtain this stuff is to buy mail order (from Camskill, or others).
The reality is that any good motor factor should be able to supply this stuff, even my local Texaco 24hr sells it, albeit in small containers!
From an objective point of view having to buy oil mail order from the UK seems crazy.
All I'm saying is way up the costs and buy based on price (and quality of course). If it's cheaper to buy mail order, even taking into account the postage, then that's the way to go. Just so long as people know there are other options. You have obviously done the goundwork yourself!

Mustang

[CJ]

This may lead people to think the only way to obtain this stuff is to buy mail order (from Camskill, or others).

Mustang, how did you come to that conclusion? Why would you but ATF from the UK when its similarly priced and would incur prohibitive shipping costs? Come on, most people can see that, give us a bit of credit!

CJ

[zacob]

The Dextron III is priced at 25 euro for a 5Ltr drum. Not sure of carriage costs, will find out and pass on info. It also can be used for power steering. So the 5Ltr drum would be used.

ITG do claim an extra 8bph for the induction kit however it seems to be the case as stated that to achieve this other mods would need to be done. But it does give a nice hum. Another option would be to use a foam panel filter (I think) instead of a normal air filter (not to sure of the benifits over your standard filter).
The question is. Is it worth the price for that extra hum?

Was looking for that washer for that washer for a while on camskill. Was wondering why I couldn't find it. Apart from the fact I didn't know what I was looking for anyway!

[Mustang]

CJ Wrote

Mustang, how did you come to that conclusion? Why would you but ATF from the UK when its similarly priced and would incur prohibitive shipping costs? Come on, most people can see that, give us a bit of credit!

CJ

CJ no offence intended. Just letting people know that this stuff is readily available. But since you asked here is a selection of posts, all of which suggest that this stuff can be difficult to come by.

http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2 ... ht=dextron

http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2 ... ht=dextron

http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2 ... ht=dextron

[CJ]

Just letting people know that this stuff is readily available. But since you asked here is a selection of posts, all of which suggest that this stuff can be difficult to come by.

In my experience, DIII is readily available (so yes, the supply issues is a bit of a myth), but I've found that 50% of factors don't stock it on the shelves (which is surprising based on the fact the DII has been pretty much replaced by DIII). Any that I have asked could get it in off their distributor without difficulty.

CJ

[Mustang]

Zacob wrote

The Dextron III is priced at 25 euro for a 5Ltr drum. Not sure of carriage costs, will find out and pass on info. It also can be used for power steering. So the 5Ltr drum would be used.

Just in case you're not sure. The workshop manuals indicate that the tip box holds approximately 7.8L of oil (although this may be for the newer 5sp box) but the correct value is somewhere around 7L. I'm sure someone on here can clarify. You don't want to be left short

Was looking for that washer for that washer for a while on camskill. Was wondering why I couldn't find it. Apart from the fact I didn't know what I was looking for anyway!

Sorry about that. Camskill do an engine oil filter 'kit' -filter + washer, you can see a photo of this on their website.

BTW- did you see the Coordsport sale notice in the for sale section? As MfFTO said, you might be able to find some bargains there for your servicing needs.

Mustang

[CJ]

Just in case you're not sure. The workshop manuals indicate that the tip box holds approximately 7.8L of oil (although this may be for the newer 5sp box) but the correct value is somewhere around 7L. I'm sure someone on here can clarify. You don't want to be left short

Correct, you'll need 8L for a full oil change, note that the the box will only empty completely by letting it drain overnight, the torque convertor retains ~2.5L of oil that drains gradually.

CJ

[soc]

The question is. Is it worth the price for that extra hum?
!

Yes it is definitely worth it - I fitted a k&n style cone filter with alloy induction pipe from funky product on my old GR and the sound at high revs was amazing - very hard edged and powerful sounding - it's one mod I'd do straight away if I get an FTO again

[Myfeckin FTO]

Correct, you'll need 8L for a full oil change, note that the the box will only empty completely by letting it drain overnight, the torque convertor retains ~2.5L of oil that drains gradually.

CJ

Just as an additional note on this - I had heard (don't know how accurate this is) that there was two ways to drain the oil from a Tip box - one way would drain 5l and the other would drain approx 7l - oh feck it - I'll look it up.

Here ya go from UK website:If you want to do a full Auto Oil change, you have to drain the Auto
Cooling line as well, if you do this the box will need 7lts (dexron 3
only) if you do not want to do a full oil change it will only take 5lts
of same (ONLY USE DEXRON 3 GRADE OR ABOVE). Before starting make sure
that you are able to get the oil filter off (just loosen it slightly)

1. Disconnect the Auto box cooling hose below the Rad. (You will see a
steel pipe running out of the top of the gearbox then running down to
the bottom of the rad. It is held on with a small steel clip, and pushed
onto a rubber hose easy to remove)

Make sure you put a bucket under the pipe before continuing

2. Put the car in N, Start the engine and let the fluid drain out
(engine idling only). The engine should only be run for a Max. of one
minute you should drain about 3.5 lts

3. Remove the drain plug from the side of the gear box, (22mm) if you
turn the wheels full lock left and undo the plastic cover it is easier
to get at. (I also jack up the driver side slightly to help the oil
flow) should drain about 2.5 lts.

Now some people replace the plug and go back to step 1. this cleans and
flushes the system out, you could do this a few times till the oil runs
clean ( depends on the last oil change ) else just continue.

4. Replace the gearbox plug tighten, replace cooling line as removed in
step 1. Change oil filter rub some auto oil around the seal.

5. Remove Auto box dipstick get a funnel and I find a clean coke bottle
cut in half placed into the funnel handy, Fill with of oil (Dexron 3)
5lts. into the box, Replace dip stick and check the level is at the cold
mark, then run the car moving the gears up and down (I find a drive
better just about a mile or so) then once the car has heated up to
running temp fill another 1.5 lts and check that the oil level is at
hot. Replace the dipstick.

6. Done

No credit due on my side - just pasted the above in - Embarrased to say I avoided changing the Tip oil in my last GR.

[Speedyboy]

I did it the way MF FTO describes above but be careful it goes everywhere when you run the engine, (Which is part of the reason why i did it outside of my neighbours house )

[Mustang]

Speedyboy wrote

(Which is part of the reason why i did it outside of my neighbours house )

I'm sure you're a big hit with the residents association!