Engine lifespan?

[irishkev90]

My dad is concerned about how long my car's engine will last. It's got somewhere around 115,000 miles at the moment. We've recently changed the oil and filter, but don't know when this, or any maintenence, was last done. I've also had some fun and installed a short intake and now turned it into a cold air intake. I have used STP Fuel System Cleaner a month or two ago and felt like it made a slight difference. I replaced the spark plugs also, probably the wires will be done soon along with the O2 sensor. I plan to keep up with general maintenence as much as I can.


I'd just like to know how long these engines (Z5) usually last and what kind of problems I should look out for.

Thanks in advance guys



~Happy Driving~

[johnMZ24]

dude mines almost at 300K no joke and still running strong(as long as it starts in the winter). I dont beat mine either, i shift usually round 3-4 grand and i never go over 4500K.

[Henchman]

Any engine can run for a long time, if you take care of basic maintenance.

Changing the fuel filter is a good idea as well.

[irishkev90]

Thanks for the info guys. I plan on keeping this thing for as long as possible. I replaced an O2 sensor yesterday that set off the engine light in June. Finally got around to changing it. I was thinking of changing the fuel filter as well. Just need to find the time and money and a how-to preferably. College is taking up so much of my time at the moment, I feel like I'm doing all my work at night when it's cold and barely any light.

[johnMZ24]

changing the fuel filter aint that bad, i mean i didn't do it but i watched the guy who does my cars when its cold out do it. it was easier by takin the battery out and gettin small needle nose pliers for the little clamps around the filter and i think a 10mm socket to get it off the firewall.. all in all bout 20 mins to a half hour to get of. I remember i was spilling all the gas out of my old filter and it was dark brown with clumps in it.

[irishkev90]

Oh cool. Sounds simple enough. Found a Fram fuel filter on Advance Auto Parts website for $23. I'll stop by sometime this weekend probably to order it. Thanks for all the info guys.



~Happy Driving~

[nezwick]

Mine has over 220k (miles) on the clock and still runs great (despite my car's wiring issues). Pretty sure the oil pan gasket seeps a bit but other than that and general maintenance items as stated above, your engine should continue to run for a long time.

[irishkev90]

Thanks nez. My oil pan doesn't leak, not yet anyway, and the wiring is pretty sound. The only thing I'm not sure about id the alternator, though it could be something else.

Let's say when I turn on my rear window defroster, the lights for my instrament panel go dim. Same situation if I put a window up or down. It also affected my headlights, though after installing the HIDs it doen't look very noticable. And if I hold the window buttons up when the windows are closed, the rpms dip until I let go of the buttons.

Any ideas as to what could be wrong here? I'm assuming the alternator. Could it just need a new belt? Or do I need to replace the alternator itself?

[therieldeal]

probably a weak battery or a weak alternator

or something as simple as a loose or corroded ground

[psiturbo]

I bought around 7 months ago an Escort GT for 400.00, the car has 250,000 miles. The guy who sold it to me did the timing belt and water pump recently so it is good for a while.

Has some exhaust leak under the header, the seat belts are jammed like the recall deal, wipers work whenever they want so have to make my own swith for it.

Honestly your car will fall into pieces and that engine will keep on running as long as fresh oil every 3,000, follow common sense stuff like do not let the gas tank all the way to empty so the injectors dont suck in any of the tank crap.

It would not hurt to send the injectors for calibration and cleaning if the car has 200,000+ miles.

The one I bought had been under a tree for around a year, I showed up with fresh spark plugs, fuel, a battery and some oil, the thing started like on the 3rd try.

Then parked it in front of my house for about 7 months waiting for paper work and some stuff that needed to be taken care of on the car before hitting the road. It even has A/C, keeps running strong, but it does look ghetto though, the paint is falling apart, bumper is cracking etc... engine still running and no blue smoke!

[irishkev90]

Thanks for the input therieldeal. I'll check for ground problems first, then battery. But if the alternators bad it'll have to wait til spring when it's warm enough to work on the car.