Im considering taking my 95 max on a road trip, roughly 2,000 miles round trip. I drive it every day. The car has almost 300k miles but ive replaced most the components (alternator, starter, battery..). I did a de-k swap years ago and it has about 80k on it now, had 120 miles on the motor when I got it. The car runs fine except for what seems to be the IACV needing cleaned out (car doesnt start started if I dont give it gas until its run for about 30 seconds).

Before the trip I plan to:
- Change the oil
- Replace 2 tires, make sure air pressure is correct
- clean air filter
- Check my AC belt and PS belt
- Check radiator fluid level/ for leaks

My oil light flashes upon start up. Has done this for years. I presume the mesh cover on the oil return thing in the lower oil pan is clogged a little?

Any other recommendations/advice? Should I just rent a car?

Thanks,
Matt

 

yup aside from oil, make sure all your fluids are at the right level and you should be good to go

 

all that sounds about right plus i'd check brakes and steering/suspension components...throw some fuses,fix-a-flat,jumper cables and a few tools in the trunk and go for it...easy for me to say tho I have insurance with free road side assistance lol

 

Verify important lights & turn signals

 

also wipers and washer fluid...never know what u may drive thru

 

extra fuses, fix a flat, spare tire, jack, jumper cables, oil change, fluid levels is what i do

 

The only thing that concerns me on that list is the oil light flickering. Since most of your driving will be on the highway, making sure the engine is properly lubricated for 2,000 miles is crucial. Is your engine leaking oil from oil pan seals??

 

Yeah it kind of concerned me as well but its been like that for so long (years) that I just got used to it. It only does it on start up, and only for a brief 2 seconds maybe. I have never seen it after start up or while driving. I haven't noticed leaks under the car where I park. Rear main seal area is dry, lower oil pan isn't leaking.. though Im going to keep an eye on the drain plug area to see if I notice anything there. Just changed the oil though and noticed that only about 3.5 quarts came out of the car.. This concerns me. How much should come out during an oil change?

Thanks for the help,
Matt

 

I've done many 2,000 miles trips....all the above mentioned tips are good...especially the fuses.
Also check your spare tire is in good shape and inflated.

 

From FSM

Refill oil capacity:

With filter change: 4.4 Liters ( 4.649 US quarts)

Without filter change: 4.2 Liters ( 4.438 US quarts )

 

Ive been putting in around 4.25 qts in. Ill look at my fsm and verify. But I was wondering how much of that should be coming out during the oil change.


And thank you all for the list of maintenance/"just in case" things you've mentioned!

 

I think the oil pressure warning light blinking once on startup is caused by a sloppy oil pressure sender, not an oil pump or other lubrication problem. In other words, if you just get a blink upon startup I wouldn't worry. Mine has been doing that since I bought it over eight years ago, never had any lubrication problems.

And my 1997 only takes 4.25 quarts of oil to reach the full mark when changing the oil and filter.

 

I have a brand new switch, and still flickers upon start up, my old one did the same thing as well. Afaik, it blinking/flickering upon start up is normal since the pump doesn't generate pressure the instant the engine is started.

 

I would change oil, check tire pressure, have extra fuses just in case, batt jumper cables, and fill her up with premium gas or midgrade, and enjoy the ride. Me personally I usually carry around some extra tools and sockets, and coils, antifreeze, and a full size spare and jack, and just enjoy the ride!!

 

All great suggestions. Ill take a pic of everything for yall once I have it all together

 

good thing we have big trunks lol

 

THIS....LOL

Last year on our way to Orlando, the passenger wiper blew off on my mom's mustang when we were going down the interstate..seriously