Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

All.

My car (MY05 Spec C) needs a service; 54 plate, 3.5yrs in age with 24k miles. Been in UK for 18 months. Garage are suggesting that she needs spark plugs changed + cambelt neither of which have been done to my knowledge. Sound fair enough?

TX.

GazTheHat

I change the spark plugs every year. So yes, that will need doing.

I thought the cambelt was 50k or 5 years. Your "C" might need something different though.

Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for reply. Why so frequent for you?

TX.

jasonius

iTrader: (1)

Yep, although plugs are recommended for something like 5yrs/70k I also change them annually. On my car they start to look a bit tired by then.

As for the cam belt, my 54 plate (05) wrx is approaching 40k and will be 4yrs in Oct, so I'd getting the belt done around then (as well as tensioners if required..) So age wise your c I'd say yes, but mileage wise maybe not..

Other things that IMHO should be done if you've never had them done in 18mths are:

coolant
brake fluid
gearbox/r. diff oils
fuel filter
air filter (although I'm sure you'll have done this in 18mths..)

MrRA

I've always followed the recommended Litchfield/Powerstation servicing spec. Oil change every 5,000 miles etc etc. Well, you'll see for yourself fella.

http://www.litchfieldimports.co.uk/p...aservicing.pdf

jasonius

iTrader: (1)

^^^
Just looking at that service schedule, why do they use flush..?

I thought this wasn't such a good idea or needed, especially if the oil (decent) has been changed every 5k..?

DCCD diff oil's every year/10k..!

GazTheHat

I didn't think it was so frequent, but after 18m i got hesitation, idle funny and a CEL misfire. The plugs had fowled because of the NF i think.

After speaking to AF he also said it should be a yearly change. So it be...

Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

Has been serviced every 6mnths, just not had plugs or cambelt done. Potential future buyers need not feel nervous

TX.

Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

Good link, ta.

Looks like cambelt is 50k miles or 5yrs then. Sounds like I've been sold something that I don't need ...

Also looks like spark plugs are every 3yrs / 30k miles.

TX.

PeeVee

iTrader: (1)

Officially, the plugs are due at 30,000 miles (3yrs) and the cam belt is due at 50,000 miles (5yrs)

If I were you I would save your money and leave the cam belt until it's due, It's not the cheapest item to renew & there is no point in changing it for the sake of it.

As for the plugs, it depends on how many miles a year you are going to do. You are 6,000 miles away from the change point (they don't really age, it's running time that wears them) and to be honest they don't suddenly stop working at 30,000.

As long as you are fitting proper plugs there is no reason to renew them more often than the stated length of time.

If plugs are causing problems at the 1 yr mark then there is problem with the way the engine is running causing the plugs to foul.

Phil

GazTheHat

I'm interested in your above comments. Car has NGK7b's, they were in for about 18 months. 12k miles and the car runs 3ml NF.

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Always like to be on the safe side with things like cambelts, had mine changed at 3 years (which was actually nearly 4 years), plugs would need doing, gearbox oil (every year for A-DCCD), diffs etc.

Tony

PeeVee

iTrader: (1)

Too be honest, trying to diagnose why you go through plugs in under half the time you should, is very difficult over the net.

As i'm sure you can imagine, there are loads of variables & any one of them can cause a plug life to be shortened.

(pauses for thought..........)

I have just looked at your "my scooby" and now that I have seen the top set of photo's I have to say that I'm not surprised that you have a plug life so short when you have flames that long. lol

Phil

Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

^^ Thanks for the advice BM How far way are you from Windsor / Ascot?!

TX.

PeeVee

iTrader: (1)

A bit too far i'm afraid, we are about 20 miles from Dover in Kent.

GazTheHat

I thought it would be the map (or the NF or both), but i was prepared for that.

The flames are not so aggresive now.