What would you do first?

[MysticGold04]

I just got my Focus last week, and would like to begin a maintenance history on it since there is none. First thing I'd like to do is change out the fuel filter and run some fuel system cleaner. Everything that can be visually checked looks okay.

Would you change the fuel filter first, then run the cleaner or would you run the cleaner first? I'm also gonna run an ARX cycle soon too as it had a fresh oil change recently.

 

[JHZR2]

Is it an AT? If so, service that first, then do all filters, oil of course, and maybe consider plugs and belts just to baseline.

 

[MysticGold04]

Nope, its a manual

 

[addyguy]

I'd run the FI cleaner first, and then change the filter.

 

[ahoier]

+1 on the Fuel System Cleaner first, then change the filter.

Then after the filter change, get into the habit of running either TCW-3, MMO, Seafoam with the fuel regularly...it'll "keep it clean" rather than relying on the "every 3000" fuel additive hype

After the FI cleaner runs it's course, then change out the plugs and wires (if they need it).

 

[cp3]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
I'd run the FI cleaner first, and then change the filter.


Yep, wouldn't want anything that gets cleaned out of the tank and sock to be sitting in the new filter.

What kind of mileage? I don't know that I would arbitrarily change things. Is it due or past due for it? If past you may be able to tell if it has been done. If not due let it ride till it is. Or check it out first and then decide.

Enjoy!

 

[walk23]

Of the fuel additives I've tried Valvoline's Complete Fuel System worked best and it's good for 6K. I looked at my plugs after 75K to see the effects of a fuel additive and they held up quite well. My car is a 2006 Toyota Matrix and think you will have similar results.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: ahoier
+1 on the Fuel System Cleaner first, then change the filter.

Then after the filter change, get into the habit of running either TCW-3, MMO, Seafoam with the fuel regularly...it'll "keep it clean" rather than relying on the "every 3000" fuel additive hype

After the FI cleaner runs it's course, then change out the plugs and wires (if they need it).

+2.....Redline Si-1 is my favorite.

After using a full dose of FSC..... I use a maintainance dose of...1.5 oz. of Redline Si-1...and 3 oz. of MMO...per 10 +/- gal. of fuel. Keeps my Focus running strong and smooth....
______________________________________________
03' Ford Focus (2.3L Duratec PZEV) / 98,500
PP 5w20 / Purolator PureOne / OCI: 8,000 +/-
Redline Si-1

 

[MysticGold04]

Well, Ford says to change the FF every 30k miles. I don't know if its ever been done, so I just want to start a normal regimen. The car is in my sig and is just shy of 70k miles.

any harm in running ARX with the FI cleaner? Is that too much stuff going on at once? Reason I'm asking is the oil was just changed, so I can dump the ARX in there and then change it in 2k miles or so...

 

[addyguy]

No harm running the two together. I'd actually say it's better.

 

[mechtech2]

Unless you have specific and rather rare problems in the tank, it won't matter when you change the filter [before or after in tank cleaners are used].
I'd change the filter and run your sauce through it. Those cleaners do far more in the engine than anything else [valves and CCs.].

I'd also dump the factory ATF in the manual trans and run s synchromesh type viscosity from Amsoil or Redline.

 

[MysticGold04]

OK. Picked up a bottle of Redline SI-1 this afternoon. I'll throw that in this evening before filling up. I'm going to also dump in the bottle of ARX and let that work for awhile. I'll change the fuel filter at a later date, just not too much later.