Curby's nearing 110K - What things should I have done?

[callisto9]

Well, Curby's nearing 110K miles. I had the timing belt/water pump done around 90K or so and I'm fairly good at keeping up with maintenance. I plan on having him for awhile, and I'd like to know if there's anything I should be doing.

I've always wondered about getting the tranny fluid (manual) changed or flushed. Curby shifts really jerky and always has. Anything that would smooth that out?

I need to get the air filter in, but I can't manage to do that on my own.

What about spark plugs? Other things?

Thoughts anyone?

[SMG]

The air filter is a pretty easy job, you can handle it.

How old are the ignition components like the coilpack, plug wires and sparkplugs? I totally replaced that stuff around 86,000miles and the coilpack was in very bad shape.

What about O2 sensors? How is your gas mileage?

Anyway, here's the official 2001 maintenance schedule from VW:

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/ima...ance.sched.pdf

Check the bottom chart that pertains to "All Cars"

There's more stuff to keep tabs on than you'd think.

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by SMG

The air filter is a pretty easy job, you can handle it.

How old are the ignition components like the coilpack, plug wires and sparkplugs? I totally replaced that stuff around 86,000miles and the coilpack was in very bad shape.

What about O2 sensors? How is your gas mileage?

Anyway, here's the official 2001 maintenance schedule from VW:

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/ima...ance.sched.pdf

Check the bottom chart that pertains to "All Cars"

There's more stuff to keep tabs on than you'd think.

I'm going to try the air filter again... someday. I can't manage to get that hose off the side. I'm secretly holding out for a nice how-to.

MPG is 25 no matter if in town or on the highway. In a recent trip, I added a fuel cleaner, bumped up the PSI in the tires and slowed down on the interstate and got 28mpg!

O2 sensors have never been touched. Is it costly to replace one of those?

I have the complete history of the car, and the ignition stuff has never been touched either. I'll have to look into that as well.

Thanks for the advice and link SMG.

[SMG]

The O2 isn't that bad honestly! It's just in the back of the exhaust manifold where it comes off the head. My car ran a lot nicer after mine was replaced.

$92.40 from GermanAutoParts assuming you have an AEG 2.0L.

http://germanautoparts.com/Volkswage...ectrical/152/2

There's also an O2 sensor after the cat, but from what I've read there's no point to change it unless it's throwing a CEL. All that one does is make sure the cat is working properly.

[callisto9]

I want to put some $$$ into Curby this summer since some cash has freed up. I don't want to do stuff just to do it, so I'm looking for the "must have" things.

Again, thank you for your input SMG. I'm hoping an O2 might make Curby run nicer. It's never shifted that well and I'm an excellent 5speed driver.

[HudsonValleyVDub]

An o2 sensor either works, or it doesn't. As long as it's working within the parameters set in the ECU, it's fine. If your CEL isn't on, changing an o2 sensor is pointless. If you had a bad o2 sensor, you'd know right away....at least that's what every technician I've known has said. Having said that, maybe SMG knows something I need to read up on.

[Lnzbug]

Originally Posted by callisto9

I want to put some $$$ into Curby this summer since some cash has freed up. I don't want to do stuff just to do it, so I'm looking for the "must have" things.

Again, thank you for your input SMG. I'm hoping an O2 might make Curby run nicer. It's never shifted that well and I'm an excellent 5speed driver.

Save your money for when something goes bad. Plugs & fluids wouldn't be a bad move though.

[SMG]

My car was running lean last year so I threw a lot of parts at it for maintenance / preventative maintenance.

The car is running a lot better than it did before I replaced that sensor, whether it was absolutely needed or not.

[LadybugEwa]

I'd do all 3 filters (fuel, cabin and engine air)
I'd also do plugs and wires. While I had those off, I'd take out the ignition coil, wipe it off, and go over every milimeter of it checking for hairline cracks in the plastic housing. These things are NOTORIOUS. There's several threads about them on the vortex that you should read. There's also a thread on here of how I replaced mine. There's a great DIY on the vortex detailing how to protect your coil with a coating of JBWeld (epoxy) that'll cost $5 if you do it yourself. As a girl, i'm telling you it's totally doable in your driveway/garage.

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by SMG

The car is running a lot better than it did before I replaced that sensor, whether it was absolutely needed or not.

So wait, you replaced the O2 sensor, or just the O2? Or are we talking about the same thing here?

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by LadybugEwa

I'd do all 3 filters (fuel, cabin and engine air)
I'd also do plugs and wires. While I had those off, I'd take out the ignition coil, wipe it off, and go over every milimeter of it checking for hairline cracks in the plastic housing. These things are NOTORIOUS. There's several threads about them on the vortex that you should read. There's also a thread on here of how I replaced mine. There's a great DIY on the vortex detailing how to protect your coil with a coating of JBWeld (epoxy) that'll cost $5 if you do it yourself. As a girl, i'm telling you it's totally doable in your driveway/garage.

I had the fuel filter done about 1.5 years ago, the cabin 3 years ago and I'm working on that stupid air filter.

So, the ignition coil, eh? I'll look up the how-to. Although since I can't seem to tackle the air filter, I don't know how good I'll be on the ignition coil.

Thanks for you input Ewa.

[SMG]

O2 and O2 Sensor are the same thing.

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by SMG

O2 and O2 Sensor are the same thing.

Der. Thanks SMG.

[Growler]

cabin filter is due every 40k miles or so.

air filter every 20k or so.

5 speed fluid is an easy changeout too, on ramps, with a 17mm allen key from sears and a long funnel with a hose on it.

Erin,m if you were closer I would be glad to help you out with these things.

do you feel like a road trip to the Ohio?

[LadybugEwa]

Originally Posted by callisto9

So, the ignition coil, eh? I'll look up the how-to. Although since I can't seem to tackle the air filter, I don't know how good I'll be on the ignition coil.

Thanks for you input Ewa.

Here's a real simple technique I use when I can't get something apart. I soak the point of contact (for example the clamp) with WD40 and wait a bit. Then I put on a pair of gloves that give a good grip, like mechanic's gloves. After making sure which direction the part's supposed to snap out, I give a few controlled wiggles/pulls. If it still won't come out, I soak it with the WD40 again and wait again. I got my wiper arms off this way, and they're one of the hardest things to take off.

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by Growler

cabin filter is due every 40k miles or so.

air filter every 20k or so.

5 speed fluid is an easy changeout too, on ramps, with a 17mm allen key from sears and a long funnel with a hose on it.

Erin,m if you were closer I would be glad to help you out with these things.

do you feel like a road trip to the Ohio?

Thanks Aaron. I wish I lived closer to someone who knew this stuff, too. More so, I wish I knew how to do it.

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by LadybugEwa

Here's a real simple technique I use when I can't get something apart. I soak the point of contact (for example the clamp) with WD40 and wait a bit. Then I put on a pair of gloves that give a good grip, like mechanic's gloves. After making sure which direction the part's supposed to snap out, I give a few controlled wiggles/pulls. If it still won't come out, I soak it with the WD40 again and wait again. I got my wiper arms off this way, and they're one of the hardest things to take off.

OK, I'm going to go soak Curby's entire engine...

[FineExampl]

Originally Posted by callisto9

OK, I'm going to go soak Curby's entire engine...

What's wrong with it that you can't get it off?? Filters are easy stuff.

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by FineExampl

What's wrong with it that you can't get it off?? Filters are easy stuff.

Have you ever changed the air filter in the Beetle? I can't get that hose off the side.

[FineExampl]

Originally Posted by callisto9

Have you ever changed the air filter in the Beetle? I can't get that hose off the side.

Do you mean by the MAF?? Just use a pair of channel-lock pliers. You shouldn't have to disconnect a hose to change the filter. I don't understand.

and yes, i've changed every filter on the Bug myself.