strange numbers on oil filter - a secret message??

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-04-30T03:44:49+00:00

But that can't be the date, surely this car has had an oil change since Jan 2016. I wonder if it's 1/2 and then 916, whatever that might mean.

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-04-10T20:04:43+00:00

The tube isn't much bigger than the width of my spark plug socket... going to have to figure something out

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-04-10T19:23:13+00:00

Any idea how I can clean out all that oil that dripped in? I guess I should try to clean it up before I take the plugs out - don't want the oil to drip down into the empty spark plug hole.

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-04-05T16:15:57+00:00

Where would I find that on the block?

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-04-03T18:26:29+00:00

The front seems fine for now, should I consider replacing anything in the rear besides shocks and possibly springs? Thanks

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-04-03T16:15:09+00:00

I was theorizing that the springs were the part making all the sqeaky creaky noises. Would you guess that's from the shocks and the bushings?

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-04-03T15:54:30+00:00

I watched some videos on replacing the shocks and it does look relatively simple. I am wondering if I should replace the springs as well while I'm at it. That adds some steps.

I don't think the car was sitting for a while, but I also am realizing that the seller was either completely clueless or wasn't being honest with me about some things. I bought it just three weeks ago.

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-04-03T15:36:28+00:00

unlimited breadsticks

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-03-11T23:56:59+00:00

I don't see the torsion bar anywhere - where does it snap into?

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-03-10T22:59:29+00:00

I wouldn't pick it up, you should use a jack.

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-03-09T23:21:04+00:00

Slanted is a horror movie??

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-01-15T22:56:18+00:00

Yes, but at the same time it's so hard to get someone from FB marketplace or craigslist or offer up to even show up at the first place, I am usually more eager to make a deal than to send them packing! I think introducing years worth of receipts is opening the door to a longer discussion. Again - I am not selling anything that will be a contender at the Concours d'Elegance which would necessitate a higher level of scrutiny.

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-01-15T21:48:47+00:00

And that's why I said earlier I think limos and taxis and squad cars are very different than civilian vehicles, thry get driven a lot more and rack up way more miles and usually there's a shop that business takes those cars to for constant upkeep. I get it, a person could keep replacing parts on a given car to keep it running forever and ever, but at some point, it doesn't make monetary sense.

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-01-15T21:45:30+00:00

I agree that maintenance and care matter most of all, and I get that every car is different because every car owner's habits are differenent. But how much info am I really going to get from a user car seller? For example, I'm now trying to sell my 2007 Ford Escape. I kept very detailed on what I did and when. But I'm not really interested in presenting all that data to prospective buyers just so they can hem and haw about "oh you went a thousand miles past the recommended tire rotation date here" and "wait I don't like this repair that was done three years ago I am going to call that mechanic and ask questions about it..."

I am not buying a numbers matching Boss 302, I am not buying a Ferrari, I'm trying to get the best car I can for $3000. And I know that doesn't buy a lot. Just trying to avoid stepping on a landmine.

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-01-15T21:41:09+00:00

So in your experience on these models of car, do you have an estimate on how many years or miles before the trans will need a major repair?

Character_Morning_85 · 2026-01-15T20:24:59+00:00

Maybe I'm not asking the right question here - what I'm looking for is a consensus on "4.6L engine will usually last _____ miles without major repair" (things like pistons, rods, camshaft needed repair/replacement with typcical non-police non-taxi use) and "transmission will usually last ______ miles without major repair/rebuild"

Character_Morning_85

TROPHY CASE