The vehicle is a 1996 Mercury Sable sedan with the Vulcan engine. It has ~ 178k miles on original engine & tranny. What are problem spots on this vehicle?
The spark plugs are called out in the owner's manual as AWSF-32PP. What is the deal with "PP"? It specifically mentions that the replacement plugs must have this suffix. These are long life plugs, correct? What happens if replaced with Denso Iridium? What is the correct spark plug torque?
The coolant is specified as ESE-M97B44-A. This is not long-life coolant. Any reason why I can't use the new AMSOIL propylene glycol here? Is the t-stat easy to replace? I haven't even looked for it yet. It seems like a good time to replace.
ATF is specified as MERCON ATF so I'll use AMSOIL ATF here. What is the correct torque value for the pan bolts? I assume it has a replaceable pan filter (felt type?) - any recommendations & tips? How many quarts will I need to do a pan drop?
Power steering is specified as MERCON ATF so I'll use AMSOIL ATF here as well. I plan on a quart.
What is the correct lug nut torque spec?
Anything special about Ford's brake fluid spec ESA-M6C25-A? Just any DOT3/4?
The fuel filter p/n is FG-800-A. Any recommendations or tips for replacement?
The PCV valve p/n is EV-228. Any brand recommendations and tips?
I have considered the Akebono ProACT ceramic pads for the front brakes. Any problems with that or better suggestions - please back it up at least somewhat.
The spark plugs are called out in the owner's manual as AWSF-32PP. What is the deal with "PP"? It specifically mentions that the replacement plugs must have this suffix. These are long life plugs, correct? What happens if replaced with Denso Iridium? What is the correct spark plug torque?
The coolant is specified as ESE-M97B44-A. This is not long-life coolant. Any reason why I can't use the new AMSOIL propylene glycol here? Is the t-stat easy to replace? I haven't even looked for it yet. It seems like a good time to replace.
ATF is specified as MERCON ATF so I'll use AMSOIL ATF here. What is the correct torque value for the pan bolts? I assume it has a replaceable pan filter (felt type?) - any recommendations & tips? How many quarts will I need to do a pan drop?
Power steering is specified as MERCON ATF so I'll use AMSOIL ATF here as well. I plan on a quart.
What is the correct lug nut torque spec?
Anything special about Ford's brake fluid spec ESA-M6C25-A? Just any DOT3/4?
The fuel filter p/n is FG-800-A. Any recommendations or tips for replacement?
The PCV valve p/n is EV-228. Any brand recommendations and tips?
I have considered the Akebono ProACT ceramic pads for the front brakes. Any problems with that or better suggestions - please back it up at least somewhat.