Hello everyone,

I just have a few questions regarding my '88 F-250. Basically, I want to know some basics of giving it a tune-up. Naturally I can perform an oil change, change the air filter, the fuel filter, the spark plugs, probably wires and distributor cap, too. However, there's some other things some folks recommended I do, like change the PCV Valve and O2 sensor. I don't know where the PCV Valve or O2 sensor is located, how much they cost, or how difficult it is to replace them. I'd like to get as much gas mileage out of the truck as possible since it's a 460, 7.5L V8, so it guzzles bad enough as it is, but it's the only vehicle I've got. Also, are there any other things I may need to replace to give it some more zing and get it running nice? I bought it from an individual in pretty good shape, and I considered running Seafoam through it too. Any thoughts and any help would be appreciated.

 

Pcv valve is not that expensive, i believe under $10.00. It is usually located coming off one of the valve covers and is usually connected with a hose to go into the intake manifold . From my personal experience your best bet is to get the oxygen sensor from Ford. It will probably cost a few dollars more , but will be the right one and usually performs longer. Would suggest you use Motorcraft spark plugs, again from experience they seem to work better and last longer. There are a lot of things you can purchase from aftermarket, but again from fleet experience Genuine Ford parts are recommended. The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust pipe coming form the engine toward the converter . For example, Motorcraft spark plug wires are usually numbered and if you replace them one at a time it's not that difficult to do.
What you are doing is the best insurance policy you can get to keep it running well.
Go for it !

 

Thanks alot, hanky. I'll be sure to follow your recommendations. I think that genuine parts from a dealership tend to be better myself, so I'll spend the extra buck to get more bang for it. I can get started on it now that I know where everything is at. Thanks again!

Edit: I just noticed that the spring above the bracket that connects the emergency break cables together seems to be very rusted and nearly ready to break. Should I be able to order that spring from Ford? What is it, just some kind of tensioner spring or something?

 

mine was right on the firewall passenger side.