Proactive Maintenance

[Adam Watson]

At 120K and no service history I am thinking of slowing doing little bits and pieces of preventative Maintenanceas and when I have time and money as this car is a keeper. Its a 2002 A6 1.9TDI AWX engine, 5 speed manual.

Are any of the fuel additive injector cleaners worth bothering with or should I start looking at reconditioned injectors? No specific major problems that require new injectors.

The gear stick moves when pulling away, does this point to engine mounts going soft?

I plan to do the cam belt and associated gubbins on the summer, what else can I add to the list?
I thinking of concentrating on the engine at the moment and work my way around the car later, eg bushes etc

Thanks

Adam

[Crasher]

I would just fix what fails.

[Yorky Col]

I would just fix what fails.

Is'nt that being reactive rather than proactive as per OP's post?

Regards.
Col

[Crasher]

I see your point but it is difficult to prevent things failing or guess what is going to fail. Fixing what fails and regular servicing are all that's required for a good car.

[JimTraining]

Newbie here but has anyone tried oil sampling? Years ago, when I was on the tools we used to sample every compartment of a machine e.g. axles, hubs, engine etc and rather than change some items or fluids periodically, wait for the oil sample to indicate deterioration e.g. transmission oil might be a 1,000 hour (running time) scheduled change, but could last 3,000 plus depending on machine and use. Google oil sampling and analysis, most of them do a postal service. Used to cost £5 a pot and is good peace of mind for expensive metal lumps e.g. engines and transmissions. Probably £10 or so now. Much nicer than waiting for something to go bang I reckon. Cat and JCB dealers have the kits too. I am going to sample my engine once I get it gas converted as LPG can be quite harsh on oil life.

Gearstick moving is mounts deteriorating, if you can, get someone you trust to start to take up drive (against chocks / handbrake) i.e. just get clutch biting whilst you are looking under the bonnet, torch in tow. You can then see exactly how much movement you are getting. Easier with auto's just stalling the t/c against the footbrake (no more than 10 seconds)...