Hey guys. My girlfriend is moving up to Oxford NC in about a week and a half. Seeing as how we both are living in the Orlando, FL area right now, thats alittle bit of a trip. I google earthe'd it and i'm looking at around 700 miles.

I thought about flying up there at first, but I would have no transportation when I was there, (seeing as how her parents are lazy ******* and don't particularly fancy me, at least thats my vibe). So my only other option is driving!

I'm gonna be taking the FC for the trip. Its a 1987 GXL with about 137k on it. The car has been taken good care of, and I'm the third owner. (first and second owners were friends, so its much like a one owner car lol). Anyways, before I make that trip, I was wondering if you guys that took long trips in your FC's could give me some info and advice on the whole thing.

What preventative matenience should i do before i leave, etc.

Thanks for the info =)

 

Check all fluids, top of if not replace the radiator fluid
wouldn't want to overheat.
air pressure in tires

 

I travel for work...

700 miles is going to take you 12 hours each way (on a good day) and cost at least $168 just in gas. Add in tickets, Oil, Maintenance...

You will get tired of the trip within a month and that will be that. Flying from Orlando to Raleigh, NC can cost as low as $255 and will get you there in a couple hours. Have your GF pick you up and drive the rest of the way to Oxford.

 

Is this a one time trip or are you going to be doing this frequently? I made a road trip in my TII from Phoenix to Minneapolis. I didnt have a single problem the whole way, but then agai I have replaced basically everything in the engine bay except the motor.

For preventive maintenence, I would say:
-replace ALL coolant hoses in engine bay
-replace ALL flexible fuel lines.
-check your oil cooler lines for leaks and get new/braided steel ones if they look junky( if one of these blows your motor will be dead by the time you realize you sprung a leak)
-check brake and clutch fluid

All I can think of for now. good luck

 

Carry extra coolant and oil with you in case too. I just recently drove from Georgia up to the Dragon in TN (about 500 mi) and didnt have a single issue.

 

yea carry oil, coolant, little tool box, water, fire extinguisher, and fix-a-flat

 

If it runs right, fill it up and drive. Treat it like a Honda. Put in gas and fluids as needed and don't stick it in a ditch. Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down, good buddy.

Sheesh, it's not a crystal figurine, it's a freakin' car!

Edit:
Ok, it's an S4, so you do need the fire extiguisher.

 

I was planning on driving up there only on occasion for certain times, like when shes off school and stuff like that. I'll probabily end up flying alot of times, and other times driving. but it wont be like an every week trip. I'll most likely be staying for a few weeks at a time. Her parents really hate taking us places...and well...thats just alittle odd going out with your girlfriend and having her parents dropping you off somewhere! lol.

I need to replace my oil sender, as it doesnt always read correctly and sometimes doesnt read at all. Anyone know how I can go about doing that?

I'm changing the oil and checking fluids this week when I get paid, prolly gonna pull off the plugs and do a thurough cleaning on them as well.

Edit: Oh yeah, and I've had this notorious power steering leak, oddly enough I cant seem to find ANY fluids under the car after it sits, yet im always having to add fluid to it every few days. gotta pin that sucker down.

 

Good luck to you.

The sender is on the driver side if the engine, near the oil filter pillar I think.

Mazda should have it for around $50 if I remember correctly.

As for the PS, I would just carry a bottle of fluid. It is hard to find leaks and if it goes south on you, it won't really matter much while on the highway. In the city, you might build some new muscles. But keep the fluid handy Just in Case.