Classic Car Maintenance - Engine Love

Don't forget these 3 engine maintenance basics:

I know that you know these engine maintenance basics. I know them too. But the gap between knowing and doing is sometimes as wide as the Gulf of California. So I'll touch on them again for me mostly, and you can read along and say "check!" to each one. :)

(And speaking of the Gulf of California, don't forget Targa Baja California, November 5-7. More info. Here is a fantastic video of Targa Baja California 2015.)

1. Change your oil.

Forget the miles. Change your oil at least every 6 months. It's cheap insurance.
We all know that when it comes to our vintage cars, oil changes are the language of love. We can't say "I love you" to our prized classic and then let old oil sit in the crankcase. The "every 3,000 miles" rule doesn't apply to our babies. They get so little mileage some years. Oil that sat all winter with residual gas, dirt and other contaminants in it... is going to break down. Yes, even though you didn't run the engine. And before you start with the oil change, now is a good time to check for oil leaks. Don't ignore them. Here's an excellent article on fixing recurring oil leaks.

2. Check your cooling system.

If you can't remember the last time you flushed... FLUSH.
A radiator flush for your classic car is often a good idea. But at least check your coolant. A cheap testing kit will tell you if it's the optimal (usually) 50/50 mix. And your eyes can tell you if it's green (good) or brown (bad). So take off that radiator cap and look. In short- check for leaks, bad color, and keep your antifreeze full. (I know- you air cooled friends can ignore this- ha!)

So what about the newer Organic Acid Technology (OAT) types of antifreeze? The orange stuff. Isn't it supposed to last longer and extend engine life? Don't use it. Orange is the enemy of our beloved vintage cars. It can wreak havoc with our older style gaskets, as well as trash our radiators over time. To be safe, stick with the recommended coolants for our specific cars... usually green. (I'm open to hearing your thoughts on the new "universal coolants" if you want to post a comment below.)

3. Keep your engine in tune.

If the rumble isn't right, tune it up.
You should visually inspect:

• Spark plugs
  
• Spark plug wires
  
• Distributor cap and rotor
  

Perhaps the easiest thing to check, even for my non mechanical friends, is the condition of the spark plug wires. Pop the hood, get a flashlight and look. Start by checking the boots... that flexible cover over the spark plug itself. That's near where all the heat from the engine is, and they can go bad. Here is an excellent article on checking your spark plug wires.

If you aren't into "under the hood" engine maintenance, take it to your favorite mechanic and have them do the under the hood inspection. Make sure you also check your air and gas filters at the same time. Air and gas filters for classic cars are simple front-line protectors of your investment.

I want to see your car in perfect condition!

My friends know how much a car in perfect condition makes me smile. I'll see many of you, my friends, on one of our annual targas , or at various events we all attend together. When I see your car, I want to drool and get excited when I hear it purring perfectly. I'd also like to insure it someday as your specialty car insurance agent in California, Arizona and Nevada. So run through the check list above, and I'll see you out there on the road!

(Photo courtesy Walter on Flickr. CC licensed.)