New Owner, Throttle and performance Measures I took, checkit out

[simple guy]

First time owner of a 2000 Mazda B3000 3.0L V6 (which is the ranger of course) flex fuel. It has 104,890K and stock everything. Here are some things I did after purchasing the truck that may help others with performance and running condition.

1 . I found out that the gas peddle and peddle arm inside the truck was plastic. When pushing the peddle to the floor I was only getting 3/4 throttle. Meaning the plastic arm was bent and the cable had lots of slack. I installed a small cable clamp on the cable inside the truck and wala 100% throttle body open with the peddle to the floor. This is something I would not normally check. If other have poor acceleration this may be why; never know.

2. I installed a $40 cleanable air filter with adapter (off ebay) and removed the upper part of the air box leaving the lower to particularly shield the hot engine air from the intake. I plan on cutting and installing the upper part to completely shield the filter and leave it open to the front inside of the truck.

3. Ran 2 containers of fuel injection cleaner 2 times for two full tanks of gas.

4. Replaced the engine oil with 5W-30 full synthetic (and filter)

5. Replace the transmission oil and filter. Note: My tranny was a 4R44E and if you purchase a kit from Autozone get the “short” or “smaller” filter kit. One filter (smaller) is flat on the inlet site and the other filter has a 2.5” circular neck extending down off the inlet side and for a deep transmission NOT the 4R44E.

6. Replace the rear-end gear oil with 75W-90 full synthetic oil.

7. Installed 6 splitfire plugs , not the newer copper standard ones but the actual “Y” type (part number SD10F off ebay at $3 each).

8. Purchased and installed 8MM silicon Ar-Tech Automotive plug wires Part # 6675 (off ebay) for $26 total (included shipping). And they fit like a glove.

9. Replaced the radiator fluid 50/50 Prestone.

10. Bleed the entire brake system of the old nasty brake fluid. Took a fully larger bottle to do this.

Talk about a night and day difference in performance and breaking; runs cooler too! Takes two full days and goggles but worth it. Cheers…

 

[almostclueless]

A lot of good recommendations there, but don't be surprised if any benefit gained from expensive splitfires is soon lost, as this engine is wasted spark and will quickly erode whatever non platinum electrodes are present.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

+1, you should really have double platinums in that motor.

also be careful with K&N and the like re-usable filters. they are fine to run (despite what some people will tell you), as long as you dont over-oil them. over oiling will cause fouling of your $150 MAF sensor

 

[simple guy]

Today 02:12 PM
almostclueless A lot of good recommendations there, but don't be surprised if any benefit gained from expensive splitfires is soon lost, as this engine is wasted spark and will quickly erode whatever non platinum electrodes are present.

Know what you mean. I purchased them for $3 each and only use them about 10K miles or less between replacement. I always like to keep the electrical system with new parts to keep the mileage up.

 

[03 Ranger]

How do you know if you are over oiling the aftermarket air filter? Great post bye the way.

 

[simple guy]

To not overoil means you just put enough oil on the filter to cover the plastic not complete saturate it until it is dripping off the inside and outside of the filter or just one side

Lightly spray to coat and wala.

 

[Bob Ayers]

A lot of good recommendations there, but don't be surprised if any benefit gained from expensive splitfires is soon lost, as this engine is wasted spark and will quickly erode whatever non platinum electrodes are present.

Not only that, but they aren't the correct heat range! Go with Motorcraft double platinums, or fine wire platinums, or if you really enjoy changing plugs(this would be the only reason to use the coppers)
go with the Motorcraft coppers.....at least the Motorcrafts will be the correct
heat range.

A few items it looks like you missed: fuel filter, thermostat, PCV valve, serpentine belt, radiator & heater hoses, check brake pads and pack front wheel bearings (replacing grease seals).

The OEM air filter, and filter box will flow way more air than the engine will pull, and it is already a CAI.

 

[almostclueless]

pack front wheel bearings (replacing grease seals).

98-at least 00 had unitized front hub assemblies.

 

[Bob Ayers]

98-at least 00 had unitized front hub assemblies.

Thanks! My 1999 still has bearings that can be packed...

 

[almostclueless]

Sorry Mr Ayers, I stuck my foot in my mouth. Didn't think about 2WD trucks.

 

[simple guy]

Bob Ayers Quote: A few items it looks like you missed: fuel filter, thermostat, PCV valve, serpentine belt, radiator & heater hoses, check brake pads and pack front wheel bearings (replacing grease seals).

Fuel filter: Done
PCV: Done and replaced the hose running from the PVC to the engine.
Brake pads: Checked front (2/3rd's there) and rear (new) and also cleaned the rear drums of dust.
serpentine belt: Next

thermostat, radiator & heater hoses, pack front wheel bearings: very soon and I actually forgot about the thermostat cuz the truck was running so cool, thankx for the heads up.