Having amassed all the parts to do a full service, today seemed a good day to start.

Started out with plugs....not as bad as I thought. My car is 2004 with 28k miles, but I was shocked by the state of the plugs that came out. In comparison to the new ones, they were definitely worn.

Then on to the air filter, I followed RAVE, and whilst long winded, and again I would suspect it was the original filter as it was as black as anything I've put a K&N in it's place.

Then the pollen filter. Again black on both sides (and it wasn't a charcoal one either). The bottom of the plenum was full of brake fluid, which was the last owner when he changed the front pads and discs......

Then the oil change. The drain bolt has clearly been in longer then 5000 miles, and it took a cold chisel to remove it. Glad I had a spare. the oil that came out, again was older then 5000 miles, and I'd guess it's done closer to 15,000. Still an OEM filter and a drop of new oil did the trick.

Whilst checking the underside, I discovered that the wheel alignment is out and the shoulder on the O/S front tyre is clearly out and I've put a spare on as it was clearly boarder line. So tomorrows task will be to get that sorted, before a new set of tyres go on.

whilst changing the tyre I found that the brake wear sensor had been cut off and tied back. I assume by the same person that filled the plenum with brake fluid.


So all that's left is gearbox and diff oils which I'll do next week when I can get access to a 2 post lift

Tried setting the service indicator, but no joy with the paper clip method.

All in all a rewarding day, and it goes like it should at long last....