Annual Service ?

 
 
 
 
 
tony glenn
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Annual Service ?

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Posted: 04.03.2021  ·  #1
Our normal routine is to book in the MH for a full service/ pre-CVRT check every March, then clock up a fair mileage during the Summer around Ireland and UK, finishing the season with a long France trip.
Having just booked for a full service, I remembered that we didn't do the usual travelling last year (no France/UK for instance)....in fact I just checked, just 2031k in total!
I'm just wondering if the full service is still necessary after 2k? Obviously, I don't want to skimp on maintenance, but I don't want to spend money on oil, filters etc if they're not really needed, but having said that, I like to keep the 'annual' service routine for my vehicle history records.
It's a 2004 Transit 125 T350 base vehicle if that's relevant. I'll still be getting the pre-CVRT check btw.
Comments, advice and recommendations appreciated


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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 05.03.2021  ·  #2
Quote by tony glenn

Our normal routine is to book in the MH for a full service/ pre-CVRT check every March, then clock up a fair mileage during the Summer around Ireland and UK, finishing the season with a long France trip.
Having just booked for a full service, I remembered that we didn't do the usual travelling last year (no France/UK for instance)....in fact I just checked, just 2031k in total!
I'm just wondering if the full service is still necessary after 2k? Obviously, I don't want to skimp on maintenance, but I don't want to spend money on oil, filters etc if they're not really needed, but having said that, I like to keep the 'annual' service routine for my vehicle history records.
It's a 2004 Transit 125 T350 base vehicle if that's relevant. I'll still be getting the pre-CVRT check btw.
Comments, advice and recommendations appreciated


Not a mechanic. However I would be more concerned in making sure its taken for a drive every week/2 weeks rather than oil change after 2K. If it was 4 years old then get the stamp in the book every year but at 2004 your love of the vehicle will say way more than a stamp in the book. Getting the mechanicals moving and up to temperature on a regular basis- engine, braking, transmission, suspension, air con is massively important.


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Annual Service ?

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Posted: 05.03.2021  ·  #3
Quote by insider

Quote by tony glenn

Our normal routine is to book in the MH for a full service/ pre-CVRT check every March, then clock up a fair mileage during the Summer around Ireland and UK, finishing the season with a long France trip.
Having just booked for a full service, I remembered that we didn't do the usual travelling last year (no France/UK for instance)....in fact I just checked, just 2031k in total!
I'm just wondering if the full service is still necessary after 2k? Obviously, I don't want to skimp on maintenance, but I don't want to spend money on oil, filters etc if they're not really needed, but having said that, I like to keep the 'annual' service routine for my vehicle history records.
It's a 2004 Transit 125 T350 base vehicle if that's relevant. I'll still be getting the pre-CVRT check btw.
Comments, advice and recommendations appreciated


Not a mechanic. However I would be more concerned in making sure its taken for a drive every week/2 weeks rather than oil change after 2K. If it was 4 years old then get the stamp in the book every year but at 2004 your love of the vehicle will say way more than a stamp in the book. Getting the mechanicals moving and up to temperature on a regular basis- engine, braking, transmission, suspension, air con is massively important.


I am inclined to agree and think that, an hours drive up the motorway would do it more good then an oil change, I would prefer to see a decent bit ok mileage between yearly test, then a stamp in a Service book.


tony glenn
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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 05.03.2021  ·  #4
I have a strict off-season routine and head out for a good run every 2-3 weeks..…. (in the motorhome, not in a tracksuit!)
Also I check for habitation problems weekly and generally keep an eye on overall condition, as we all do.
I didn't really think it was necessary to have the usual full service this year, hence my question. I might just ask my garage to do a pre-CVRT check. And after only 2000k since the last one, hopefully it'll fly through!

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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 05.03.2021  ·  #5
One of the issues with little use is rust on the discs and drums. This can lead to poor brake performance and a CVRT fail.
It's best to give the vehicle a regular drive and include a bit of harsh braking to clean the discs/DRUMS. don't forget to check your mirrors first, also driving a few hundred metres with the handbrake partially on cleans that down if it's a separate system (like on the Ducato).

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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 05.03.2021  ·  #6
For the sake of £30 I would change the oil and filter every year regardless of mileage.

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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 05.03.2021  ·  #7
Have to agree. I do an oil and filter change each year whatever the mileage. I also change the fuel filter and clean the K&N air filter

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tony glenn
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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 06.03.2021  ·  #8
I think I'll go for the full service after all.... thanks for the push in the right direction!

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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 06.03.2021  ·  #9
About the oil service.
My Ducato 244 (pre-2007) developed an oil leak from the front crankshaft seal. when getting the timing belt changed last year I also got a new seal fitted ................ the leak continued :-/
Researching the issue I came across a lot of comment about Ducato's leaking because garages started using the 5W-30 synthetic oil recommended for new engines instead of the 10W-40 semi-synthetic originally specified for older engines.
A few months ago I got my oil changed to the 10W-40 ...................... leak gone ^_^


tony glenn
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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 08.03.2021  ·  #10
Full service completed today. I asked my usual guy regarding the low mileage and he said that twelve months had passed, regardless of amount of driving. So oil and filter, air filter, fuel filter...and a new fan belt. And peace of mind!
Whilst waiting in his workshop, I commented that perhaps a heater would be nice. He looked puzzled, as he finds Ireland very warm. Quote "In Lithuania it was minus 16° in the garage, minus 18° outside....
That's me told!

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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 09.03.2021  ·  #11
Quote by tony glenn

Full service completed today. I asked my usual guy regarding the low mileage and he said that twelve months had passed, regardless of amount of driving. So oil and filter, air filter, fuel filter...and a new fan belt. And peace of mind!
Whilst waiting in his workshop, I commented that perhaps a heater would be nice. He looked puzzled, as he finds Ireland very warm. Quote "In Lithuania it was minus 16° in the garage, minus 18° outside....
That's me told!


I would agree 100% about the oil and filter change but the others !!
Air filters should last for more than a year, the air here is very clean compared to some environments and should only be changed if a visual inspection shows it's needed. Fuel in Ireland is of good quality and fuel filters should be ok for about 50k km at least. The fan belt should also last quite a while and should only need replacement if showing signs of wear/damage.

I'm a great believer in a dose of Wurth Diesel Cure a couple of time a year to deal with any build-up of water and sludge in the fuel system.


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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 12.03.2021  ·  #12
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Re: Annual Service ?

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Posted: 14.03.2021  ·  #13
I would always do oil and filters once a year regardless of mileage. We don't do that many miles so I'll never go for that number...

Like they said above, for the cost of oil and filters and 30' worth of work taking it really, really easy... it's an absolute no brainer.

Nice opportunity to have a look aroud as well and see how things are looking and spot any leaks or possible problems early.

I would also agree with the folks saying to move the van every now and then, brign it up to temperature move the brakes, etc... always a good idea especially now these days.


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