Observations on my first full service (4.6 V8)

So, I've spent the day servicing my beast. I know you all like to read what I've been up to so I've jotted it down here. Thanks to everyone that lent some advice before I got started, it saved me hours I'm sure.

Most of the jobs didn't really need doing either! The fluids were either like golden treacle or Strawberry syrup depending where they came from so someone has been looking after my car before I bought her. Except the Transfer Box oil. That was black as night.

Jobs done...

Front Diff oil change
Rear Diff oil change
Engine oil change
Transfer box oil change
Auto box oil change
Renew auto box strainer
Remove sump and renew sealant (trying to cure the oil leak)
Grease Propshaft UJs
New sparking plugs
New HT leads
New fuel filter
New Air filter
New compressor inlet filter
New wheel centre disc.

Jobs not done due to running out of steam...

Brake fluid change
Power Steering fluid change
Centralise steering wheel
Adjust steering lock stops.
Renew cubby box gas strut

Observations

1. Renting a ramp is the best thing I've ever done. £50 to stand as you work and not lie down in the road is the best £50 I've ever spent.

2. My hands are too big to get behind the plenum to access the coils without removing the skin from my knuckles. WHO THE HELL PUT THEM THERE!

3. Do not attempt to change the Transfer Box oil without one of those hand pumps that fit in the top of the bottles. £3.99 I should have spent, rather than an hour trying to siphon oil down a length of garden hose.

4. Not a bad days work for an amateur.

Good stuff!

Where did you rent the ramp? This time of year, that is very appealing as I've got a service due on mine in a couple of weeks....

I rented it from a local garage in Feltham. Saw an advert in eBay! They have a ramp in their workshop they don't use so they rent it out.

I got there at 10am and left at 5.30pm. He charged me £50 cash and said I could work up until 6.30 if I wanted.

You have to bring all your own tools, but they are able to dispose of the old oil and fluids for you, and there is use of a compressor if you want.

There was a transmission jack, a 10ton press and a few other bits. I don't know if they're included because I didn't use them

There were a few professionals working that I borrowed a few bits and bobs from, and they were very friendly and helpful.

It wasn't the poshest garage I've ever seen, but it was perfect for what I wanted. It's a bit far from Brighton, but if you could find something similar near you it'd be all you need to do a service.

I shall def have a look, failing that I've got a mate in twickenham who I'm sure will want to help and let me crash at his - he just doesn't know it yet!!!!!

Cheers for the info.

If you combined it with a visit it'd be well worth it.

Here's the link....

Nice one. Cheers