My girlfriend needs to get her '94 Magna serviced rather urgently this week. Can anyone recommend a good place to take it to please? It hasn't been serviced for 6 months, and the Shell garage did a crap job of it last time, totally overfilling the oil, and it runs extremely rich. Its got 210,000kms on it, but is still pretty reliable. She's planning a 1,000km trip away next week, and just needs to get it running sweetly again. Any quality service centre recommendations greatly appreciated. Thanks very much.

Edit: I've just been searching the forum. RPW seems highly commended, or is that overkill for a stock car like hers?

I take my car out to Skippers in Victoria Park. They tend to do a pretty good job and customer service is excellent.

-- Horgz

Thanks Horgz. I was thinking I should just get her to take it to a Mitsubishi dealer. It will certainly never be going to a Shell outlet again. I'll pass on your recommendation to her. Appreciated. :) I'm not too cluey on Magnas.

The guys at paceway mits in ozzie park are good, honest about their work too. One good thing about a mitsu dealer is they know exactly what to do from the start because they've done your car 100 times before. This means your not paying for the hour a normal mechanic would be stuffing around trying to figure out where everything is on the car.
3 mitsu's in my family, all serviced at paceway, never had a problem, not too badly priced.

And thanks for that danstraz. Even better, as thats a bit closer to where she lives. Its a good car, and I'm actually surprised how its still running, but it desperately needs some TLC. I even waxed it for her on the weekend! Now to get the internals sorted.... :)

I totally service my own car and have helped serviced older magnas like TP -TE models.
Its kind of like a hobby to me as I used to be an aircraft mechanic.

I will change:
oil filter
Engine oil minimun grade(Shell Hilux Plus, Castrol Magnetic) otherwise if requested for higher or lower grades. and I do know exact amount to pour into the engine.
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
spark plugs (NGK)

Normally done within 3 hours or less.
and normally cost people $130.00 or less depending on whats changed and what wasnt.

I totally service my own car and have helped serviced older magnas like TP -TE models.
Its kind of like a hobby to me as I used to be an aircraft mechanic.

I will change:
oil filter
Engine oil minimun grade(Shell Hilux Plus, Castrol Magnetic) otherwise if requested for higher or lower grades. and I do know exact amount to pour into the engine.
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
spark plugs (NGK)

Normally done within 3 hours or less.
and normally cost people $130.00 or less depending on whats changed and what wasnt.

k00k,

No worries, he he I like the name... you surf?

Cheers,

Danno



Nexus,

I got quoted something like that just to gave the rear bank plugs changed, is this right? They recon there's a bunch of stuff that needs doing so you can access them. Whats the go?

On the topic, I was going to take my car in for the 90000/105000 k service now that its on 108k and I need a few things done (timing belt, rear bank plugs, trans and coolant flush and general service). How much of this would you be able to do and do the plugs really need changing?

They quoted $130 or something for 3 plugs. I was pretty sure I could do them all myself for $3 a plug?

Thanks for the offer Nexus. But it looks like she's already booked it into RWP as they could get it done before the weekend. Maybe she could tee something up with next time? Should a car like hers be running synthetic, or a mineral based oil? I'd say its possibly got some pretty heavy engine wear, even though it doesn't blow any smoke. Its done 210,000kms. I've got a spare 5l of Shell Helix 5W-40 which I could give them to put in. It was for my Clio, as that is going in to get serviced soon, but I'm getting Elf Excellium 5W-40 put in that now.

k00k,

No worries, he he I like the name... you surf?

Cheers,

Danno

Hehe. Thanks. Its a play on my name given to me by mates years ago. And yes, I do surf, but only when its a bit warmer. I'm too lazy now to sit out there and freeze... :D

Hehe. Thanks. Its a play on my name given to me by mates years ago. And yes, I do surf, but only when its a bit warmer. I'm too lazy now to sit out there and freeze... :D

it's not that cold... it's been pretty crap anyway. Definately looking forward to summer. Sun, few more girls out... wearing a bit less than they normally do :)

it's not that cold... it's been pretty crap anyway. Definately looking forward to summer. Sun, few more girls out... wearing a bit less than they normally do :)

Yep, I know, I'm a big sook, but I'm slim. No meat on me bones to keep me warm! Roll on summer. The girls down the beach definitely help with motivation... :)

k00k,

No worries, he he I like the name... you surf?

Cheers,

Danno



Nexus,

I got quoted something like that just to gave the rear bank plugs changed, is this right? They recon there's a bunch of stuff that needs doing so you can access them. Whats the go?

On the topic, I was going to take my car in for the 90000/105000 k service now that its on 108k and I need a few things done (timing belt, rear bank plugs, trans and coolant flush and general service). How much of this would you be able to do and do the plugs really need changing?

They quoted $130 or something for 3 plugs. I was pretty sure I could do them all myself for $3 a plug?

Lol, no i dont surf. For the spark Plugs I could help you take a look, have not seen a TF model for v6 my guess? But if its just changing 3 spark plugs and they are accesible thats kind of high price for you to pay. Yeah, you could probably do it yourself. I will need to look before giving further comments, wont want to be some smart a here. As for things like coolant flush thats ok, I could do that. But timing belt and brakes are out of my reach at the moment as I have not learn those. I am sure I will know how to change brakes soon but as far as timing belt goes I can recommend someone else to you but it is always advisable to check places out for timing belt as many give different quotes.

I stay in Wilson area near Vic Park etc...but we are just talking about spark plugs we can just meet some where and take a look. I can just bring along tools for the spark plugs, not really a big problem unless it is unaccesible which is why they quoted so much otherwise I think I have no problems changing them.

Thanks for the offer Nexus. But it looks like she's already booked it into RWP as they could get it done before the weekend. Maybe she could tee something up with next time? Should a car like hers be running synthetic, or a mineral based oil? I'd say its possibly got some pretty heavy engine wear, even though it doesn't blow any smoke. Its done 210,000kms. I've got a spare 5l of Shell Helix 5W-40 which I could give them to put in. It was for my Clio, as that is going in to get serviced soon, but I'm getting Elf Excellium 5W-40 put in that now.

Most websites have indicated semi sythetic recoomedation such as Castrol Magnetic, or Shell Helix Plus or Mobil Sythetic S.
What you giving her is Helix Ultra which is beyond average or good performance and should be fine and so long as she stick with the brand it be better as it lets the engine condition to that type of oil.

Curious I couldnt find Elf Engine oil here in WA, where did you locate it? and how much it cost?

Lol, no i dont surf. For the spark Plugs I could help you take a look, have not seen a TF model for v6 my guess? But if its just changing 3 spark plugs and they are accesible thats kind of high price for you to pay. Yeah, you could probably do it yourself. I will need to look before giving further comments, wont want to be some smart a here. As for things like coolant flush thats ok, I could do that. But timing belt and brakes are out of my reach at the moment as I have not learn those. I am sure I will know how to change brakes soon but as far as timing belt goes I can recommend someone else to you but it is always advisable to check places out for timing belt as many give different quotes.

I stay in Wilson area near Vic Park etc...but we are just talking about spark plugs we can just meet some where and take a look. I can just bring along tools for the spark plugs, not really a big problem unless it is unaccesible which is why they quoted so much otherwise I think I have no problems changing them.

Thanks Nexus,

I'll have a look myself. At the moment, for me it's just about time. I am at uni and I work so I'm just saving for someone else to do it atm. Might just go down to paceway, it is a pretty major service so I might just leave it to the pros.

Thanks anyway,

Danno

Thanks Nexus. I'll just give her that then, as its not going to get used otherwise.

Gull used to be the distributors for Elf here in WA, but have now dropped the ball. You can contact the distributor Martin and he's a very helpful guy. Or just email him & leave your number, and he will call. He is in Sydney but will arrange to get it sent to you if you want some.

http://www.elfoil.com.au/
sales@elfoil.com.au
(02) 9750 8344

I think its about $55 for 4litres.

Thanks Nexus,

I'll have a look myself. At the moment, for me it's just about time. I am at uni and I work so I'm just saving for someone else to do it atm. Might just go down to paceway, it is a pretty major service so I might just leave it to the pros.

Thanks anyway,

Danno

Yeah no problemo man I think you should too, anyway is a major service. I would do mine in time to come. Especially things like cleaning the fuel system, Timing belt, leaving to the pros to get it done.

I only mostly do basic maintainance stuff, but the spark plugs thingy is something I want to know about the rear banks of the V6. The 4 Cylinder ones are really piece of cake to change all 4. Which Uni are u at? I am doing my last semester in Curtin for my Honours program.

Thanks Nexus. I'll just give her that then, as its not going to get used otherwise.

Gull used to be the distributors for Elf here in WA, but have now dropped the ball. You can contact the distributor Martin and he's a very helpful guy. Or just email him & leave your number, and he will call. He is in Sydney but will arrange to get it sent to you if you want some.

http://www.elfoil.com.au/
sales@elfoil.com.au
(02) 9750 8344

I think its about $55 for 4litres.

No worries, I was kind of into the Engine oils after someone posted about using Mobil 1 which is expensive but good quality. IMO Shell Helix Ultra would do for me as it is cheap from Big W stores in case you guys didnt know. Sells for $47.50 for 5L compared to other stores which is $55.00 on avg. Emailed Shell industries about using Helix ultra and they told me is safe to use it even though their comparison chart didnt recommend it. On Castrol part I didnt emailed them to ask for advise. Mobil 1 was the only site that show that Magnas could use their Fully Syn oil. Was recommended from a friend about ELF, but didnt see it here in any auto stores.

Yeah no problemo man I think you should too, anyway is a major service. I would do mine in time to come. Especially things like cleaning the fuel system, Timing belt, leaving to the pros to get it done.

I only mostly do basic maintainance stuff, but the spark plugs thingy is something I want to know about the rear banks of the V6. The 4 Cylinder ones are really piece of cake to change all 4. Which Uni are u at? I am doing my last semester in Curtin for my Honours program.

Uwa, doing engineering in my second year. Not really enjoying it at the moment but hopefull it'll go somewhere.

What oil would you reccomend for the tf? I might have to pay a bit more during the service to have something better put in. Any idea what oil paceway would use?

Uwa, doing engineering in my second year. Not really enjoying it at the moment but hopefull it'll go somewhere.

What oil would you reccomend for the tf? I might have to pay a bit more during the service to have something better put in. Any idea what oil paceway would use?

This is something you would have to ask Paceway. If I am Not wrong is some ok Normal 20W-50W Engine oil they use but upon request they might have something better if you want. Ask them :

Could I give you the engine oil for you to fill after you do a flush?
Or if you have any higher grade oil which you could recommend?

My recommedations are basically the same as what Austalian Engine Oil websites recommed.
For Castrol: GTX3 for the lowest grade recommendation for a TF and Castrol Magnetic for better Engine protection(70% less wear).

For Shell: I recommed Helix Plus or Plus Eco 10 for semi Syn oils which is very good cost about $25-$35.00 for 5L. For fully Syn use Helix Ultra top grade 5-40W

For Mobil: Use Sythetic S or Mobil 1 5-50W.

Most Engine oil manufacturer recommends the semi syn oils for our magnas.

Oh, not enjoying your engineering lol. I know it is difficult. I am doing Information Systems.
Many people have degrees but ended up not working in the same field. Bare with it, I think it will pay off in the end.

yea, might look at the magnatek. Mates have said good things about the stuff.

Eng is soooooo boring, especially civil. And where I'm going, I won't even need it. I'm working with Multiplex doing a cadetship and I'm pretty much an assistant site manager. Why do I need to do geomechanics and maths if I'm going to be coordinating a construction site or helping to manage construction processes :rant:

haha oh well, thanks for the advise. I'll post with the prices for my service for everyone's general info.

Cheers,

Danno

With regards to the Elf synthetic oils, something most people don't realise is that the elf oils are not made in france :redface:

They are rebadged Mobil oils.

One of our VP Racing fuel agents went to visit the elf premises and saw Mobil dropping off boxes and boxes of oil to them, in blank barrels and boxes. The elf people then place there own stickers on them and voila - you have elf oils. :badgrin:

The point being that if you want an oil like that - then may as well get your oil from a local Mobil agent instead.

Hmmm, interesting. Thanks for the info. I'll have to let my fellow Clio owners know over at http://www.ozrenaultsport.com/

cheers

With regards to the Elf synthetic oils, something most people don't realise is that the elf oils are not made in france :redface:

They are rebadged Mobil oils.

One of our VP Racing fuel agents went to visit the elf premises and saw Mobil dropping off boxes and boxes of oil to them, in blank barrels and boxes. The elf people then place there own stickers on them and voila - you have elf oils. :badgrin:

The point being that if you want an oil like that - then may as well get your oil from a local Mobil agent instead.

Was told Nasa use Elf lol. If thats the case is like using expired or unable to clear Mobil oils, which wonders from which grade? Mobil 1? thats still good though. But It should be rightfully trueful info when they need to say what kind of oil is it, like a Fully Syn oil or partial syn.
Its still all good if they are honest. Though if you are a loyal Mobil customer, stick to that.

Update

I was at Mitsubishi Southside today and was told that they use Shell Helix Engine oil.
Which grade is up to your personal peference.

cheers!

As to the service at RPW, I can say that my girlfriend was extremely happy with their work. To quote her, the car is now "purring like a kitten, no oil smell, very smooth, quieter, more power, smoother gearchange" etc. Said she will definitely be going back there. They put a new oxygen sensor in as well as spark leads, plus a major service. It had the wrong plugs in it apparently. She's going to get the CV joints done at the next service. Thanks for the help. Very much appreciated.

yeah i'm running pennzoil, but the thicker one. .70 i think, coz the engine's gettin a bit tired (200,000k's on it) and it burns a bit of oil, so the good stuff seems to b going good for it! once the car warms up, the car runs so much better than b4! used to get recommended to use the cheap oil, sorta like well if its burning it up, may as well not waste money on more expensive stuff. but being thicker it doesnt use as much, yes it takes longer to bleed thru the engine, but wen its all warm the cars more responsive :)
roughly $28 per 5L from supercheap i think
just a suggestion for ur gfs car if u dont wanna use expensive synthetics on it!

yeah i'm running pennzoil, but the thicker one. .70 i think, coz the engine's gettin a bit tired (200,000k's on it) and it burns a bit of oil, so the good stuff seems to b going good for it! once the car warms up, the car runs so much better than b4! used to get recommended to use the cheap oil, sorta like well if its burning it up, may as well not waste money on more expensive stuff. but being thicker it doesnt use as much, yes it takes longer to bleed thru the engine, but wen its all warm the cars more responsive :)
roughly $28 per 5L from supercheap i think
just a suggestion for ur gfs car if u dont wanna use expensive synthetics on it!

yeap, Semi Syn is what I would recommed for minimum requirement even on Magna TP. I think its worth the protection the engine needs. as said for this range Pennzoil semi blend I think, Shell Helix plus, Castrol Magnetic, or Mobil Sythetic S or someting are the recommended ones.

If you want better, I suggest Mobil 1 5-50W Super Syn, or Shell Helix Ultra (cheapest in BigW)