Hey everyone, thought I’d introduce myself and post my first question on this forum. I’ve been browsing this forum for quite some time and the amount of information that has been posted is absolutely phenomenal.


As for my question, I own a 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX with 9,600 miles on the clock. I am the original owner and have been fortunate enough that I haven’t had to use it as my daily driver.


Performance wise the vehicle is completely stock with the only engine modifications being the addition of an Amsoil cone air filter utilizing a Vibrant MAF adapter plate and an AGP oil catch can.


For the past few years, my Evo has been store in the garage and has only been used on select occasions. Before I put it into storage, I treated the gas (full tank) with a can of Seafoam and made sure that the treated fuel made it’s way through the fuel lines to the engine. A battery maintainer was put in place to keep the battery charged. I also placed a RaceRamps Flatstopper under each tire to eliminate flat spotting. The vehicle was washed and waxed and placed under a car cover.


That being said, I’m finally looking to bring my Evo out of retirement and here is where I’m looking for some guidance. In your opinion, what would be the correct maintenance steps to bringing everything back up to speed?


So far, these are the maintenance items I plan on completing:


- Replace battery
- Replace spark plugs
- Replace transfer case fluid
- Replace engine oil
- Replace transmission fluid
- Replace rear differential fluid
- Drain fuel tank and replace with fresh fuel
- New tires will be installed (Old set currently on vehicle to avoid damaging new tires during storage)


Is there anything that I may have over looked or should be added to the maintenance list?


All opinions are appreciated and it’s great to finally be a part of this forum.


Cheers!

 

Ide probably drain and replace the engine coolant as well as replace and bleed brake fluid too.

 

I'd probably flush the brake fluid and clutch fluid. Make sure the brembo brake pistons arnt stuck. edit: you beat me to it lol

I'd also look at puting a 3M car bra on it to protect the front from stone chips

This is a unicorn!!

 

You could probably skip the battery since it's probably still good if its been on a maintainer, and possibly the plugs as well.

Unicorn indeed...

 

Thanks for all of the great responses, I truly appreciate them.


Changing the coolant has been added to the list, I just have to find a how-to on the forums. Shouldn't be an issue, lol.


As for a brake fluid change, I have that scheduled to be completed when I install my StopTech Stainless Steel brake lines. I figured I would tackle the brake fluid during the install since the brake system will have to be opened up regardless.


Spark plugs were more of a peace-of-mind replacement than a necessity.


Thanks for the comments, I've been overindulging this unicorn for years, lol. : )

 

Original Owner of a 2006 IX
Joined this forum on Aug. 2014
and this is your first post.

Start off with all fluids like you listed. I think that's all it needs to be done. make sure your fuel is fresh because it will bog down and die until your injectors are squirting like it should be. Add Fuel injector cleaner if needed.

Aside from that, make sure your engine wires aren't chewed up from rodents and your exhaust isn't a home for mice and such.

 

I'm in AZ and I wanna see this beauty first hand lol

 

post some pics!! I have a evo with 13k currently and I'm definitely considering the clear bra route. I got some rock chips on the hood cause Ohio roads suck. I just do the normal maintenance so I think you'll be fine with the basic necessities.

 

This is a ten year old car and the service manual says to replace the timing belt every five years.

 

As mentioned above I would also opt to replace the timing belt. And, if you got a recall notice for the Takata airbag inflator, I would get that done as well.

 

Hey everyone,


Alright, you got me, I've been lurking on this forum for quite some time before making myself known, lol. I can't believe it's already been over a year since I joined.


Regarding the timing belt, this was one of my biggest concerns when it came to getting my Evo back out onto the road. I really don't feel comfortable tackling a timing belt replacement and certainly don't trust taking my vehicle to the dealership to have it completed.


Does anyone know of a reputable shop here in AZ that preforms maintenance services such as a timing belt replacement? Any shops with good reviews or recommendations?


On the other hand, has anyone done their own timing belt replacement? Any advice or suggestions on if it can be completed in a home garage?


Speaking of belts, would it be a good idea to replace the serpentine belt as well?


Cheers. : )

 

I can't pretend to know what will happen if you don't comply with Mitsubishi's recommendation of 60K or 60 months on the timing belt. Also, how does time affect the grease in the bearings in the timing belt rollers or in the water pump?

The only experience I have with a car over on time is my wife's 2004 WRX. It had 60K on it when I noticed the timing belt was over on time not mileage. The recommended mileage interval for the WRX is 105K.

From what I read on the internet the toothed idler next to the water pump is the most prone to failure, often before 105K miles. Anyway, I got a Dayco timing belt kit and found the timing belt didn't fit so I reinstalled the old one. It looked good. On the other hand I found the water pump was leaking, the tensioner was leaking and that toothed sprocket I spoke of above spun freely when removed from the car but locked after sitting on the work bench a few days. I guess the bearing was dry and rust welded.

I've owned vehicles powered by the 4G63 continuously since 1992 so I have done the timing belt a number of times. Sometimes I did the belt just because I was doing head work. It is a little tricky, you need a half inch impact to remove the crank bolt and a good jack to put under the pan, a jack that doesn't leak down. Memorize the procedure, take your time, keep track of all the parts, mark the oid belts, transfer the marks to the new and it is just another job. Screw up and make toast of the engine.

 

Thanks barneyb for all the info. You definitely provided a bit more insight into doing a timing belt at home.


I've added a timing belt replacement to the list of maintenance items that need to be completed. Certainly don't want any timing belt issues while the engine is running.


Is anyone familiar with UMS Tuning here in Mesa, AZ? This is the shop I'm thinking of going with for the timing belt replacement as well as a complete inspection to see if any other issues have presented themselves.


Cheers.

 

You might as well include a water pump and pullys too while the cover is off

Make sure the mech is Evo experianced, do some searches on their name and if your going back for the airbag recall, read the recall threads on here, record the condition of the car outside and inside, including all internal lights and hand that to them before they start, it would probably not have a scratch on it so it needs to stay that way. Also get some good rallyart floor mats to protect the carpet

 

UMS Tuning is amazing. Tony knows his stuff. He'll take good care of you