Turner's Tip for a healthy S54:+ First thing, stay on top of your maintenance. Nothing will hurt the performance and aftermarket upgrades more than a poor running car. And these cars like to throw codes that could be either small or a big problem. Find out fast!
+ Oil leaks are common from a small valve on the exhaust side of the engine block - the
Constant Pressure Valve. At first glance it looks like a rear main seal is leaking but it's almost always this little gremlin.
+ If you notice a rattle coming from the front of the engine don't immediately assume it's the VAN0S system. The lower timing chain guide is held in with a bolt located behind the thermostat housing. This bolt has a bad habit of backing out which leaves the guide rail loose. If left un-checked for too long the guide rail will break and leave you with a very pricey engine rebuild. As a bonus you can replace the gasket on the oil filter housing as it's probably leaking too.
+ However, always make sure a VAN0S rebuild is in your budget too.
+ Have an engine oil analysis done annually. This will make it easier to spot internal engine wear, including rod bearing wear, as well as head gasket failure and coolant loss.
+ Check to see that your fan clutch is operating. The stock one has a high failure rate.
+ Power steering hoses - and their crimped connections - love to leak oil. It's almost always the high pressure line from the pump to the rack.
+ Rear subframe/floor failures - make sure you have this checked every year.
+ If you track it, make sure to change the oil often in the transmission and diff. This will be your first warning signs of a problem you can't see.
