Proper maintenance is essential to ensure reliable operation and long service life for the Ford Falcon XK. Regular inspection, lubrication and adjustment of vehicle systems help prevent premature wear and maintain safe driving performance.

The maintenance schedule provided by Ford outlines a series of routine checks and service operations that should be carried out at specific mileage intervals or during regular fuel stops.

This guide summarises the recommended procedures and lubrication requirements for the Falcon XK.

Routine Maintenance Checks

Certain vehicle inspections should be carried out frequently as part of normal operation.

At Each Fuel Stop

Check the following items:

• Engine crankcase oil level

• Radiator coolant level

• Battery electrolyte level

• Windshield washer reservoir fluid (if fitted)

• Tyre air pressures

Maintaining proper fluid levels ensures the engine, cooling system and electrical systems operate correctly.

Tyre pressures should be approximately 24 psi when cold. Slightly higher pressures may occur after driving and should not be reduced while tyres are warm.

Initial Service – After First 1,000 Miles

After the initial running period, the following services should be performed:

• Adjust Fordomatic transmission bands

• Drain and refill engine crankcase and replace oil filter

• Lubricate front suspension ball joints and steering linkage

• Lubricate clutch equaliser bar

• Lubricate door lock striker plates

Early servicing removes contaminants produced during engine break-in and ensures proper adjustment of mechanical components.

Service Every 1,000 Miles

The following lubrication points should be serviced regularly:

• Front suspension ball joints and steering linkage

• Clutch equaliser bar

• Door lock striker plates

Applying chassis lubricant with a pressure grease gun prevents wear in suspension and steering components.

Service Every 4,000 Miles

At this interval the following checks should be performed:

• Check brake master cylinder fluid level

• Check Fordomatic transmission fluid level

• Drain and refill engine crankcase and replace filter

• Check gearbox lubricant level

• Check rear axle lubricant level

These inspections ensure proper lubrication of drivetrain and braking systems.

Service Every 5,000 Miles

The following maintenance should be carried out:

• Lubricate transmission, clutch and brake linkage

• Perform minor engine tune-up

• Check steering gear lubricant level

• Inspect and adjust steering gear preload if necessary

• Adjust clutch linkage and clutch pedal travel

• Apply silicone lubricant to weatherstrips

• Lubricate hood lock and catch

• Lubricate deck lid catch

• Lubricate door locks and door lock rotors

• Lubricate glove compartment door latch

Minor tune-ups help maintain engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Service Every 10,000 Miles

More extensive maintenance operations include:

• Lubricate door, hood and fuel filler hinge pivots

• Lubricate station wagon tailgate supports (if applicable)

• Perform minor brake adjustment

• Clean body and door drain holes

• Cross-switch tyres

• Perform major engine tune-up

• Adjust Fordomatic transmission linkage

• Clean, pack and adjust front wheel bearings

• Lubricate window regulators

These procedures maintain vehicle safety and mechanical efficiency.

Service Every 15,000 Miles

At this mileage interval, additional inspection and service operations should be completed.

Engine and Transmission

• Change Fordomatic transmission fluid

• Adjust Fordomatic transmission bands

• Replace air cleaner element

• Check carburetor throttle shaft wear

• Inspect exhaust system for leaks

Suspension and Driveline

• Check rear axle U-bolt torque

• Inspect shock absorber mountings and bushings

• Inspect rear spring eye bushings

• Replace spring leaf inserts if necessary

Lubrication Points

• Lubricate speedometer cable

• Lubricate heater and air control cables

• Lubricate universal joints

• Lubricate driveshaft slip yoke (Fordomatic models)

• Lubricate windshield washer controls

Maintenance Procedures

Engine Oil Level

The oil level should be maintained between the “ADD” and “FULL” marks on the dipstick.

For normal temperature conditions between 32°F and 90°F, Ford recommended SAE 20 heavy-duty engine oil. For continuous high temperature operation above 90°F, SAE 30 heavy-duty oil should be used.

Cooling System

The radiator coolant level should be maintained just below the bottom of the filler neck.

Battery Electrolyte

Battery water levels should be maintained at the indicator ring located at the bottom of each battery cell vent well.

Brake Fluid Level

The brake master cylinder fluid level should be maintained approximately ½ inch below the top of the filler opening using heavy-duty brake fluid.

Rear Axle Lubricant

Rear axle lubricant should be maintained at the bottom of the filler hole and topped up using Ford-approved rear axle lubricant specification M-2C-34A.

Major Engine Tune-Up

A major engine tune-up includes the following operations:

• Clean, adjust and test spark plugs

• Check engine compression

• Tighten intake manifold bolts

• Inspect drive belt tension

• Check battery condition

• Clean and adjust distributor breaker points

• Clean distributor cap and rotor

• Check ignition timing

• Inspect vacuum advance operation

• Clean or replace fuel filter

• Inspect fuel pump sediment bowl

• Adjust carburetor float level and idle mixture

• Adjust engine idle speed

• Adjust valve lash if required

• Inspect radiator and cooling hoses

These procedures ensure proper engine performance and reliability.

Body and Chassis Maintenance

Additional service procedures include:

Body Drain Holes

Body drain holes located along the underside of body panels and rocker panels should be inspected and cleared of debris to prevent corrosion.

Tyre Rotation

All tyres, including the spare, should be cross-switched according to the recommended rotation pattern. Wheel stud nuts should be tightened to 55–58 ft-lb torque.

Wheel Bearings

Front wheel bearings should be cleaned, inspected and repacked with wheel bearing grease. Replace bearings if signs of wear or damage are found.

Lubrication Points

The following vehicle components require periodic lubrication:

• Door hinges and latches

• Hood latch and safety catch

• Deck lid latch

• Window regulators

• Speedometer cable

• Heater and air control cables

• Universal joints

• Driveshaft slip yoke

• Windshield washer controls

Proper lubrication prevents binding and extends component life.

Safety, Copyright and Source Notice

Safety Disclaimer
Working on motor vehicles involves mechanical, electrical and chemical hazards. Always ensure the vehicle is safely supported, the engine is switched off when appropriate, and suitable safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection are used. If you are unsure about any repair or maintenance procedure, consult a qualified mechanic before attempting the work.

Source
Information compiled from period factory service literature.

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