Nothing special to report here. 5K miles, 7 months since last change, now at 173K miles. 3.5 quarts Castrol Edge High-Mileage 5W-30 and a new filter (90915-YZZN1) brings the level to just below the full mark on the dipstick---perfect! The Fumoto valve makes the job less messy. Don't know how much longer I'll be able to get down (and back up again!); I've been doing these oil changes since the car was almost new. Looks like the cabin heater/AC fan is dying. Taking car in to trusted mechanic next week. If he needs to cut dash, I have a plan to re-attach original piece instead of the unobtanium part. Maybe he won't have to cut; we'll see. Will report back next week. Otherwise, car runs like a champ. The wife scored a hit 23 years ago when she said, "We have to buy this car!"
As promised, here's the update on the blower. This a.m. at 8:30, trusted mechanic Steve called with part on hand; took car in, got loaner to get back home. At 10:30, car is ready! Parts, labor, tax = $336.91. No cutting required. Nice quiet "whoosh," strong air flow as never before, especially side vents! All set for winter (and next summer, too). This proves (again) that job can be done by competent mechanic, without the unobtanium part (55558-47010). Note: I removed glove box beforehand to save time, while cleaning out years of accumulated stuff. Also, not that I'm complaining about the "free" use of the loaner, but I'm glad I never bought a Mercury sedan! What a clunker.
