My dad has a 02 Edge 3.0 and has never really done any maintenance on it other than oil changes - not timely and when a part goes bad. It has 286,000 and still runs well. I want to start working on it for him (it will give us a chance to bond) I’ve never rebuilt and engine and I don’t think I need to as it runs just fine. But I know a lot of maintenance has been missed any ideas where to start?

 

Welcome to the forum.
Start with basics:
~ Full Exterior+Interior Wash+Clean
~ Get yourself an OBD2Scanner that reads StandardSAE+ProprietaryFord data, fix TroubleCode items as needed
~ Change Fluids+Filters: Oil, Coolant, Fuel, Air, Transmission, Diff...
~ Change PCVValve & Inspect PCV+Vac Hoses For Leaks
~ Inspect underside for Suspension\Exhaust\Rust\Leak issues, repair\replace as needed
~ Inspect Brakes: Pads, Discs, Drums, Lines, Master, Repair As Needed
~ Suction+Refill Brake+Steering Reservoirs
~ Renew Exterior+Interior+Dash+Cluster Bulbs as needed, General Dash Internal Cleaning, Lube Speed+OdoMeter Mechanism
~ Lube All Hood+Door+TailGate Locks+Hinges, Repair As Needed
~ Renew Plugs+Wires+CoilPack+OxygenSensors

 

thank you for that.

 

After the engine bay clean up look for leaks, two resaons... fluid leaking, not good, and possible parts that are ready to go bad.

 

Any tips for cleaning that engine bay?

 

Drive until up to operating temp; then with engine idling in park:
~ Garden hose lite sprinkle over engine bay; hot water if available; do not soak sensitive electrical items.
~ Lite spraying with OrangeCleaner\Windex; let this soak 5~10min.
~ Lite sprinkle rinse with hose again
~ Let engine idle for several minutes when done to evaporate water+cleaner.
Spots with heavy gunk may need several repeats & ShopRag\SoftBrush.
Heavy gunk is usually result of an old leak; use this as an opportunity to find+repair those leaks.