30,000 Mile Tune Up???

bighead113 · 04-15-2003, 09:54 AM

So, my car has 33K miles on it, and Im moving to Florida in a month. And, before I take my car on that long drive, I want to get my car in tip top shape.

I recently had the fuel injectors cleaned, new fuel filter, new serpentine belt, new filter for my CAI...

I want to change the spark plugs, but Im an idiot when it comes to engine work. Could someone give me a brief description of what plugs to buy and how to install...(no laughing!!

)

And, what else does everyone else suggest I do also???

Greed4Speed · 04-15-2003, 10:30 AM

Just get some regular platinum plugs. $1.50 a piece or so. A/C Delco, Bosch, NGK, Champion, Autolite...they're all good. The counter jockey at a parts store can hook you up with the right plugs. Don't fall for the designer plug BS. Check the end gaps with a feeler guage. Look under mods for that info the part about the NGK plugs. Might as well get some better wires if your going to do this also.

Other than that check your tire pressure.

If you run a K&N you won't have to buy new filters for your CAI. Just clean it and reoil it.

04-16-2003, 04:15 AM

A new PCV valve is never a bad idea. This can be great for gas mileage also. It's only about a 3 dollar part.

bighead113 · 04-16-2003, 06:35 AM

Could someone either post or email me (rclary@oswego.edu) some pics and instructions for changing spark plugs and pcv valve??? Thanks

Greed4Speed · 04-16-2003, 07:13 AM

pull a plug wire off, place socket (5/8" probably) over the plug, turn counter clockwise until plug comes out. To install reverse the process.

Do one at a time so you don't mix the wires up.

swordfencer · 04-16-2003, 07:38 AM

I have been hearing bad things about the Champion spark plugs. I was browsing the Hyundai forums yesterday (because I also have a Hyundai) and many owners were complaining about the quality of Champion spark plugs that were coming stock with the cars. They were saying they crack or foul real easily. The folks there recommended NGK and AC Delco or Autolites.

VaGT · 04-17-2003, 06:36 AM

Here is the PCV Valve. The hose/tube pulls right off, and the PCV Valve just pulls out. It is literally a 2 second swap. It is part of the 30K maintanence AFAIK. I did that and my fuel filter at 23K I think (without checking my records). When you pull the old out, if it doesn't rattle freely when you shake it, it needed/needs changed.

The image came from http://www.jonrc.net/pix/grand-am/ . I hope the author does not mind me using it for educational purposes

. I didn't have an image of my own engine handy.

As for the plugs.. 30K is a bit early. They are 100K plugs, but more towards 50K is good. If you live in a city, make short trips a lot, etc... you may want to have your transmission fluid changed... at this early stage, you probably do not need it flushed. Just drop the pan and change the filter/clean magnet. Maybe run it a week, drop the pan again if you want to get more fluid out.

Oh, and you want to make sure you can get to the plugs in the back with the tools you have. You can hardly see them unless you are sitting on the engine.

Green99GT · 04-17-2003, 10:19 AM

man you guts made changing the plugs sound easy....yeah you will want to have the right tools or plan on buying some for this. man i didnt know your supose to change the fuel filter that early...but yeah they got it covered. AC plugs for that are about $6 each.....advance has bosch for a 1.98 right now....there on sale.....at least in our region, i work there.

Greed4Speed · 04-17-2003, 12:05 PM

Plugs are that easy. Just pull a couple and see how they look before replacing them. The hardest part for me was trying to get those old boots off without busting my nuckles on something. Yes, I already have the tools, and learned to feel around for unseen things on an engine long ago, been working on cars since before I could drive. FYI a little lube makes the plug boots go on much easier.

Some people talk smack about Bosch, but they ran the +4 and those are crap. I've had their regular platinum on for over 6k miles now w/out any probs. I found some power I didn't notice losing too. Those $6 AC's better be rapidfires (still not worth $6). They should have just a regular platinum plug for less.

Green99GT · 04-17-2003, 06:46 PM

thats a standard platinum......yea it sucks....i dont like the +4's either.....they work good in fords thats about it.....

Gramp's GT · 04-17-2003, 08:34 PM

Don't forget to put some anti-sieze compound on the new plugs.

GTluver · 04-23-2003, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by VaGT
Here is the PCV Valve. The hose/tube pulls right off, and the PCV Valve just pulls out. It is literally a 2 second swap. It is part of the 30K maintanence AFAIK. I did that and my fuel filter at 23K I think (without checking my records). When you pull the old out, if it doesn't rattle freely when you shake it, it needed/needs changed.

The image came from http://www.jonrc.net/pix/grand-am/ . I hope the author does not mind me using it for educational purposes . I didn't have an image of my own engine handy.

As for the plugs.. 30K is a bit early. They are 100K plugs, but more towards 50K is good. If you live in a city, make short trips a lot, etc... you may want to have your transmission fluid changed... at this early stage, you probably do not need it flushed. Just drop the pan and change the filter/clean magnet. Maybe run it a week, drop the pan again if you want to get more fluid out.

Oh, and you want to make sure you can get to the plugs in the back with the tools you have. You can hardly see them unless you are sitting on the engine.

hey.....this pcv valve that u talk about.....i noticed that mine was leaking ( is it fuel or oil...im clueless) ......how do i take it out....? just pull it out .....when the car is off right?

Hot_Stud18 · 04-23-2003, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GTluver
hey.....this pcv valve that u talk about.....i noticed that mine was leaking ( is it fuel or oil...im clueless) ......how do i take it out....? just pull it out .....when the car is off right?

Wow yours is leaking? Are you sure you pulled the right plug? Im pretty sure the PCV valve only deals with air so no oil or any fluid should come out of it and your car should be off when you do the job.

Green99GT · 04-24-2003, 06:19 AM

theres oilthat leaks around them...you should see mine its bad....and to replace it you might want to think about getting the groumt* that its around it....the little black rubber peice

GTluver · 04-24-2003, 06:13 PM

yea it seems to leak around it...... if the pcv valve its just for air......can i put a breather in there instead? the ones they sell at autozone.......i have seen ppl put breathers in there instead.....(sorry_officer has it also ithink )

Green99GT · 04-24-2003, 06:23 PM

its a emisions thing too i think.....but yeah i dont see why not

GTluver · 04-24-2003, 06:57 PM

cool........thanx.......

Greed4Speed · 04-24-2003, 07:21 PM

Just keep a pcv valve handy for inspections, no reason you can't run a breather. Make sure you block off the PCV vacuum port though. There is no performance reason to run a breather over a PVC valve though, its just cosmetic.

andrewe77 · 04-24-2003, 09:17 PM

Yeah. Let's all let unburnt hydrocarbons into the atmosphere so we can destroy our planet even faster!

Seriously, it has a purpose. Leave it on. It doesn't affect your performance at all.

You will see oil because it is linked back to the crankcase. PCV = Positive Crankcase Ventilation. If you have a lot of oil backing up into your PCV valve, you possibly have a ring or valve blowby problem.

GTluver · 04-25-2003, 05:38 PM

hmm....i c.....well if it has no performance reason, ill leave it like it is.....w/ no breather.......unless its faulty, ill replace it w/ a new one.......

04-15-2003, 09:54 AM	#1
bighead113 Thanks everyone!!!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Syracuse, NY Age: 40 Posts: 99 Vehicle: 2000 Jeep Grand Cher.	30,000 Mile Tune Up??? So, my car has 33K miles on it, and Im moving to Florida in a month. And, before I take my car on that long drive, I want to get my car in tip top shape. I recently had the fuel injectors cleaned, new fuel filter, new serpentine belt, new filter for my CAI... I want to change the spark plugs, but Im an idiot when it comes to engine work. Could someone give me a brief description of what plugs to buy and how to install...(no laughing!! ) And, what else does everyone else suggest I do also???

04-15-2003, 10:30 AM	#2
Greed4Speed Duke of Duct Tape Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: FTW, TX Age: 49 Posts: 1,021 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT sedan	Just get some regular platinum plugs. $1.50 a piece or so. A/C Delco, Bosch, NGK, Champion, Autolite...they're all good. The counter jockey at a parts store can hook you up with the right plugs. Don't fall for the designer plug BS. Check the end gaps with a feeler guage. Look under mods for that info the part about the NGK plugs. Might as well get some better wires if your going to do this also. Other than that check your tire pressure. If you run a K&N you won't have to buy new filters for your CAI. Just clean it and reoil it. __________________ I like Cobras, they taste like chicken. 01 GAGT1 w/156k miles 00 Camaro SS - AKA Rogue.

04-16-2003, 07:13 AM	#5
Greed4Speed Duke of Duct Tape Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: FTW, TX Age: 49 Posts: 1,021 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT sedan	pull a plug wire off, place socket (5/8" probably) over the plug, turn counter clockwise until plug comes out. To install reverse the process. Do one at a time so you don't mix the wires up. __________________ I like Cobras, they taste like chicken. 01 GAGT1 w/156k miles 00 Camaro SS - AKA Rogue.

04-17-2003, 06:36 AM	#7
VaGT Go Steelers! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Woodbridge, Va Age: 44 Posts: 842 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT1	Here is the PCV Valve. The hose/tube pulls right off, and the PCV Valve just pulls out. It is literally a 2 second swap. It is part of the 30K maintanence AFAIK. I did that and my fuel filter at 23K I think (without checking my records). When you pull the old out, if it doesn't rattle freely when you shake it, it needed/needs changed. The image came from http://www.jonrc.net/pix/grand-am/ . I hope the author does not mind me using it for educational purposes . I didn't have an image of my own engine handy. As for the plugs.. 30K is a bit early. They are 100K plugs, but more towards 50K is good. If you live in a city, make short trips a lot, etc... you may want to have your transmission fluid changed... at this early stage, you probably do not need it flushed. Just drop the pan and change the filter/clean magnet. Maybe run it a week, drop the pan again if you want to get more fluid out. Oh, and you want to make sure you can get to the plugs in the back with the tools you have. You can hardly see them unless you are sitting on the engine. Attached Thumbnails __________________ 2001 Grand Am GT1 75th Anniversary Edition Purchased new 6/14/01 Last edited by VaGT; 04-17-2003 at 06:42 AM.

04-17-2003, 10:19 AM	#8
Green99GT Worth The Trouble?? AKA: Justin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 38 Posts: 825 Vehicle: 99gt	man you guts made changing the plugs sound easy....yeah you will want to have the right tools or plan on buying some for this. man i didnt know your supose to change the fuel filter that early...but yeah they got it covered. AC plugs for that are about $6 each.....advance has bosch for a 1.98 right now....there on sale.....at least in our region, i work there. __________________ 18" Chrome Kronix Virus, 1,500Watts(Focal/MTX),SLP & APOC, MSD,CAI,20/35% Tint,DRL, Underbodies (2), SVP Strobes(90watt), H&R, KYB,Blazers 100watt, ceramic pads, cross drilled/slotted rotors, debadged, custom HU Plate

04-16-2003, 04:15 AM	#3
nokiatech Guest Posts: n/a	A new PCV valve is never a bad idea. This can be great for gas mileage also. It's only about a 3 dollar part.

04-16-2003, 06:35 AM	#4
bighead113 Thanks everyone!!!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Syracuse, NY Age: 40 Posts: 99 Vehicle: 2000 Jeep Grand Cher.	Could someone either post or email me (rclary@oswego.edu) some pics and instructions for changing spark plugs and pcv valve??? Thanks

04-16-2003, 07:38 AM	#6
swordfencer GAGT - Member AKA: c Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 320 Vehicle: 2007 4Runner V8 SE	I have been hearing bad things about the Champion spark plugs. I was browsing the Hyundai forums yesterday (because I also have a Hyundai) and many owners were complaining about the quality of Champion spark plugs that were coming stock with the cars. They were saying they crack or foul real easily. The folks there recommended NGK and AC Delco or Autolites.

04-17-2003, 12:05 PM	#9
Greed4Speed Duke of Duct Tape Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: FTW, TX Age: 49 Posts: 1,021 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT sedan	Plugs are that easy. Just pull a couple and see how they look before replacing them. The hardest part for me was trying to get those old boots off without busting my nuckles on something. Yes, I already have the tools, and learned to feel around for unseen things on an engine long ago, been working on cars since before I could drive. FYI a little lube makes the plug boots go on much easier. Some people talk smack about Bosch, but they ran the +4 and those are crap. I've had their regular platinum on for over 6k miles now w/out any probs. I found some power I didn't notice losing too. Those $6 AC's better be rapidfires (still not worth $6). They should have just a regular platinum plug for less. __________________ I like Cobras, they taste like chicken. 01 GAGT1 w/156k miles 00 Camaro SS - AKA Rogue.

04-17-2003, 06:46 PM	#10
Green99GT Worth The Trouble?? AKA: Justin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 38 Posts: 825 Vehicle: 99gt	thats a standard platinum......yea it sucks....i dont like the +4's either.....they work good in fords thats about it..... __________________ 18" Chrome Kronix Virus, 1,500Watts(Focal/MTX),SLP & APOC, MSD,CAI,20/35% Tint,DRL, Underbodies (2), SVP Strobes(90watt), H&R, KYB,Blazers 100watt, ceramic pads, cross drilled/slotted rotors, debadged, custom HU Plate

04-17-2003, 08:34 PM	#11
Gramp's GT 2000 Spruce Green Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.C. Canada Age: 66 Posts: 225 Vehicle: 2000 GT 4 DR	Don't forget to put some anti-sieze compound on the new plugs. __________________ Green GA's are faster

04-24-2003, 06:19 AM	#14
Green99GT Worth The Trouble?? AKA: Justin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 38 Posts: 825 Vehicle: 99gt	theres oilthat leaks around them...you should see mine its bad....and to replace it you might want to think about getting the groumt* that its around it....the little black rubber peice __________________ 18" Chrome Kronix Virus, 1,500Watts(Focal/MTX),SLP & APOC, MSD,CAI,20/35% Tint,DRL, Underbodies (2), SVP Strobes(90watt), H&R, KYB,Blazers 100watt, ceramic pads, cross drilled/slotted rotors, debadged, custom HU Plate

04-24-2003, 06:13 PM	#15
GTluver newest hobby... Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Milwaukee WI Age: 43 Posts: 1,038 Vehicle: 2000 GA GT1 Sedan	yea it seems to leak around it...... if the pcv valve its just for air......can i put a breather in there instead? the ones they sell at autozone.......i have seen ppl put breathers in there instead.....(sorry_officer has it also ithink ) __________________ Siquio

04-24-2003, 06:23 PM	#16
Green99GT Worth The Trouble?? AKA: Justin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 38 Posts: 825 Vehicle: 99gt	its a emisions thing too i think.....but yeah i dont see why not __________________ 18" Chrome Kronix Virus, 1,500Watts(Focal/MTX),SLP & APOC, MSD,CAI,20/35% Tint,DRL, Underbodies (2), SVP Strobes(90watt), H&R, KYB,Blazers 100watt, ceramic pads, cross drilled/slotted rotors, debadged, custom HU Plate

04-24-2003, 06:57 PM	#17
GTluver newest hobby... Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Milwaukee WI Age: 43 Posts: 1,038 Vehicle: 2000 GA GT1 Sedan	cool........thanx....... __________________ Siquio

04-24-2003, 07:21 PM	#18
Greed4Speed Duke of Duct Tape Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: FTW, TX Age: 49 Posts: 1,021 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT sedan	Just keep a pcv valve handy for inspections, no reason you can't run a breather. Make sure you block off the PCV vacuum port though. There is no performance reason to run a breather over a PVC valve though, its just cosmetic. __________________ I like Cobras, they taste like chicken. 01 GAGT1 w/156k miles 00 Camaro SS - AKA Rogue.

04-24-2003, 09:17 PM	#19
andrewe77 GAGT - Member AKA: Andrew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Blue Springs, MO Posts: 162 Vehicle: 2000 Grand Am GT Coupe	Yeah. Let's all let unburnt hydrocarbons into the atmosphere so we can destroy our planet even faster! Seriously, it has a purpose. Leave it on. It doesn't affect your performance at all. You will see oil because it is linked back to the crankcase. PCV = Positive Crankcase Ventilation. If you have a lot of oil backing up into your PCV valve, you possibly have a ring or valve blowby problem.

04-25-2003, 05:38 PM	#20
GTluver newest hobby... Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Milwaukee WI Age: 43 Posts: 1,038 Vehicle: 2000 GA GT1 Sedan	hmm....i c.....well if it has no performance reason, ill leave it like it is.....w/ no breather.......unless its faulty, ill replace it w/ a new one....... __________________ Siquio

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