On my 1999 Blazer 4x4 with 80,000 miles I was going to do a "tune up". I am not having any problems (not counting the heating issue), thus I thought now would be a good time. I was wondering what the forum members consider a full DIY tune up?

My list includes:
spark plugs
check wire, probably replace
clean air filter (K&N)
drain transmission fluid and replace filter
fuel filter

two other items
new shocks, not really tune up but with 80000 on the originals why not?
differential fluid?

What would anybody do differently? I appreciate all responses.

 

For a good engine tuneup, I would replace the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Also, clean the EGR valve (buy a new gasket @ ~$2) and replace the PCV. You could inspect the wires by spraying a fine mist of water over them at night. If you see any light theatricals, replace the wires. You could also visually inspect the cap and rotor, but while you've got them off, might as well replace them... To inspect them, look for carbon trails inside the cap as well as carbon deposits on the outer posts, and look at the center button in the cap for signs of it wearing down. If the center button looks flat, replace the cap. The rotor is pretty straight forward. Inspect the outer contact for carbon build up as well as the center spring contact for signs of wear. Like I said though, for the cost of them, if you're going to pull them, replace them.

For wires, I would recommend the Belden Premium wires from Napa, the Autolite Professional Series from Advanced, and always, the AC Delco wireset ($$$ though). I have had VERY bad luck with any wireset made by Bosch. Not to start another thread bashing them, but I have tried them on just about everything and they have always had quality issues.

Sparkplugs, I'd stick with the AC Delco platinums used from the factory. If you want a cheaper plug, expect to change them MUCH more often. The Copper plugs might give you a tad more spark power, but they won't last anywhere near as long in the 4.3L vortec motor. Also, don't go with any of the gimic plugs like ones with more than one ground strap, etc. I haven't read enough about the iridium plugs to know if they are worth the $$$ yet, but that's your call.

Fuel filter and PVC valve are very cheap and quick kill items that won't hurt anything (especially the wallet) if prematurely changed. Very good preventative maintenance items.

I wouldn't change your shock absorbers unless you are getting the undersized boat on a rough ocean feel (bouncing ALOT). I replaced my shocks on my Bravada not too long after buying it and it was a night and day difference. I went with Monroe Reflex shocks on the front and the Monroe Sensatraks with load assist coil over springs in the rear due to the weight I routinely put in my truck. The Reflex shocks will be a stiffer ride, but that's what I wanted. You might want to stick with the Sensatraks all around for a more compliant ride.

It is a good thing to drain/refill the diffs as preventative maintenance. By putting in a synthetic gear lube (Mobil 1, Amsoil, etc), you can even free up a few tenths (or full) miles per gallon due to the reduced friction. I use the 75w90 Mobil 1 gear lube. Comes in a 32oz bottle and is easy to pour into both diffs.

As Hanr3 has stated in other threads, the transmission filter really doesn't need to be replaced as a routine or preventative maintenance. If your transmission has dumped enough crap into the filter to plug it, the tranny will need a complete over haul. I never thought like this, but it makes a ton of sense. The transmission fluid is a closed system with no outside contaminants being introduced. So only contaminants (parts of the transmission itself) can plug up the filter. I don't know if I would NOT replace the filter even knowing this, but it's your call. Draining/refilling the fluid at 80,000 miles is a good thing, new filter or no new filter.

I check my air filter at EVERY oil change (or part of my monthly routine maintenance - whichever comes first). If you have a K&N, a yearly cleaning would be a good practice. Beware of over oiling your K&N filter though. The oil will coat the MAF sensor and cause it to read incorrectly. This will in-turn cause a host of other driveability concerns and may even cause transmission damage. I always recommend that when you clean/reoil your K&N to use a shop vac or other vacuum cleaner to suck off the excess oil before it gets a chance to get to the MAF sensor.

That leads me to my

 

I did read the discussions on spark plugs and transmission filters. I enjoyed learning from them, too. I appriciate your time in putting together your response.

Do you have an opinion on Amosoil foam air filters? I have just the K&N filter and not the whole air replacement FIPK. It appears that Amosoil claims more air flow through their foam filter than any other (which I would expect them to make this type of claim). I doubt I would change since the foam filter must be oiled and cleaned too. I really like the idea of using the vacuum to remove excess oil. In the past I know I have been guilty of over oiling and probably not drying the filter will enough (on a different vehicle).

I might have to try misting the spark plug wires just to see the little light show (I have a good misting bottle since I have a cat and indoor plants!). I'll probably replace them anyway so I'll know I'm good for a couple of more years.

The good news, for me, is that most all of the miles have been on paved roads. So at least the Blazer hasn't been sucking a bunch of dust and stuff. The bad news is most of the miles have been driven by my wife. She likes to make up time driving, rather than leaving early. (Not too bad though, she is a good driver and a wonderful wife).

 

Swart covered it pretty well. Thanks for the cudos.

Being a '99 there is another area you should be concerned with. The cooling system. The factory Dex-Cool is rated for 5 years. IF yours has never been flushed your going in 7 years now.

Couple of other things I would like to add to the tune up list.
New serpentine belt.
New windsheild wiper blades, front and back.
Also give all of your locks a good dose of powered graphite. Graphite is the best lubricant for locks, all locks. It doens't draw in moisture, and it doesn't attract dirt/dust. It can be found in small tubes, particularly in hobby stores (pinewood derby cars), or most autoparts sotres. Liquid graphite on the other hand is graphite mixed with a liguid, the liguid will draw in the moisture and dirt. Graphite is nothing more then pencil lead in powder form.
Also treat your weather stripping to a nice coat of silicone. The silicone will restore them to the softness they had when new. Plus it is a water treatment, and lubricant.

 

I was hoping for replies from both swart and hanr3. So now I feel like I have some very good ideas and will probably start to move forward. Powdered graphite is a good suggestion, too. Probably the most neglected area on my cars, yet used everyday.

Fortunately, (or unfortunately) I have a new radiator and water pump in the last three months. So I have new fluid in the radiator, so I don't have to worry about that one.

In reading around, it sounds like I should enjoy the challenge of the #3 plug. I'll try to look at that before I start or I'll start with #3 and see how far I get. In changing the plugs I understand it is best to go through the wheel wells. This makes me assume that it is easier to put the front on jack stands rather than just laying on the garage floor (those are my two options). So if I'm putting it on the stands I might as well take the wheels off.

Sounds like a busy weekend to me, but rewarding. I hope I don't have to drive to Hanr3 for help!!

 

Hey man, I give credit where credit is due. No other way to do it!

 

Let me guess, the radiator was full of sludge? and the water pump failed?

Yep, good ole #3. I still have to change mine. Its been 9,000 miles or so since I did the tune up. Maybe this weekend? I have seen where you need to turn the steering wheel and then a extension will fit past the shaft. Although I just might unbolt the steering shaft. I don't remember if I went through the wheel wells or not. Altough if you do take your tires off, would be a good time to grease the ball joints, plus check the brakes.

Post up how it went.

 

Of course I don't have very many tools either. The digital camera had a dead battery, so you won't get see the first attempt. However, there will still be more attempts at this. I had to go buy a "knuckle buster" (swivle socket). However I was doing a pretty good job of busting knuckles anyway. I did get a socket on the #3, so I felt good about that. Of course tomorrow probably won't be 45'F.

I did get my tires rotated, MAF cleaned, PCV replace and sucked some seafoam into the engine. I will say that Simply Green does a nice job cleaning the black plastic. I washed the Blazer and it looks as good as it can. I cleaned my K&N air filter a couple of weeks ago. The oil won't need changing for several weeks or a month (not until it gets below freezing I'm sure).

Now I'm going to try the misting the spark plug wires for a light show.

Tomorrow I'm after the plugs again and fuel filter.

Any words of advice or encouragement (oh and I am charging the battery for the digital camera, too).

 

Mechanics gloves.

 

saftey glasses when you change the fuel filter. i learned that one the hard way[:@]