DIY Car tuneup for a noob

[Not for Human Consumption]

Del/Thanks

[The Cheshire Cat]

Oil change, radiator/coolant drain and flush, spark plug gapping and cleaning. MAF/MAS sensor checking/cleaning, air filter replacement. Tire pressure check, brake and transmission coolant check.


That's pretty bare bones right there.

[Haiti's Space Agency]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_tuneup
watch out for school zones

[roasted]

Originally Posted by The Cheshire Cat

Oil change, radiator/coolant drain and flush, spark plug gapping and cleaning. MAF/MAS sensor checking/cleaning, air filter replacement. Tire pressure check, brake and transmission fluid check.

fix'd

But I agree with Cheshire, start with what he said. All of those are pretty easy and cheap things to do/check. Its a good place to start. The only thing I would add is, check the belts and hoses. Make sure they arent worn out or dry-rotting (ie cracking and becoming brittle)

If you get a Haynes manual or something similar (I forget the other big company that makes repair books), the first chapter is usually just preventative or regular maintenance stuff

[888]

Originally Posted by a224

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_tuneup
watch out for school zones

I give every engine I own a Italian tuneup ! , Sometimes you hear a bog or a noise that isnt supose to be there and you're all like " FINE you want to make noise then make NOISE .. * Full Throttle * "

It usually works .

[AngryOnion]

How many miles on this thing??
The timing belt should be replaced,they get old and dry rot.
I'm not saying you should do it yourself but on that car at that age it is something you should be thinking about getting done.
Other wise your Italian tune up wont work out so good.

[Optionryder420]

Yeah, I need to know how many miles, if it runs, what kind of shape it's in as well as how it has been cared for. Also, is it the 1.5L or 1.8L?

If it's a 98 it probably does need a new timing belt but I'd recommend you get some more experience working on the car before tackling that project. Your engine should be non-interference so you most likely won't fuck it up bad doing the timing belt.

Change the oil around every 5,000 miles. I have a higher mileage car so I always use synthetic and a Mobil 1 filter for my changes every 5,000 miles.

Check all the accessory belts, there should be two, make sure they aren't cracked or really worn and frayed. Tighten them if you have to or change them if they are bad. You can find these belts online for like $5 a piece.

Make sure to mark everything you unplug or move and to try and either mark or put your bolts away neatly. Also, keep your tools organized when you're working.

[roasted]

Wouldnt a 98 most likely have a timing chain instead of a belt?

[MediumD]

Originally Posted by roasted

Wouldnt a 98 most likely have a timing chain instead of a belt?

Nah, past the 80s, the year has little to do with whether or not it has a belt. The cheapness of the car and it's manufacturer has everything to do with it.

[Rainycity]

Everything you need to know is online, if your good at following instructions it should be a piece of cake. And if you mess up you will learn what's wrong with your car next time something like that happens again.

[The Cheshire Cat]

Originally Posted by roasted

fix'd

D'Oh! I had something else on my mind when I was typing that up. Think someone was talking to me about 50/50 mix.