i jumped right in without introducing myself.

my name is thanh and i have become a temp caregiver to a 1994 chevy lumina van 3.1 liter (i believe the van is referred to as the apv?) i am a wet behind the ears shade tree mechanic, but very enthusiastic about all things automotive and learning as i go. imports are my hobby but this would be the second domestic i've owned (first being a 1986 buick lesabre)

it was left to us (me and fiance) after her father passed. cleaning it up to sell.

so far thanks to you all i have fixed the stalling problem, the van would stall at stop lights after about 10 min of driving and in order to get her started i'd have to gas the hell out of it and slam it into gear. thought it was the torque converter or the tranny but thankfully it was the TCC.

i have done;
tcc solenoid disconnect
vacuumed and cleaned carpet (thing giant dog that shed and a heavy smoker, van neglected)
had family friend come shampoo the carpet after i had a go
oil change
spark plug change
air filter change
exhaust heater hose change
tire pressure

things i need to do;
smog
pay registration
find out why there was oil all over bottom of oil pan, tranny pan, lip of tranny pan, cross members
find out why there was oil on the spark plug of the cylinder closest to the driver (last one, driver side, back)
fix wheel shaking (periodical, from my thoughts and reading here, possibly tie rod on driver's side)
replace broken pass side tail light
replace broken driver side back bumper lense
replace broken trim plates around middle row seat mounts (2)
lysol a/c heating to eliminate smoke/pet odor in vents
clean dash
wash, clay, polish and wax
sell

thank you all for the info you've all contributed that has helped me and thank you for all your future insight.

regards,
thanh