new here..have questions on my 97 Blazer

Hi everyone, just found the AF site a few days ago and have been reading alot of posts:popcorn: I own a 1997 Blazer 4.3L V6 4X4 with 104,XXX miles on it and it seems like most of the problems I have had, and currently having, are pretty common. Just to let you know my mechanical knowledge is pretty limited.

Here goes, first off, this weekend I finally got around to changing my oil, oil filter, and air filter. Normally I have been taking it to "Quick Lube" shops to have it done, but finally started to do it myself again. When I opened the door in the skid plate to access the oil filter I noticed there was oil everywhere. After taking the skid plate off I see the lines that run between the engine, the filter, and the radiator are leaking a small amount of oil. When I replace these lines is there anything special to do beside unbolt the old one and bolt the other new lines on? Besides drain the oil:grinyes:

Next question, how often should the DexCool be flushed out of the engine? I had serious problems with it being "gummed up" when I first got the vehicle, thank god it had a warranty and it EVENTUALLY got fixed right after flushing it numerous times and two water pumps later. I found and printed a thread on how to get the cooling system clean with some Prestone products, but how do i go about flushing and back flushing the heater core without damaging it? and will flushing the system result in having to have the water pump replaced? (seen something in another thread about this)

I want to be able to keep my blazer running as long as possible and any help I can get will be appreciated.:thumbsup: :jump3:

4wd has 2 sets of lines and all leak at the metal crimps. Front set is easy after you remove the air filter box, slide the plastic retainers back and take the snap or C clips retainers off the lines pull out of the radiator. The set filter to engine has clearance problems and is a pain. Have to lift the engine about 1" to get past and possible engine mount separation if you don't pull that long bolt out (many just jack the oil pan up but it does rip the rubber). The lines are held on by 1 bolt reached by about 2 1/2 feet of extension from up front along the lines to the bolt (really fun to insert).
If you don't do this stuff well take it to a shop as you will not miss this adventure at all!

As for the flushing Dex every 3/50 is smart and always keep the reservior full to Hot when Cold so no air gets in and a new cap and thermostat each time also. Many options on the flushing as you have seen and I do the heater core separately with 3' sections of 5/8 and 3/4 hose so no extra carp gets in there and then you can use the disconnected heater hose to flush the block also - and the rad drain is lower pass side bottom. Many posts on flushing methods.

Grrr...not what I wanted to hear about the hoses:banghead: was hoping that I could do it myself, but not sure if I want to mess with it if its a huge ordeal. I don't mind trying to do little things on the blazer (oil and filter changes) but don't have the know-how to "dig in." Hopefully I will be able to take the community college class this fall to help me in this area.

Any ideas on what a shop might charge to do this for me, and would they do it if I bought the lines so they didn't order them for 3X the cost? I know I need to call some shops around here but where I am working the next few days there is no cell reception.

Dorman makes the replacement hoses and are sold at most auto stores for about $35 front and $50 rear or so. GMs are more and will leak again. As for labor depends on shops and sorry I have no access to the shop cost hour manual.

Anyone else gotten this done recently at a shop? Cost?