I'm not stupid, just ignorant.

[diddy0071]

What is the difference between stupid and Ignorant?

Stupid-can't learn. Ignorant-haven't learned.

So, when It comes to cars, I admit I am ignorant. I don't know much about cars. Growing up, I really never was interested in cars too much, and only until I had my first car (1982 Camaro) did I start getting into fixing my own shit.

I assume that everyone in this forum is not the richest person in the world. They come here to seek answer to fix their problems without going to a mechanic, because frankly, we all can't afford to take our cars to a mechanic all the time. One that loves his vehicle will not just let it rot either. They tend to take matters into their own hands. That is exactly how I feel.

I've only really learned to change the oil in the cars, and fix other minor electrical problems, because I have a background in electronics. I studied that in college a few years ago. Being 23, and not car savvy, I come to this forum to seek help on various items for my vehicle. Whether it be BlazerLT, or BLazee who take the time to help, it doesn't matter, what matters is that I'm helped. Now, here is my question. I've never done a tune up on my vehicle. I've owned it approximately 1 year and 3 months. I have put 34,000 miles on it since. it is now at 198,000 miles. When I bought it from the dealer used, they had given it a tune up for me (part of my deal, or no deal), but I have been told to do a tune up every 30k miles or so. I got a good chunch of change for my christmas bonus, and went and bought new plugs (ac delco platinums @ 5.99 each) new wires, a new air filter, new oil filter, motor oil, a rotor and distributor package, and a fuel injector cleaner. Believe me, it was almost 200 hundred bucks when I was done. How hard is it to do a tune up? I've never done one myself, usually relying on my older brothers or my dad to do it for me. But, I'm 23 damn it! I want to learn to do this shit myself. How hard is it to replace the distributor and the rotor, and how hard is it to change the plugs and the wires. OH, I have a 1997 Blazer, 4.3 liter (W) engine.

Wow, I got alot off my chest right there didn't I?

[biv343]

Tune ups aren't too bad to do. I wouldn't necessarily do one every 30,000 miles though. For plugs/wires/etc, I'd probably go closer to 60,000.

Changing the cap and rotor isn't hard - biggest thing to pay attention to is which wire goes to which connector on the cap. Other than that, it's just a couple screws. Wires are self explanatory - make sure that you don't route them too close to the exhaust manifolds - using the factory wire separators should eliminate that possibility.

Plugs can be challenging, especially the middle plug on the drivers side.

Might be worthwhile to bribe your brother or dad with some beer to have them watch/help you out while you tackle it yourself.

[diddy0071]

Originally Posted by biv343

Tune ups aren't too bad to do. I wouldn't necessarily do one every 30,000 miles though. For plugs/wires/etc, I'd probably go closer to 60,000.

Changing the cap and rotor isn't hard - biggest thing to pay attention to is which wire goes to which connector on the cap. Other than that, it's just a couple screws. Wires are self explanatory - make sure that you don't route them too close to the exhaust manifolds - using the factory wire separators should eliminate that possibility.

Plugs can be challenging, especially the middle plug on the drivers side.

Might be worthwhile to bribe your brother or dad with some beer to have them watch/help you out while you tackle it yourself.

too bad they don't drink!

[billibong]

I would have to agree with biv, You probalby don't NEED a tune up.
The question may be, now that you have all the supplies, do you want to do a tune up. I would imagine that to be a yes.
If the dealer did do a complete tune up - including all the supplies that you just purchased - it doesn't really need to be done yet. However, they may have only changed the oil and put new spark plugs in - and called that a tune up.
The most challenging part of the tune up will, without a doubt, be the middle spark plug - drivers side. Simply put it is a bitch to get at. Search the FAQ section and you will find step by step instructions on how to get it out.
If nothing else, look at this as an excellent time to educate yourself more about your vehicle, that alone is worth the cost of a tune up, IMHO.
Also, if you have any additional questions this forum, as you noted, is an excellent resource.

[blazes9395]

Seeing you have all the supplies and stuff, you did get the good platinum plugs, I would do it all. Bill and biv are right you may not need it, but bill is right, who knows what they axactly changed, maybe just the plugs and oil and that was it. I'd do it all, no question it will help, and you know what has been done, you start from a clean slate. Cap and rotor are easy, just take your time and install it right, plug wires easy too, just make sure you install them in the correct order, and the plugs are pretty easy except for #3 plug, also dont forget to gap your plugs properly. Take your time and go for it.

Also you mentioned about people not being able to afford to take it to a mechanic and stuff as a reason for not taking it to a shop. That may be true for some, but not all. Many have asked me why do I do all this work, and why not just take it in and not bother with it. While I can take it in, as I am not too concerned about paying to get it done, I just enjoy doing it. I love getting under my vehicle finding the problem, and fixing it. I know whats been done, and I take a lot of pride in fixing it myself. I love learning all about stuff, and my cars are no exception. This is also a reason why I take some of my time to help others on here. I love to hear people fix their own problems. Also yes I agree that people like blazee and and all those guys(girls?), are a great asset to these forums, and all that they do to help, can't say enough about them. Of course saving some money is a very good thing too, but for me, its not the only reason.

[blazee]

The others have given good advice on this subject, I just wanted to add..... everything is pretty straight forward, the only thing that I see that may be a problem (other than plug #3) is the cap and rotor replacment, the procedure is easy, but they use screws with torx (star) heads. Not everyone has those in their toolbox. You will need a T-20 for the cap and a T-15 for the rotor. They are fairly cheap, especially if purchased in a bit set with a driver.

I didn't see a fuel filter in your list, that is one of the things that should be changed every 30,000 or 2 years. Spark plugs and such can go 60,000 easy.

blazes9395, thanks for the kind words, but don't seperate yourself from the list of people that help. I've seen you give a lot of good advice on all subjects, especially transmission problems. You are one of the great assets to which you refer.

[diddy0071]

Originally Posted by blazee

The others have given good advice on this subject, I just wanted to add..... everything is pretty straight forward, the only thing that I see that may be a problem (other than plug #3) is the cap and rotor replacment, the procedure is easy, but they use screws with torx (star) heads. Not everyone has those in their toolbox. You will need a T-20 for the cap and a T-15 for the rotor. They are fairly cheap, especially if purchased in a bit set with a driver.

I didn't see a fuel filter in your list, that is one of the things that should be changed every 30,000 or 2 years. Spark plugs and such can go 60,000 easy.

blazes9395, thanks for the kind words, but don't seperate yourself from the list of people that help. I've seen you give a lot of good advice on all subjects, especially transmission problems. You are one of the great assets to which you refer.

Fuel filter was replaced 8k miles ago. I had a friend of mine who is a mechanic do it. took him 2 minutes..LOL.

[the87hyper]

Be really careful when installing the torqx screw back into the cap and rotor. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!!! The cap and rotor are plastic, if you overtighten the cap you'll be buying a new distributer. The distributer has flimsy plastic ears that hold the cap on, trust me on this one.... i broke one and had to buy a new distributer. Good luck!

[diddy0071]

Originally Posted by the87hyper

Be really careful when installing the torqx screw back into the cap and rotor. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!!! The cap and rotor are plastic, if you overtighten the cap you'll be buying a new distributer. The distributer has flimsy plastic ears that hold the cap on, trust me on this one.... i broke one and had to buy a new distributer. Good luck!

Got it, no overtightening. I usually overtighten everything, so it's a good thing you told me, or else I would be buying a new distributor. I went to sears earlier and got a torx screwdriver set. 5.99 isn't bad.

[LS19962DRBLAZER4X4]

STUPIDITY: Is walking into a dealership with no sense no information, no
creditals and no credit..
IGNORANCE: is driving a car 3 years without an oilchange 5 years without a
tuneup and when a pool of transmission fluid is all over the driveway they
run to another dealership to buy another brand new vehicle.
STUPIDITY: Is listening to the dealerships mechanic telling you they will not
honor your 35th month warranty when the car has a 36 months warranty
IGNORANCE: Is not walking up to the General Manager and calling the BBB
and General Motors to file a complaint against that dealership.
STUPIDITY: Listening to the car dealerships mechanic tell you you need
brand new platinum spark plugs at -$100.00 dollars each...
IGNORANCE: Is not showing the garage mechanic the retail price of one from ACDELCO- $5.00 per plug.. asking him where he received the -$100 dollars per plug information from?...
The List goes on and on and on....

[Fractured1]

All great advice listed above and take it from me, look at the safety aspect too, wear eye protection, good lighting, no loose clothing (sleaves dangling), and to be safe know where your fire extinguisher is...if you are raising your vehicle use approved jack stands and NO smoking !!!

[drdd]

I'd do a new PCV while you're at it. Prob $3 max. doesn't take any tools.

If you have an ACDelco radiator cap, you should change it to a Stant brand cap.

At 198000 miles, I'd change out the tranny fluid and filter too.

If you haven't already, you might also think about buying a grease gun ($10) and thoroughly greasing your front end zirc fittings. Your suspension will thank you.

sorry if this repeats something that was already suggested ...

Originally Posted by diddy0071

What is the difference between stupid and Ignorant?

Stupid-can't learn. Ignorant-haven't learned.

So, when It comes to cars, I admit I am ignorant. I don't know much about cars. Growing up, I really never was interested in cars too much, and only until I had my first car (1982 Camaro) did I start getting into fixing my own shit.

I assume that everyone in this forum is not the richest person in the world. They come here to seek answer to fix their problems without going to a mechanic, because frankly, we all can't afford to take our cars to a mechanic all the time. One that loves his vehicle will not just let it rot either. They tend to take matters into their own hands. That is exactly how I feel.

I've only really learned to change the oil in the cars, and fix other minor electrical problems, because I have a background in electronics. I studied that in college a few years ago. Being 23, and not car savvy, I come to this forum to seek help on various items for my vehicle. Whether it be BlazerLT, or BLazee who take the time to help, it doesn't matter, what matters is that I'm helped. Now, here is my question. I've never done a tune up on my vehicle. I've owned it approximately 1 year and 3 months. I have put 34,000 miles on it since. it is now at 198,000 miles. When I bought it from the dealer used, they had given it a tune up for me (part of my deal, or no deal), but I have been told to do a tune up every 30k miles or so. I got a good chunch of change for my christmas bonus, and went and bought new plugs (ac delco platinums @ 5.99 each) new wires, a new air filter, new oil filter, motor oil, a rotor and distributor package, and a fuel injector cleaner. Believe me, it was almost 200 hundred bucks when I was done. How hard is it to do a tune up? I've never done one myself, usually relying on my older brothers or my dad to do it for me. But, I'm 23 damn it! I want to learn to do this shit myself. How hard is it to replace the distributor and the rotor, and how hard is it to change the plugs and the wires. OH, I have a 1997 Blazer, 4.3 liter (W) engine.

Wow, I got alot off my chest right there didn't I?

[diddy0071]

Originally Posted by Fractured1

All great advice listed above and take it from me, look at the safety aspect too, wear eye protection, good lighting, no loose clothing (sleaves dangling), and to be safe know where your fire extinguisher is...if you are raising your vehicle use approved jack stands and NO smoking !!!

Our family owns farming equipment, and we have our own shop with pit and everything. We have all the necessary equipment (8 ton Jack) with solid steel jack stands (our harvesting equipment is heavy). So that is no problem. I don't like to wear loose clothing when I'm working on the car..I get sweaty, and it's not a good feeling, a t-shirt and some jeans is enough for me. I have safety googles, and excellent lighting. I haven't seen our fire extinguisher for 3 years (if it even still exists) so, that's the only downside. Alot of our tools have gone missing over the years, and I don't remember where the good quality "stanley" and "craftsman" tools are at. They are either in 1 of 3 of my brother's cars. I'll have to go gold-digging later on this afternoon. BUT, I can say, I am preppared for the job, no matter how long I last.