Basic/ Preventative maintenance

[skit0321]

I have a 1997 aurora with 90,000 miles on it. It is leaking a bit of oil where the motor halfs meet, but anyway i want to keep it in tip top shape untill i need the head gasket replaced or whatever. I have recently replaced the radiator, alternator, and am wondering what else to replace to keep it in tip top running condition. like water pump, timing chain, spark plugs/wires anything like that needs done to keep up on basic maintenance.
Thanks,
Scott

[knucklebuster2]

It is probably your valve cover gaskets leaking oil. Depending on your skill level, these usually aren't too hard too change. I would do a basic tune up. Air, gas filters, pcv, plugs, cap and rotor( if applicable) and wires. You can check your belts and hoses for cracks or swelling ( hoses.) If your motor has a timing chain, I wouldn't worry about it if it wasn't making any noise. Timing belts should be changed approx every 60,000 miles. Not sure what motor you have. Anyway, stick to the basics and remember, " If it ain't broken, don't fix it!"

[RobertHammen]

The motor half oil leak is a common NorthStar failure. As long as the leak isn't very fast, AND you are METICULOUS about checking your oil level, you'll be OK. When you do need this repair, plan to budget $1000 to $1500 for a good engine shop to do it, $1500 to $2000 for an Olds or Cadillac dealers (the only GM shops you should let touch a NorthStar) to do it.

As far as PM, I'd suggest the following:
plugs and wires (warning: use ONLY AC Delco plugs and plug wires, see my other posts on this topic for why)
fuel pressure regulator (this is a common failure point - hard starts/cranking, et. al.)
fuel filter, air filter, PCV valve
serpentine belt, water pump belt (don't forget this one)
coolant flush and fill (as opposed to drain and fill - poor coolant maintenance is the #1 reason for head gasket issues on these aluminum engines)
transmission flush and fill (as opposed to drain and fill)
No timing belt to worry about.
Of course check tires, brakes, front struts, rear shocks, et. al. Water pumps and radiators can also be common failure points on Auroras.
Make sure the refrigerant is full (usual symptom of this is passenger side cool, driver side warm). Low refridgerant leads to a grenaded AC compressor = $1200 repair.
Make sure you have the plastic air deflector which wraps around the front of your car. If this is missing your car will run 20 degrees or so warmer (and again, with an aluminum V8, there's not a ton of room for error). Temp should be a tick under 200, running in cooler weather, highway speeds, no AC or defrost on.

This is what I can think of on the top of my head. Hopefully others will chime in with other suggestions.

--Robert

[skit0321]

Is the leak halfway in the motor because of the head gasket or what?

[RobertHammen]

No, it's the rear main crankshaft seals. It's not the head gasket. Any reputable engine shop, you mention Northstar rear crankshaft seals, they'll know.