Do more with plug change, 2001?

[base11]

HI

Never had the plugs changed, but with 120,000 kms. on my 2001 venture I feel I am due

Should i have mechanic replace the serpentine belt and water pump, while every thing is rotated and more available. From my experience with GM's the water pump will go sooner or later and possibly wreck the belt at that point.

Just looking for suggestions.

thanks
bhm.

['97ventureowner]

If you have the available funds and want peace of mind go ahead and have the additional work performed. If my metric conversion math is correct, you have around 75000 miles on the van and that is a good time to replace the serpentine belt. The belt is 6 years old and probably the original one and has been exposed to 6 years worth of driving and is probably showing some signs of wear. I've seen a lot of belts that appear to be fine but upon closer examination you start to notice hairline cracks and small bits missing, etc. Replacing that now along with the water pump is good preventative maintenance. Have you thought about flushing and refilling the cooling system with fresh coolant at this time if it hasn't been done so already?? I can't see replacing the water pump and having old coolant still in the system. The new coolant will also have a fresh "package" of protectants available to keep your cooling system operating optimally.

[mhall02]

I replaced the water pump on my '99 Montana last summer w/ 148,000 miles (238,XXX kms) on it, it was the original!! It was the easiest one I have ever done, right on top easy to get to, search the forum for directions. Plugs were replaced at around 95,000 miles, I think the platinums are supposed to go 100,000 miles, but if its running rough, wouldn't hurt to have it done. The plug replacement is my biggest gripe with this van, a simple maintence item like plugs should not be such a major undertaking, what was GM thinking?

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by mhall02

I replaced the water pump on my '99 Montana last summer w/ 148,000 miles (238,XXX kms) on it, it was the original!! It was the easiest one I have ever done, right on top easy to get to, search the forum for directions. Plugs were replaced at around 95,000 miles, I think the platinums are supposed to go 100,000 miles, but if its running rough, wouldn't hurt to have it done. The plug replacement is my biggest gripe with this van, a simple maintence item like plugs should not be such a major undertaking, what was GM thinking?

GM was probably thinking of ways to make it harder for DIYers and shade tree mechanics to get frustrated trying to work on their vehicles to the point of taking it to the dealer to have the work done. That way the dealers make more money and profits.
I ended up having my plugs changed when I had the intake gasket replaced (around 62000miles). Even though they are "supposed" to last 100K miles, it's still a good idea to replace them earlier if possible especially if they have been in the engine a long period of time and/or you do a lot of hard driving under not so nice conditions (which pretty much lumps most of us into that category.)