Tune-up frequency for 96 Impala SS

[queensbridge_66]

Went to Chevy dealer today to buy a new remote, and inquired about the price of a tuneup. Was told by the service rep that my AC Delco spark plugs are irridium (hope that's the correct spelling), and unless i'm having driveability issues or lack of power, my plugs should be good for 30,000 miles or so, and i only need a full tuneup every 100,000 miles. My car is a 20 mile a day daily driver (to work and back, parked on weekends) and my last full tuneup was last year february. With the exception of a few minor fixable problems (and one hell of a knock sensor problem that had us baffled for a few days), the car still runs excellent although i try not to push it too often. Anyhow, i want to know if what the sales rep told me is a crock of crap or not. Any feedback will be welcome...but i'm usually a 6-month tuneup guy. The rep said i can get injector service, fuel filter replacement, and throttle bottle cleaning done now but i don't need a tuneup yet

[Blue Bowtie]

Check plugs at 40-50,000 mile intervals. Replace at 80-100,000 under normal service with OEM plugs.

Wires should be checked at the same intervals, both physically inspected for damage and resistance checked for around 750-1500 ohms per foot. Pay close attention to the terminations and breakdown of the boots under the heat shields. Don't discard the factory heat shields.

The OptiSpark unit distributor cap can also be tested for insulation breakdown. Terminal-to-terminal resistance should be infinite. Anything under 200K ohms between terminals indicates a need to investigate the Opti further.

Cleaning the throttle body and IAC , replacing the fuel and air filters, and inspecting vacuum hoses should be a routine maintenance activity every 30K. Injector service is not a routine maintenance item. While it's never a bad idea to have them cleaned and flow tested at 100K or so, many injectors go 200K with no serious problems.

I'd resolve the detonation sensor issue first, then see if the other problems persist. The 1996 sensor is different than previous years' LT1 sensors, so make sure the right parts are installed.

[wafrederick]

Once in a while pour in a bottle of Lucas for the fuel system.Lucas is sold at most parts stores and it works.Change the plugs before 100,000 miles,the plugs might come out hard and get the bad news: SNAP!The plugs will break off requiring a drilling out of the rest of the plug and it may require pulling the heads off.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by queensbridge_66

Went to Chevy dealer today to buy a new remote, and inquired about the price of a tuneup. Was told by the service rep that my AC Delco spark plugs are irridium (hope that's the correct spelling), and unless i'm having driveability issues or lack of power, my plugs should be good for 30,000 miles or so, and i only need a full tuneup every 100,000 miles. My car is a 20 mile a day daily driver (to work and back, parked on weekends) and my last full tuneup was last year february. With the exception of a few minor fixable problems (and one hell of a knock sensor problem that had us baffled for a few days), the car still runs excellent although i try not to push it too often. Anyhow, i want to know if what the sales rep told me is a crock of crap or not. Any feedback will be welcome...but i'm usually a 6-month tuneup guy. The rep said i can get injector service, fuel filter replacement, and throttle bottle cleaning done now but i don't need a tuneup yet

I have owned this vehicle since nov1995..and what I've found is the cast iron heads with these a/c plugs you should have no problems with replacement at 50,ooomi....

the plug wires do need testing, and this is a difficult task as they are tough to get at ....wheel removal etc to access and insure proper routing...

the opti usually dies when the water pump leaks ....so keep an eye on that often....

the k/s is where the drain plugs for the coolant would be...one on each side....usually the small wires or connector gets damaged...

I remove these sensors when I replace the coolant/antifreeze..


The other issues are the two air pump check valves, replace every 5 years, and the PCV hoses must be replaced after 10years check the hoses carefully at the areas where they have a 90deg bend...they usually split hard to seen unless removed...I used a 90 deg plastic fitting to replace the hose bend...idling issues may be the PVC/hoses.....

the fuel system needs fuel filter replaced every 20-30,ooomi...this will keep the injectors clean...

the idle air bypass needs cleaning when ever the idle does not return to 600rpm....the idle will slowly drop to the correct amount.,,,the time increases when the IAC is dirty....injector cleaning is not something I ever had done...

I use every 10,ooomi the techron fuel system cleaner ,,

so far this has been a very good reliable vehicle....

one air pump and water pump replaced....still has tremendous power and handling...