2.3L Quad4 OHC preventative maintenance

[joehammond]

I justpurchased a 94 Grand am with the 2.3 Quad4 OHC. The car has only 52,000 mileson it and was driven by a grandma its whole life. It is practically flawless almost showroom condition inside and out. I was really thrilled to find this car for only $3000.00 for my wife, hoping to squeeze out a few more mpg's than the Expedition she is currently driving.

However after reading alot of these posts' I'm getting a little worried. Seems like this engine is notorious for a number of things.

My question is: what preventative maintenance and precautions can we take to get the most life out of this car?
I am not a mechanic.
Thanks

[Ralph]

Those 94 SOHC quads were actually pretty strong and got great MPG. I don't think all this needs to be done right away but deserve to at least need to be checked. Spark Plugs, Boots, Air Filter, Fuel Filter, Keep on the oil changes, coolant changes, and if an automatic stay with transmission fluid changes. 3000 sounds a little high for a base model 94 so that better be damn near perfect condition and hopefully you shouldn't need to do too much maintenance right away

[RazorDX]

For a car in good condition, that doesn't seem too bad.

I'm quite partial to that engine and model year combination. I paid 1800 for mine once tax was included.

[Ralph]

http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/PricingReport.aspx?YearId=1994&Mileage=50000&VehicleClass=UsedCar&ManufacturerId=40&ModelId=265&PriceType=Private+Party&VehicleId=9734&SelectionHistory=9734|24488|02896|0|0|356500|true&Condition=Excellent&QuizConditions=

[joehammond]

Thanks for your input. I'm going to put it in the shop today and have them give it a tune up. Should I just change the coolant and tranny fluid or should I have them do a flush also?

[joehammond]

I also read in another post that Lucas Oil additive was a good idea

[RazorDX]

A standard 'run fluid through until it's clean' flush would be nice. A 'power' flush would not.

Someone else should give you some input first, but I'd say your car is 'young' enough to run full synthetics. I'm not going to go into the benefits of this (search if you are curious), but it would definitely be a worthwhile investment.

Make sure the plugs used are AC Delco Platinums; the entire engine family is picky about plugs. Make sure they are gapped properly as well.

Most quality oils have more than sufficient additives. Here is something that you will want to look into before using Lucas treatment; I can't personally vouch for the integrity of this page but it is rather interesting. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/images/lucas/lucas.htm

Don't skimp on the oil filter either; a PureONE or Mobil1 filter is what I would recommend. Again, there are several 'studies' to be found on why (again, search if curious).

The best preventative maintenance is to keep on top of the fluid changes and to keep a vigilant eye on the cooling system. The thermostat and the water pump are the most common failing parts in the cooling system, so be observant of leaks and get to know your water temperature gauge. Typically, mine doesn't run above 160 degrees and I have never seen (that I can remember) the gauge go above 220.

[joehammond]

Thanks again for the help. Would it be trecommended before I do the oil changeto run a cleansing product through the engine?

[flash_81]

if it were me i run a motor flush parked in the garage for a while, then drain the oil and i use 0w30 amsoil full syn. oil seems to work great for anti wear properties but don't use additives in syn you don't need them if oil is any good.

[Matt95GT]

I see most of the good tips are covered already.

The only things I will add are items that aren't necessarily maintenance, but things to watch out for down the road...

1. heater core - unless it has been changed already, the OEM one has a plastic side tank that is notorious for leaking or failing completely. It will leak externally through the AC condensation drain spout and/or the heater will smell of antifreeze.

2. Waterpump - when the bearings wear out, it will leak. I would check the car now to make sure the weep hole isn't dripping. (the pump is under the exhaust manifold on the rear of the engine) If it is dripping or starts to in the future, it will need to be replaced immediately. Don't wait - the coolant can leak into the oil via timing chain housing. I lost a 2.3 that way.

3. Headlamp combo switch - the 94-95 headlamp / turn signal combo switch is notorious for wearing out. If you have trouble with the parking/headlamps not coming on, this is usually the cause. Same with the turn signals (but try wiggling the hazard switch on and off several times first)

Don't skimp on the oil filter either; a PureONE or Mobil1 filter is what I would recommend. Again, there are several 'studies' to be found on why (again, search if curious).


I would agree if he plans to run synthetic (with longer change intervals) but if he just wants to run conventional and cheap filters, I would recommend the standard old AC Delco PF-47. I've been using that with Castrol GTX 5w-30 for years with good results. Both are decent in various oil/filter studies, and cheap to purchase.

Thanks again for the help. Would it be trecommended before I do the oil changeto run a cleansing product through the engine?

Maybe Seafoam it, but I wouldn't spend too much effort on this otherwise.