Here's the story...

I was planning on buying a winter beater and storing my sunflower for the winter. But I'm now considering the option of buying a house and just riding out this car till it's too much cash to make it worth fixing, then getting a new car after. Hopefully I can get out another year or more with some of your help.

Bought @ 79k
Currently @ 185k - Kilometers put on by me are 85% highway due to work.
Pennzoil Synthetic since bought.
Seperate winter rims/tires.
GM SC w/reflash

Thing's I've replaced. (Rough general guestimates)

- Tires @ 100k
- Battery @ 100k
- Spark Plugs @ 100k
- Control Arm Bushings @ 120k
- Header Back Exhaust @ 120k
- Belt with SC @ 130k
- Transmission Mount @ 150k
- Used Tranny with 60k on it @ 150k
- Clutch+Ressurfaced Flywheel @ 150k
- Brakes (Rotors/pads/brake lines/drums) @ 165k
- Struts/Springs/Mounts @ 170k
- Fuel Pump @ 175k
- Wheel Bearing(1) @ 180k
- Coil Pack @ 180k
- Spark plugs @ 180k
- Motor Mounts @ 185k


Work requires me to drive often so I want to fix thing's before they crap out on me. Advice welcomed.

Thanks.

change the oil, and keep up on the fluids, make sure they all look clean. Youve already replaced everything :-)



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Yeah I have replaced quite a bit of parts

Oh and forgot to mention did the coolant @ 100k.

What about thing's like the alternator, timing chain and water pump, fuel injectors, supercharger oil?

I have a 353000 98 2.2 lt Cavalier, in Venezuela. I also do mostly highway driving.

Alternator:

Alternator bearings and diodes wil evetually get damaged, if you here any funny noises from your alternator have it checked immediately, they dont last long with damaged bearings. If the alternator lights goes on, have the diodes checked.

Water Pump:

The start to leak below the tensioner, have it check since it will not last long.

Fuel Pump:

We have some badlly kept gas stations, so I usually change the fuel filter every 10.000 kms. If the pump is going to fail, it will usually start to become noisier, sometimes you can feel it by touching the floor behind the drivers seat. If it fails,you have to change the whole unit (fuel level, pump and filter)


Timing Chain:

I have never touched it, but understand taht the 95-97 2.2 Lt engines had problems with the timing chains and need changing.

Automatic Transmission:

I had to install a Super Master it, recosntructed Turbine, and other parts around 330.000 kms. Very expensive.... have the 3 speed + overdrive which has the issue that you cannot measure the level, I dont know if there are any service buletins to change the oil ? Otifinally it uses Dexron lll, maybe you can try Dexron VI which supposely is more durable.

Hope this can help.

Regards,

I have 411 000 km on my 99 cavalier and I haven't done 1/4 of the maintenance that you have done.
From my experience, you may be looking at an alternator replacement soon. Mine went at around 210 000 km. I would recheck the fan belt for wear also - I usually only get about 50 to 60 000 km from a fan belt.
If you have AC that may need recharging soon.
If you have a 2.4 L motor I would check for coolant leaks around the water outlet on the driver's side of the motor.
The front strut mounts usually develop memory steering around 200 000 km so you should keep an eye on them.
If you keep the oil changed and the vehicle undercoated regularly, you should get many more years of service from your vehicle.

I didn't replace thing's out of neccesity, but because I bought better upgraded parts. Thing's I've had to replace were the fuel pump/synchro/ctrl arm bush. Not bad IMO for 189k currently.

Good idea on the fan I'll get that checked out. Is it diff because I have the ecotec not the 2.4? Or are the fans the same quality?

Okay so I'm currently @ 199k. I've replaced...

- Front left wheel bearing @ 188k
- Cat Converter @ 197k
- Windshield Washer Pump @ 198k
- Power Steering Fluid @ 198k

A random person told me that i'm risking a lot by not changing the timing chain on the ecotec. It's a pretty expensive repair isn't it? How long can I go till I HAVE to replace the chain? Is it an option to just wait till it snaps then swap in a newer used ecotec? Or could it cause damage to other parts? (I'm SC equipped)

Aswell I've been noticing some weird thing's with my volt gauge. It would always stay around 14, But lately it's been going down as low as 13, or anywhere inbetween. There is no pattern that I can tell of. Assuming it's my alternator? But would like to think it's something less expensive to fix opinions?

I'm also looking into a fuel injector cleaning service and where I can get one done in Ontario. If anyone knows of a place hit me back.

Shane, i've heard the same thing about risking a lot by not changing the timing chain on the ecotec. But i'm curious too as to the absolute maximum you can go mileage wise before you either change it or blow the engine, i've got 135k on my 04 eco but thought people recommended doing it somewhere between 150 and 200k i'd be curious to see if an original chain would last a full 200,000 miles or not.

You Know something else i forgot to add, when a chain is at the end does it give off any warning or is it like cancer the silent killer of your engine.

Well I don't see myself having to pay from what I understand is $1000 range to replace a chain. Esp when used eco engine's are cheaper. So we'll see.

Good question on the warning signs, hope someone can chime in...

Yeah a grand is about what i remember hearing too shane, my jaw dropped i couldn't believe my ears that's absurd.