So I am having the Timing Belt w/all drive belts/tensioner and the water pump replaced tomorrow. Then next I am doing the plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor, fuel filter and an oil change w/oil filter. I was curious what else i should have done for routine maintence. I have the head gasket and a valve adjustment in mind as well. What other gaskets or seals or anything else is there that would be considered rountine service maintence. I also want to have all fluids changed including transmission. Basically I bought the car not knowing what maintence has been done so im just trying to get everthing done that I can think of to have kind of a clean slate of knowing where my engine services are at. Thanks for any ideas you can give!

 

Unless you suspect a faulty HG, there is no reason to replace this preemptively. This is not a "routine maintenance" item.

Other than that, your plan is sound. How is your clutch?

 

Thanks. I'm still a newbie when it comes to the engine and around that area. What signs will i get before needing a new head gasket. And I cant tell if i need a new clutch. I noticed a small squealing noise whenever I dont have the clutch engaged. But if i barely press the clutch and i mean barely rest my foot on the clutch to where its not engaged but just very slightly depressed the squeal goes away.

 

Just to get the terminology right -- the clutch is "engaged" when your foot is OFF the pedal. When you press the clutch pedal, the clutch is disengaged.

The squealing in this case is probably the throwout bearing. I would do nothing at this point unless you have other issues with the clutch (slippage, etc). When you decide to do the clutch, do the rear main seal at the same time.

The clutch, like the head gasket, is considered a "major repair" at a garage and they will charge appropriately. There's no reason to mess with these unless there's a show-stopper issue. I wouldn't get into the clutch over a noisy bearing.

Bad head gasket could exhibit any number of symptoms: white exhaust, oil or bubbles in the coolant overflow, overheating, etc. or probably about two dozen other things -- if you don't have a reason to suspect a bad HG don't mess with this and don't even mention it to a garage.

All your other repairs, you should do yourself, as they are all easy first-time DIYs, require minimal tools, have a small chance of screwing your ride, and you will learn alot about your vehicle from doing these (minor) repairs on your own. When it comes time to do your clutch, I would thoroughly research what is involved, get the appropriate tools, and attempt to tackle this yourself. You can do the clutch with some patience, good hand tools, and a pair of floor jacks. The experience you will gain is worth much more than what you would pay a mechanic to do this for you.

 

Thanks Axatax for the tips