The Ultimate Maintenance List!

[RallyEclipse98]

Maintenance:
-Fuel Filter
-Valve cover gasket change
-Probably HG change if not done already
-Optima Red Top
-New batteries for keyless entry
-Suspension bushings if play is involved
-Check all fuses/relays
-Check all bulbs
-Run BG fuel cleaner
-Call Mitsu. about recalls
- Headlight bulbs
-Serpentine Belt PROFESSIONAL
-Bleed brakes
-Air filter
-See if NAPA can get the good
-Fuel Filter
-Engine oil filter and oil change
-Transmission fluid change
-Power steering fluid
-Timing Belt PROFESSIONAL
-New clutch fluid
-Thermostat, gasket, coolant temperature sensor, fan switch sensor (use sealant?)
-Possibly new brake pads
-Lube and grease suspension components
-Coolant flush
-Detail entire car
-Radiator hoses
-Plugs & wires
-Ignition Coil?
-O2 sensors
-PCV valve
-Oil hinges and door locks (how exactly do I get in the door locks?)
-Alignment PROFESSIONAL



I put professional by anything I really don't know I can complete by myself. Input is appreciated.

Anything else I should add to my list? This maintenance will be performed on a 1999 Eclipse GS with around 105,000k on the clock.

Thanks guys! I appreciate the feedback! My goal is to make the car last as long as possible!

 

[pauleyman]

headgasket is not a maintenance item. It's a repair item. If it doesn't need it then you don't change it.

 

[WES_393]

headgasket is not a maintenance item. It's a repair item. If it doesn't need it then you don't change it.

+1 I would leave it be unless it shows signs of having issues.

You take the door panels off to get to the lock actuator. I would also suggest doing the timing belt and accesory belts yourself. With how much a shop would charge to do it, you could buy better parts as well as a Chilton repair manual and do it yourself. Aslo, if your car is up there in milage I would look into replacing suspension parts such as wheel bearings, struts, and any bushings that are worn.

 

[RallyEclipse98]

headgasket is not a maintenance item. It's a repair item. If it doesn't need it then you don't change it.

I put head gasket down because 420a head gaskets often let go around 100k. I looked at it as preventative maintenance. It would give me peace on mind but I am in no rush to do it at the same time.

 

[2gTurBoD]

If your pulling the timing belt, your not much farther away from removing. I dont know the 420a well, but it seems your not much further from just replacing the headgasket, this way you could also look over the head real quick as well. And I agree with doing the timing on your own, shops charge so much, and its really a simply job, if you take your time and with some patience.

And I haven't looked at fuel cleaner in awhile but my experience was that it doesn't do much. They may have changed there formula so i might be incorrect.

And your wires might be fine, I agree with plugs tho, but some parts, you don't need to replace till they cause a problem.

 

[nek]

If you do HG then do Arp headstuds.
I do think once you get into the higher miles its a good idea to do it.
Its still a pita even if the timing belt is coming off because you have to disconnect all the IM sensors.. UGH.

arp headstuds- if hg replaced
Waterpump -- check
Hydraulic tensioner -- replace
Also its not a bad idea to upgrade to 3g lifters while your in there.
WHILE YOU DO THE TIMING BELT, DO THE CAMSHAFT SEALS! This is my number one advice to you.

When you do a headgasket there is a ton of "while I'm in there I might as well do this". If you arent gonna do it, then dont worry about it.

 

[ktgurl87]

If you are going to do the timing belt, you might want to look into the water pump also since it is timing belt driven. The alternator belt can be kind of a trick to do, but you can do it yourself. Best thing you can do before you get started on any of this is to go get a repair manual and READ up on everything you're wanting to do first so you can get a better idea of what you're getting into.

 

[GSLENK]

Alternator belt is nothing compared to some of the frustrations to come with a DSM. yeah its a little bit tricky, but it is really good exercise for that patience muscle none of us seem to have. It is certainly easier than a timing job, (esp since it is in the way of such job). the 2 accessory belts are just in a cramped space. not too difficult. It would easily cost over 100 in labor alone plus probably 2x msrp for parts. No its not the typical easy serpentine 10 minute belt job, it is hard. but not $150 hard to make someone else do it. Besides, you will learn how that crazy system works. I learned that If I put a backing nut on the alt adjustment (holding) bolt, then It will never come loose like it was before on a regular basis.

Def not a professional job. Timing is understandable. Alignment definitely pro's only.

 

[tmaxx411]

^^ OP is 420a

as for the maintenance, id change a couple of things

dont bother with the fuel system cleaner, not worth the money.

headlight bulbs/ any bulbs. if its still working, dont change them. wait until they stop working

in general, i would look at stuff, and if it doesnt need to be done, then dont do it. brake flush isnt a bad idea, but brake pads? if they are new, why change them?

as for the serpentine belt and timing belt, they are very doable by your DIY mechanic. just take your time and take notes if you have to. make sure the timing is dead on before you go cranking it. spin it over a couple of times by hand and make sure everything still lines up
how to i used when i did mine - 2GNT.com - Timing_Belt_Replacement

while your at it, delete your ps belt tensioner, with this - 2GNT.com - Deleting_Power_Steering_Tensioner

changing the hg isnt a bad idea, but if you decide to, get the head decked. i didnt the first time, and the head blew in 25 miles. it all had to come back apart again

alignment is the only thing i would take it to a shop to have done