Author Topic: 150k on my Chevy S-10 (Read 236 times)

AquaShrimp · « **on:** July 27, 2006, 06:01:30 PM »

I have a Chevy S-10 that just hit 150,000 miles. It is my first vehicle.

Besides regular oil changes, what should I be doing to extend the life of my vehicle?

It has an automatic transmission, 4.3L V6 Engine. I use the high mileage engine oil, along with a high mileage oil filter. I had the transmission fluid changed at about 90,000 miles.

Still runs fine, occassionaly the check-engine light comes on. But then it will go off again.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2006, 06:10:23 PM »

Change and flush the coolant very 24K. You should be changing the transmission fluid every 24K as well. You got lucky. We have two S-10 Blazers with 200K on them though. A third has 150K but go wrecked.
Find out what that SES (sefvice engine soon) light is all about. Could be any number of things, but most not only affect emissions and mileage, but left unrepaired affect longevity as well.

I don't much care for "high mileage" oils, they just have aromatics added to swell seals. Eventually the "aromatic seal swellers" will make the seals die. I used Kendall GT 1 20W50 for years and changed it at 3K or so, but now I use Royal Purple or Mobil 1 and go a little longer.

AquaShrimp · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2006, 06:17:38 PM »

Is it hard to change the coolant and transmission fluid yourself? If not, maybe I will give it a try this weekend.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2006, 06:23:16 PM »

It can be difficult to pull the transmission pan and filter on the S-10. And you have to be careful to get the old filter seal out. You'll need an assortment of 13mm sockets, a ratchet and extensions, and maybe a swivel, and maybe a few other tools, depending on brackets and shields. You need 8-10 quarts of fluid, a gasket (use NO sealer on the gasket, install it DRY), and a filter. It is a messy job.

Changing the coolant isn't bad. But disposing of it can be. It'll KILL small animals easily, a slow and painful death of kidney failure. A flush kit is cheap, and easy to use.

Get a service manual from your favorite parts house, such as Autozone or Advance. It'll be a tremendous help, and a few bucks well spent.

PonyDriver · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2006, 06:32:33 PM »

That 4.3 is a great motor. I'm not surprised you got to 150k on it. congrats.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 27, 2006, 08:15:28 PM »

friend of mine got 210 K out of an S10 blazer, no major problems tell the front suspension started to fall apart.

Ran fine, just wasnt safe to drive.