dexter700 Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 Well, my dream has finally come true. In 1990, my grandfather took me to the dealership and asked me what car he should buy, and as any self-respecting 2 year old would, i said he should buy the one right next to me in the showroom, and he did, telling me that it would be mine one day. Well, my grandfather passed away in 1994, and with my grandmother too old to drive, she's now signed the title over to me. So now I don't know where to start. It's a 1990 Lumina 4-door, 3.1., with 61k miles on the odometer. Battery's dead, hasn't been running since probably July 2008. And hasn't had an oil chance since I don't know when. Tires are starting to dry rot, and even when it WAS running, there was hefty oil leakage coming from somewhere. So what do I do? I'm 20 and this is my first project car. I know it needs to stay in my family for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carkhz316 Posted February 12, 2009 Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 Oil leak is probably from the oil pump drive seal, located directly below the TB. But as far as putting it on the road again, and I'm sure everyone else will have equal and varying suggestions, here are some. Obviously, check/ replace tires. Check/ then probably change all fluids if you want to be damn sure to have a basis for starting out. Also, check the brakes if you can get it off the ground and rip the wheels off. I feel like I'm leaving things out, but this is a good start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted To Boost Posted February 13, 2009 Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 As said, the oil pump drive seal is a very common leak on these cars, and that is likely your problem. It is an easy fix if you are mechanically apt and have some tools. As for maintenance, I would change out all the original fluids: *new coolant, be sure to use the green coolant if thats what is in it now *drop the transmission pan and drain the fluid, replace the filter and refill with fresh trans fluid *bleed the old brake fluid from the master cylinder (not necessarily required, but I'm sure the fluid has absorbed some moisture after 19 years and is making your brakes "spongy feeling"). While you are doing so, check your rear brakes, are the rotors rusty? The rear brake calipers are common to fail on these and often quit working completely. You may or may not need to replace your rear brakes. Also, as a result of the rear brakes failing, the front brakes need to do more work to stop the car. Over time, this will warp the front brake rotors, something else you should check. To remedy the failing rear brake calipers, just be sure to use your parking brake somewhat frequently, doing so prolongs the life of the calipers. *If it needs a tuneup, pick up a set of AC Delco plugs and wires for it. These ignition systems run best on the factory components, they do not like platinum plugs. That should be about it for starters, hope that helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dexter700 Posted March 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2009 thanks for all the help, guys. i appreciated. now if it could get warmer i could get started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladagosta Posted March 3, 2009 Report Share Posted March 3, 2009 to add my two cents: I would check hoses for flex and replace as neccessary if it has been sitting for a while they might be dried out would serve best to replace those that arent up to par to avoid geting stuck out on the roadmake sure if you are changing fluids to replace feul filters and oil filters air filters as well. brakes were mentioned along with tune up.. lets see the thing that will most likely go after you get her on the road will be the exhaust system since it has been sitting for some time. Exhaust systems deteriorate on a sitting car faster than one that is running every day..due to moisture settleing and rusting them out.. make certain all of your instrument cluster lights are functional.. by first replacing that battery and then when you turn the key observe the panel and make certain all the spots where a light should be telling you something : that it is .. if there is one off you should remove the instrument cluster and replace the bulb that is out this may avoid a night mare later. once you have done all of this and the other posts .. make certain to check your fluids every week to be certain you arent loosing fluids no one told me this when i first started driving and I lost my transmission 6 months later!! ouch I never assume anyone knows what to do when they first get a car.. all the way down to the fluid checks every week.. along with check air pressure on tires.. good luck to you! and safe driving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.