When I first bought the car I had to do a lot of work to it to make it an everyday driver. Coolant flush, fuel filter (original was on it), brake pads all around and 2 new calipers in the back, new passenger fender, tensioner pulley, power steering pump and flush, serpentine belt, and an air filter. Also I spent an hour and a half scrubbing the throttle body with a tooth brush.
It seemed as if the previous owner only changed the oil. When I first opened the the oil cap there was a bunch of crud on the piece of sheet metal covering the timing chain, and that makes me think that other parts of the engine might be that dirty.
I do not want to use any solvents other than what's in the oil, I plan on just using oil to clean my engine. I plan on going 4500 miles before my next oil change. I am going to drop the filter and top off the oil every 1500. I plan on doing this for the next 3 oil changes.
If the condition of the gaskets leaking and the burning doesn't improve (I highly doubt it will) I am going to replace them.
Another problem I came across on this vehicle is the transmission. It kicks whenever it up shifts. I have already replaced the pan gasket and filter but it still has that problem. The fluid level is correct but when I wipe the dipstick on a clean white rag there is always metal particles mixed in with the new ATF. I am still debating on whether or not to get it flushed at a quick lube. I even thought of buying a bottle of ARX to throw into the transmission 1000 mile before i get it flushed. To me that is more like a band aid for a big wound. I might just have to take it to a repair shop to get it looked at ( I have little experience with automatic transmissions and torque converters).
