Whats your Maintenance Schedule? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

farside847 · 10-24-2005, 02:45 PM

Just wondering what you guys think on how often to do maintenance to our trucks to keep them running smooth. (oil, plugs, wires, cap/rotor, etc) ?? I need to put together a plan to keep the old girl happy

ChevLoRay · 10-24-2005, 03:03 PM

Keeping the "old girl" happy means not spending any money on my truck....

As for maintenance, oil/filter/lube is done annually. I only put about a thousand miles a year on it, for the time being. Yeah, it sucks, but that's what I do.

As for the other items....as needed. With an HEI, the plugs and wires are holding up just fine.

Probably didn't tell you what you wanted to know, but it's what I do.

jsbgump · 10-24-2005, 03:14 PM

I just finally put 1000 miles on mine in the last 4 yrs. I normally change oil every year do to the low milage and the tune-up hasn't been done in probably 3 yrs as she still runs great. When I used to daily drive it. i would change my oil every 3000 miles and due a tune-up every 2 yrs need it or not.

Fred T · 10-24-2005, 03:41 PM

There are a lot of variables on this. Big thing is what kind of driving you do, next is how the truck responds.

Recommended was oil & lube 3,000 miles or 3 months. Tuneup every 12-15,000 miles. Check air pressure monthly. Check oil at every fill-up.

With today's oils, the change can be extended to 5,000 miles if you do a lot of highway driving. However, if the oils is black or cream colored, you're not changing it often enough.

1969 C/K CST · 10-24-2005, 03:45 PM

Every 3000 miles or once a year(which ever comes first) Coolant every other year(garaged) Top off other fluids(add or change as needed) 29,000 miles in 15 years. 4 carbs(experiment), 1 radiator, 1 heater core, 1 water pump, 1 clutch, 1 set plugs and wires, 1 set of points, 1 generator, 1 relay, 2 batteries, 2 sets of valve cover gaskets, 1 thermostat, more, maintenance never ends!!

krue · 10-24-2005, 04:58 PM

Unfortunately I just fix it as it breaks.

A.P. · 10-24-2005, 06:09 PM

Replace the oil every 3000 miles or every 6 months. All other parts I replace as needed bases.

70 shorty · 10-24-2005, 08:25 PM

I'm just coming up on 1 year since I got my truck and I plan to change the oil soon. I've put about 1300 miles on it in the last year. I'll pull the plugs and check them while Im under the hood, probably replace the fuel filter. Since how I use the truck isn't going to change, I plan to stick with this routine.

71-longbed · 10-24-2005, 08:35 PM

oil - every 2,000 to 3,000 miles
anti-freeze - yearly
spark plugs - whenever they look bad or i feel like a change
cap/coil/rotor - when needed

Although its good to have extra parts with you ... might safe a tow bill and alot of inconvenience

**truckdude239** · 10-24-2005, 09:03 PM

ummm when i feel like it? does that count?

al's71gmc · 10-24-2005, 11:10 PM

Mines a DD, but only put about 1k miles a month, so oil every 3k, antifreeze once a year, fuel filter (inline) once a year, leaks power steering so a little every month, all other maintenance as needed. With the cost of tires these days, it's a good idea to check air fairly often. Unless the PO has meticulous records, it's good to change the diff and tranny and transfer case fluid when you get the truck, cause who knows when it was done last?

HeavyD · 10-24-2005, 11:50 PM

All I do is add oil when my hurting 250 leaks/burns it out. Changing it is a thing of the past. Good thing this truck will have a new V8 next spring after the snow melts.

4x4Poet · 10-25-2005, 01:29 AM

This thread reminded me that I've been wanting to search online for car maintenance schedules. Found a couple:

Standard printable schedule:
http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/simple.html (See "print maint remainder" [sic])

First time seeing this free online maintenance schedule service. Looks very interesting. Register like this site, log your maintenance done, and get email reminders for when its time to lube, change the oil, tune-up, whatever: What could be easier? Can't loose the schedule sheet, either. I gotta explore this one for my *fleet*:

ecarlog.com/

muddyole 69 · 10-25-2005, 04:03 AM

Shift it when it floats fix it when it breaks

seriously after any mud run or serious trail run and if only on the street every 2500 - 3000 miles on the oil and annually on everything else

farside847 · 10-25-2005, 11:08 AM

Cool, thanks guys. Just what I was looking for. I was thinking it was time for a tuneup and you confirmed it.

Bill72BB · 10-25-2005, 11:27 AM

also the filter every oil change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71-longbed

oil - every 2,000 to 3,000 miles
anti-freeze - yearly
spark plugs - whenever they look bad or i feel like a change
cap/coil/rotor - when needed

Although its good to have extra parts with you ... might safe a tow bill and alot of inconvenience

**VetteVet** · 10-25-2005, 07:58 PM

The Haynes 67 to 87 Chevy and GMC truck manual has one in chapter one that lists all the things and intervals we should do to our trucks. For the record everybody who owns one of these trucks should get that manual. The information in it is invaluable.

10-24-2005, 02:45 PM	#1
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	Whats your Maintenance Schedule? Just wondering what you guys think on how often to do maintenance to our trucks to keep them running smooth. (oil, plugs, wires, cap/rotor, etc) ?? I need to put together a plan to keep the old girl happy __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

10-24-2005, 03:03 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? Keeping the "old girl" happy means not spending any money on my truck.... As for maintenance, oil/filter/lube is done annually. I only put about a thousand miles a year on it, for the time being. Yeah, it sucks, but that's what I do. As for the other items....as needed. With an HEI, the plugs and wires are holding up just fine. Probably didn't tell you what you wanted to know, but it's what I do. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

10-24-2005, 03:14 PM	#3
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? I just finally put 1000 miles on mine in the last 4 yrs. I normally change oil every year do to the low milage and the tune-up hasn't been done in probably 3 yrs as she still runs great. When I used to daily drive it. i would change my oil every 3000 miles and due a tune-up every 2 yrs need it or not. __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

10-24-2005, 03:41 PM	#4
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? There are a lot of variables on this. Big thing is what kind of driving you do, next is how the truck responds. Recommended was oil & lube 3,000 miles or 3 months. Tuneup every 12-15,000 miles. Check air pressure monthly. Check oil at every fill-up. With today's oils, the change can be extended to 5,000 miles if you do a lot of highway driving. However, if the oils is black or cream colored, you're not changing it often enough. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

10-24-2005, 03:45 PM	#5
1969 C/K CST A.K.A- Crummy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NC foothills Posts: 3,025	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? Every 3000 miles or once a year(which ever comes first) Coolant every other year(garaged) Top off other fluids(add or change as needed) 29,000 miles in 15 years. 4 carbs(experiment), 1 radiator, 1 heater core, 1 water pump, 1 clutch, 1 set plugs and wires, 1 set of points, 1 generator, 1 relay, 2 batteries, 2 sets of valve cover gaskets, 1 thermostat, more, maintenance never ends!! __________________ 2003 Silverado Z71 Are fishermen all liars?

10-24-2005, 04:58 PM	#6
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? Unfortunately I just fix it as it breaks. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

10-24-2005, 06:09 PM	#7
A.P. Black 72 Chevy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 662	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? Replace the oil every 3000 miles or every 6 months. All other parts I replace as needed bases.

10-24-2005, 08:25 PM	#8
70 shorty Where's my beer? Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glen Allen, VA Posts: 1,768	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? I'm just coming up on 1 year since I got my truck and I plan to change the oil soon. I've put about 1300 miles on it in the last year. I'll pull the plugs and check them while Im under the hood, probably replace the fuel filter. Since how I use the truck isn't going to change, I plan to stick with this routine. __________________ 70 C10, shortstep, .30 over 250,Hurst shifted 3 spd parts hauler. Holley 390, Clifford Intake, Header, ported cylinder head, unknown bigger cam. 79 Corvette L82, 4 spd, black, red interior, headers, flowmasters, and unkown bigger cam. '03 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.0 4x4 daily driver. 165K miles, and runs great '08 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 155K

10-24-2005, 08:35 PM	#9
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? oil - every 2,000 to 3,000 miles anti-freeze - yearly spark plugs - whenever they look bad or i feel like a change cap/coil/rotor - when needed Although its good to have extra parts with you ... might safe a tow bill and alot of inconvenience __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

10-24-2005, 09:03 PM	#10
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,230	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? ummm when i feel like it? does that count?

10-24-2005, 11:10 PM	#11
al's71gmc 4 eyed fever Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Eureka, Nevada Posts: 500	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? Mines a DD, but only put about 1k miles a month, so oil every 3k, antifreeze once a year, fuel filter (inline) once a year, leaks power steering so a little every month, all other maintenance as needed. With the cost of tires these days, it's a good idea to check air fairly often. Unless the PO has meticulous records, it's good to change the diff and tranny and transfer case fluid when you get the truck, cause who knows when it was done last? __________________ 1971 GMC 2500 4x4 1972 GMC Sierra Grande 1/2 t 4x4-#1 son's truck. Recently completed resto. 4 YO daughter," Daddy, I like your truck better than Mom's." (2000 F350-ranch truck) Smart kid!!

10-24-2005, 11:50 PM	#12
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,177	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? All I do is add oil when my hurting 250 leaks/burns it out. Changing it is a thing of the past. Good thing this truck will have a new V8 next spring after the snow melts. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

10-25-2005, 01:29 AM	#13
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	This thread reminded me that I've been wanting to search online for car maintenance schedules. Found a couple: Standard printable schedule: http://www.samarins.com/maintenance/simple.html (See "print maint remainder" [sic]) First time seeing this free online maintenance schedule service. Looks very interesting. Register like this site, log your maintenance done, and get email reminders for when its time to lube, change the oil, tune-up, whatever: What could be easier? Can't loose the schedule sheet, either. I gotta explore this one for my fleet: ecarlog.com/ __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup. Last edited by 4x4Poet; 10-25-2005 at 01:32 AM.

10-25-2005, 04:03 AM	#14
muddyole 69 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: SE Ohio Posts: 1,121	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? Shift it when it floats fix it when it breaks seriously after any mud run or serious trail run and if only on the street every 2500 - 3000 miles on the oil and annually on everything else __________________ hav'n fun be'n me

10-25-2005, 11:08 AM	#15
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? Cool, thanks guys. Just what I was looking for. I was thinking it was time for a tuneup and you confirmed it. __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree



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10-25-2005, 07:58 PM	#17
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,709	Re: Whats your Maintenance Schedule? The Haynes 67 to 87 Chevy and GMC truck manual has one in chapter one that lists all the things and intervals we should do to our trucks. For the record everybody who owns one of these trucks should get that manual. The information in it is invaluable. __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

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