A big thank you to everyone here!

**CSteen85** · 03-23-2010

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to take the time to send a HUGE thank you to everyone on this website. You all are so very helpful and I'm actually learning a lot.

It's funny, I sit here reading other people's issues, how they ask for help and how people jump in with a suggestion as to what might be the problem and in my head, I think, "They're all like DOCTORS!" "Car Doctors," if you will. You're all so knowledgeable and offer your experience and expertise so freely, which is really nice.

I'm a girl who used to look under a hood and just see a lot of plastic, metal and rubber. Now, I look under the hood and all that plastic, metal and rubber has NAMES and FUNCTIONS! I am actually looking into taking a car shop course, just because I think it's knowledge that's never wasted. I will probably have a car throughout my whole life and when I get a little older, I'd like to be able to buy a car new and take proper care of it for its entire life, and then maybe I can even take care of my kids' cars and teach my sons or daughters how to take care of them

.

Anyway, if you care to read, I wanted to let you all know what me and my Grand Prix have been up to. I was having some problems, but they were mostly regular maintenance-related. My brother's friend's dad owns a shop and his friend has been working on my car for the past three nights for me. He's doing such a great job and I get it back tomorrow. Can't wait to drive it.

Here's what the problems were and what's been done to fix them (in case anyone is interested or having a similar issue):
1) Oil Leak
Symptoms: I saw small drips on the ground whenever I moved the car.
Fix: Oil Valve Cover Gaskets replaced

2) Radiator Problems
Symptoms: Heat only worked intermittently inside cabin; "Gurgling/Bubbling" sound upon acceleration from a stop coming from dashboard or heater core; temp gauge would get "stuck" below normal temp, then shoot up to above 210, then come back down, regardless of speed. Coolant levels were full.
Fix: Radiator replaced; Radiator Hoses (upper and lower) replaced; thermostat and gasket replaced; Upper Intake Manifold Gasket replaced (lower looked at, but did not need replacing); Entire Coolant System flushed, bled and refilled with Prestone Dex-Coolant.

3) Braking Problems
Symptoms: Needed to exert a lot of force to brake completely; dry rot splits in brake hoses; Brake fluid container was full.
Fix: Replaced front brakes and front brake hoses.

I bought the '97 Grand Prix SE at $1500 with 143,000 miles on it and I only put about 50 miles a week on it (I don't drive a ton), so I'm hoping after all of this work, it'll last me a good while. I think I'll keep it until the tranny goes.

Anyway, I hope this helped somebody and I'm so grateful for all of the help and education I've received here.

Thank you!
Christine

**TorqueAutoMotiv** · 03-23-2010

Glad we could help out

Car should last you a long while

As far as a auto courses Alot of Jc's offer auto tech courses if you took a basic engines and a basic brakes you would be in good shape as far as knowing the basics

**alkygto** · 03-23-2010

It's people like you that make this site what it is.

**ZR1Vette09** · 03-23-2010

Can we get a sticky? And a mass PM sent to all the douche bag noobs that are just here to bash on people? thanks

**Spartan GL** · 03-24-2010

glad your problems are fixed

**echarleswhyte** · 03-26-2010

well, it is good that u are educated on some things, no help form me as I don't post much ;-). basic knowledge in anything is a good thing. cars are fun to work on and look at and play with. I love the idea of having a knowledge base to do basic things, brakes, cleaning things, etc. It is very rewarding when u do something yourself and get it working or fixed. I love the idea that women and men aswell, want to get a bsic knowledge as they will then understand why it is important to maintain a vehicle. I hate when soemone tells a spose that the serpentine belt, rad hose, brakes, etc needs to be changed or a flush, oil change etc needs to be done and they look at you like all you want to do is throw money at the car. not that I have any experience in that lol

**AmericanSoldier** · 03-26-2010

aww shes cute AND sincere

**Ricky21** · 03-26-2010

Id like to second that thank you

I havnt been on this for that long but i have learned alot more about my car already and hope to learn more you guys are all really helpfull

**GTPJOE90** · 03-26-2010

Originally Posted by CSteen85

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to take the time to send a HUGE thank you to everyone on this website. You all are so very helpful and I'm actually learning a lot.

It's funny, I sit here reading other people's issues, how they ask for help and how people jump in with a suggestion as to what might be the problem and in my head, I think, "They're all like DOCTORS!" "Car Doctors," if you will. You're all so knowledgeable and offer your experience and expertise so freely, which is really nice.

I'm a girl who used to look under a hood and just see a lot of plastic, metal and rubber. Now, I look under the hood and all that plastic, metal and rubber has NAMES and FUNCTIONS! I am actually looking into taking a car shop course, just because I think it's knowledge that's never wasted. I will probably have a car throughout my whole life and when I get a little older, I'd like to be able to buy a car new and take proper care of it for its entire life, and then maybe I can even take care of my kids' cars and teach my sons or daughters how to take care of them

.

Anyway, if you care to read, I wanted to let you all know what me and my Grand Prix have been up to. I was having some problems, but they were mostly regular maintenance-related. My brother's friend's dad owns a shop and his friend has been working on my car for the past three nights for me. He's doing such a great job and I get it back tomorrow. Can't wait to drive it.

Here's what the problems were and what's been done to fix them (in case anyone is interested or having a similar issue):
1) Oil Leak
Symptoms: I saw small drips on the ground whenever I moved the car.
Fix: Oil Valve Cover Gaskets replaced

2) Radiator Problems
Symptoms: Heat only worked intermittently inside cabin; "Gurgling/Bubbling" sound upon acceleration from a stop coming from dashboard or heater core; temp gauge would get "stuck" below normal temp, then shoot up to above 210, then come back down, regardless of speed. Coolant levels were full.
Fix: Radiator replaced; Radiator Hoses (upper and lower) replaced; thermostat and gasket replaced; Upper Intake Manifold Gasket replaced (lower looked at, but did not need replacing); Entire Coolant System flushed, bled and refilled with Prestone Dex-Coolant.

3) Braking Problems
Symptoms: Needed to exert a lot of force to brake completely; dry rot splits in brake hoses; Brake fluid container was full.
Fix: Replaced front brakes and front brake hoses.

I bought the '97 Grand Prix SE at $1500 with 143,000 miles on it and I only put about 50 miles a week on it (I don't drive a ton), so I'm hoping after all of this work, it'll last me a good while. I think I'll keep it until the tranny goes.

Anyway, I hope this helped somebody and I'm so grateful for all of the help and education I've received here.

Thank you!
Christine

thank you for joining also! were just doing what normal car junkies do haha welcome man

Thread: A big thank you to everyone here!

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