1996 lumina 3.1 auto 115,000+ . What would you do to stop any problems that are normal that could be prevented? Motor?trans? Do these engines have timing belt issues? Or oil pump?
I had a 3.1!
They're known for junky intake manifold gaskets. It can destroy the engine. (it destroyed mine when I was a youngster and didn't know better). It is recommended to replace it with a modern aftermarket part.
Clean the MAF sensor regularly.
Also EGR and IAC valves. They are prone to crudding up.
Personally I would get rid of the vehicle ASAP. It's going to be a money pit and it's not particularly fuel efficient either.
I would just do normal maintenance - engine oil and filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs. If transmission fluid looks reasonably good do a drain and fill of the transmission and change filter (if any) every 30K-40K miles. (If the fluid is burnt and/or gritty it is already too late.)
The engine has a timing chain which should not need to be serviced unless the engine has not been maintained properly over the last 26 years and the chain is making noise.
I never heard of any oil pump problems on these but maybe someone who is more familiar with this engine can comment.
