took the montero in for its first tune up since i got it and the news wasn't so great. they did belts, dizzy cap wires, fuel filter,pcv, and the plugs...well kinda turns out one plug is sized in and there not sure they can get it out. also the said i had a brake problems someone in the past did a "hack job" so it needs new calipers and rotors up front. its also dumping oil out the valve gaskets so those need to be done. price estimate is about $1600 and being i paid $1800 for it I'm debating it. it also needs new suspension and tires. i told the mechanic to keep it and try the plug again monday and if its no go i might just sell it. i really like this truck and don't have problem spending the cash on it but if the plug doesn't come out there is no point right? btw its 1990 5sp

Hey man, sorry to hear about the trouble! Now's a great time to put some sweat into your truck. None of this stuff is *super* hard but can be a pain in the butt.. Calipers and rotors? How bad of a hack job was done? Sounds.... fishy. Unless you implicitly trust this shop, take it in elsewhere for a second opinion. Did you have any problems with the truck braking previously? I"m sure Fasteddy will come in with some advice on that plug. Your sig doesn't have your truck info in it, is this a 2.6L or 3.0L?

2.6, 3.0l, 3.5l, 3.8l?
SOHC? DOHC?
Yes, it's a good idea to put it in your signature. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

The 2.6 was gone by 1990 in Monteros, Geo. It's a 3.0.

This is worse than "fishy." It's a plain snow job. The plug should come out with some finagle-ing, be it heating up the engine and cooling the plug with some shock cooling, or Kroil or ...something.

Rotors, calipers and pads, including new bearings and seals CAN'T be more than about $200; search RockAuto.com (click on the terms below to take you to the appropriate web page):

Loaded Calipers (with pads and hardware)

Rotors

Bearings

Seals

Get 'er done!

John B.

Valve cover gaskets sets:

Valve Cover Gasket Sets Link

Idler Arm...Start HERE, They ALWAYS Go Bad!

Here's a tire link for ya.

John B.

just so happens i upgraded to gen 2 brakes and have a pretty decent set of rotors. I think i have the calipers too. you can have them for shipping.

acetone and trans oil at a 50/50 mix is one of the best penetrating solutions i've found. be sure mix it in a metal or glass container - it will melt some plastics. put it in the plug well and let it soak.

good luck

I totally trust this mechanic. He has done a lot of work on our other car and has always been really fair with us. That being said his labor is a $100 an hour. I noticed I had braking problems on the drive home after buying it and it has Become worse over that last few weeks. Also the gaskets I knew were leaking just not this bad he used the words "dumping oil" since I'm getting new brakes can I just go with gen 2? Do the bolt up to what's already there or is there some modification? Also what are the advantages? And thanks for the offer of sending me some brakes that very nice and I may take you up on it.

The gen 2 brake swap is pretty straight forward and really easy - but you'll have to get the gen 2 rotors and calipers (junkyard
<$100 for everything). The only modification required is cutting off the bottom of the dust shield. This requires a cutting wheel, safety glasses and a desire to make sparks. Check this out for details Gen 2 Brake Upgrade .

FWIW, you may not need a mechanic - just a sense of adventure. These rigs are easy to work on. Between the tech write ups tech reference , official service manual (free download)mitsubishilinks.com, and the advice from members here, you'll have just about everything you need to fix most things on your ride. Well that and a set of wrenches, sockets, & phillips screwdriver. Honestly, the problems you've listed are really easy to handle yourself - and the money you'll save should pay for most if not all of your tires and suspension.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> :

I agree with this 100%. For two hours of your mechanics labor, you can get some decent tools and for another two hours labor, all the parts you need. Then get dirty and learn, and have fun. The sense of accomplishment that comes from fixing things correctly is great

btw - i'm headed to the boneyard next week. there is a gen 2 with decent calipers (rotors not so much). if you want to do the upgrade i'll pull them for you - they cost about $50 for the pair.