So I'm hoping the combination woman+chevrolet brought a contingency of helpful people in who know what to do?

Yes, I am a female, with hopelessly no knowledge of vehicles. I had this blue lady dumped on me, and I'd like to take good care of her but have NO idea how. The only thing I've done is had the oil changed. Wow. The mechanic person told me I needed the tranny fluid flushed, but I read the controversy on this. I'm scared I'll screw it up by not doing it, or by doing it. And further maintenance, I have no clue. I just know how to drive the thing (as well as a woman can, you know...). I don't know anything about further maintenance and...well, considering I'm a female, I look innocent, and am young, mechanics and shops see me coming...I don't want to get ripped off, and I sure would like to know how to take proper care of my vehicle, at least the basics.

Her last owner wasn't very apt at maintenance. She lags, I think there's a hole in the exghaust or the manifold, as it seems to be coming from the engine bay, because she sounds like a beast. When I start her up, she plumes out white smoke which goes away, and it's like she stutters, and smells of something bad. I wouldn't call it a burnt smell, but it's something nasty, like rotten exghaust/egg...eew smell. I think she has over 200,000 miles on her, I won't swear to that,

 

As far as the smell it sounds like an exhaust problem. Catalytic converter may be stopped up, or bad 02 sensors. I had this same problem with an old Ford truck, I had the exhaust redone, starting at the converter, and all the way to the exhaust tip brand new. I also replaced the o2 sensor and never had the problem again.

Iwould change the transmission fluid if it was never done, or has not in a long time. I know you hear the stories, but think of it this way: you can spend the money now and possibly have to have work performed on it, or you can keep driving it and have an even bigger repair on your hands, like complete replacement.

Basic maintenance would be a clean air filter every couple oil changes, change the oil every 3000 miles, basic tranny service every 30000 miles, keep an eye on all fluids and top off or replace as needed, service the brakes when needed (you will know), keep your tires aired up, rotated,and in good condition. Maintenance is easy, and sometimes costly, but it is better than having major repairs down the road.

 

The loud noise may just be the donut between your manifold and the pipe-not expensive just take it to the local shop and have them look at it.
Do the tranny, just have the pan removed to change the filter and the fluid that drains out. Absolutely do not have the torque converter drained to get every drop out- if your truck has high miles that very well lead to problems. You need to keep some of the older fluid in just add a new filter and some new fluid to mix with the old and it will clean it up nice. This was just talked about, check the link:
https://chevroletforum.com/m_65623/tm.htm
Change the fuel filter, PVC, air filter, plugs, wires and have it timed. Keep up on the oil but you dont have to change it every 3K, you can easily go 5K I often go up to 7.
The sticky smell probably is your cat like rabbit said, that could get costly and the smoke either valve guide seals if it is more blue which can be a little costly or extra gas being dumped in at start up.
Good Luck!!

 

PCV... not PVC Sorry, just a pet peeve..lol

 

Ok, awesome. Now, where can/should I get these kinds of things done? I've seen some horror stories on jiffylube, I get my oil changed at Greasespot, it costs me around $45, if I put in high mileage oil (which I do). I honestly haven't a clue if they change the filter.

How can I tell a garage or a place like that is legit? I mean, considering I haven't a clue, I see how easy it could be to rip me off. They could tell me they had to replace blinkerfluid and put in a new hamster in the wheel that makes the engine go, charge me $150 for something that would have taken $30 and a sexual favor. (...that was a joke, really. No, really.)

You know...I certainly don't. I'd rather be able to do it myself, I hate people touching my things, but it'd probably go like hmm....I'm pretty sure I changed the filter...but what is this thing with all the tubes in my hands and IS it important?

Thanks so much ^^

 

The absolute best way to find a good shop in your area, is word of mouth. Ask your friends where they go, relatives, and if you don't know anyone in your area, ask people in line at the supermarket. If no one can tell you where to go, they will definately tell you where not to go. People always rememebr where they got ripped off, but can never really remember where they got a good deal on there last brake job or set of shocks.