I just did a coolant flush on my 87 trans am. it was fine before but it was really really dirty. i let all the old dirty coolant out and then ran a hose through it to clean it out as much as possible. after that i plugged it back up and put brand new coolant and water back in it. now its having trouble starting, not only that but the temp gauge is freaking out. does anyone know what i did wrong and what can be done to fix it???

 

Sounds like you have air in the system.

With the engine cool (cold is better) remove the radiator cap and top off the radiator.

Start the engine and top off the radiator as needed.

Set the HVAC temp to HOT. Turn the blower on to high.

Let the engine come up to operating temperature and let the fans cycle a few times.

Top off the radiator and replace the cap.

Fill the reservoir to full.

Shut off engine. Done.

 

Good advice.

if it was too nasty you may not have gotten it all the way clean (not saying that has anything to do with your problem just saying...), i always ran vinegar in mine, let em get hot, then cool down and hose it out, it's a long stinky process with good results though. let us know if you take care of her.

 

there might be a problem with that... lol the heater doesnt work in my car yet... i just bought it and thought a clean radiator is more needed than a heater at the moment. is it absolutely vital i need it to help or can i do it without it?

 

Is the fan bad?
The reason you turn the heat on is because you have a valve that opens and closes. This lets coolant flow to the heater core. Even if the fan dosen't work turn the heat on. It will still let coolant in. That will get all the air out of those two hoses and the heater core.
Or if you want until you get the heater fixed, you can take the hoses off the heater core and loop them to the engine.