Need some input on some maintenance. I need to know if there is a drain plug on my radiator, also the best way to flush it, and what kind of fluid I should put in. Also where is my fuel filter and what is a good one to put in? Also any tips on replacing my thermastat with a 160 thermostat and what brand I should get. What kind of gear oil should I use? Is that about it??? Thanks for the help.

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1988 GTA (29,000 original miles):
Crane Cam, K&N
Flowmaster, Off Road Pipe.

 

I never like using the pet**** on the radiator... I always get antifreeze hitting the radiator support and showering the garage floor...

Now, I raise the front of the car on ramps, put goggles on, put a drain pan on my stomach, and slide under the car. I put the pan directly under the lower rad hose (on the radiator), loosen the clamp, and yank the hose off. The coolant splashes right into the pan w/out the big mess- that is, as long as you line the pan up correctly! Do this when the engine's cold...!

The fuel filter's under the back driver's side of the car.. almost under where the rear seat (on the driver's side) would be. It's a silver can held up there with one rusty clamp. When you remove it, look at the ends of the steel lines. On each line, there should be tiny o-rings at the very end. If one line is missing it, it's probably in the filter. If those o-rings aren't there, you'll get a fuel leak.

Thermostat brand doesn't really matter.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Thanks for the helpful info. Hopefully I can pull off the draining of my radiator without too much of a mess. Thanks again.

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1988 GTA (29,000 original miles):
Crane Cam, K&N
Flowmaster, Off Road Pipe.

 

I wouldnt reccomend a 160degree thermostat, your engine will stay cold, which is a bad thing for power, fuel economy, enviorment etc.. just get a 180degree..

 

Prestone sells a flush kit just about anywhere you find autoparts. With it, you can flush the radiator and the coolant passages in the motor until it runs clear. If you just drain it, more crap is left in there. It costs about $5.00.