Mike Delong

Does anyone know of any books or online sources that show the maintenance schedule for these cars (specifically my '89 350)? I just hit 70k and got to wondering. There's nothing in the manual, and I have been unable to find anything with Google. My other car just has it all listed in the back of it's manual.

GeneralDisorder

iTrader: (1)

Pickup a (paper) copy of the factory service manual on eBay. Theres tons of them for cheap.

GD

Mike Delong

Where are they cheap? Everything I'm seeing is upwards of $80.

Jimmy2x

No Mike they are not what I would consider cheap either but the factory shop manuals will more than pay for themselves if you intend to turn your own wrenches.

Mike Delong

I don't even have a space to work on anything, just want to know the maintenance schedule.

Jimmy2x

Not to be a jerk but what good does it do you on a 30 year old car? It's not like you need to follow manufacturers specs to stay within the warranty. Most of us on here do our own maintenance based on how we utilize the vehicle. You have to find out what works for your car and your lifestyle. Some guys don't put more than 500 miles a year on their car but I highly doubt that they go 6 years without changing the oil. My suggestion is if you have something specific that you want to know about toss it out to the group. The folks here are awesome and very knowledgeable. Chances are someone has had the same questions at one time or another. The search tool is also invaluable.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

These cars are at least 25 years old. Everything on them needs examined and replaced if necessary. Almost assuredly the springs, shocks and struts need replaced. Probably a few of the rubber joints if not all. Wheel bearings will need to be repacked, Pads and rotors changed. U joints are probably OK. Power steering fluid, transmission fluid and Brake fluid (like the rest of the cars in the world) probably have the original fluid and need changed. Spark plugs, plug wires and Serpentine belt should be changed. Just pick what system you want to start with and have at it.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

As a general rule, I try not to make a habit of scanning documentation. It's always a pain in the butt, getting a legible scan, cropping to size, rotating, putting the pages in order, and so on. But I figured this is a small leaflet. You wouldn't believe me if I told you how long it took to put this together and get it online where it's accessible.

http://www27.zippyshare.com/v/c9HPNNav/file.html is the 1989 Camaro Maintenance Schedule supplement. Enjoy.

BTW, I'm with most everyone else in this thread. It's not a new car, it's not currently 1990. They were only general guidelines to begin with. Lubricant technology has changed. By the book an 89 Chevy shouldn't even still be driving. The original maintenance schedule really isn't applicable aside from general curiosity.

Chances are if you haven't flushed the radiator, flushed the brake fluid, serviced the trans, and rear end, you are far far far overdue.

Mike Delong

I get the whole thing about it being old and all that. I just have a tendency to forget about certain more long-term maintenance like PCV valves and Trans flushes without a visual reminder/reference. Generally guidelines are all I really needed as a starting point for forming my own schedule.

I just got the car in July at 68k, just rolled it over 70k and was wondering what I should start keeping track of. I did the oil and fuel filter when I got it, but that's it so far. Thanks for the file.

GeneralDisorder

iTrader: (1)

That's cheap for what you get. Back when you still could get paper manuals in the late 90's on newer stuff, it was not unusual to pay $300 to $400 for a full set of manuals for a single model, single year.

Everything is digital now. Most manufacturers started going partially digital in the mid 90's and by the early 2000's everything was digital and printed manuals went away completely.

When you consider the raw size of these volumes, and what the printing costs must have been (they have ultra thin pages - almost tissue paper thin), and how few they actually sold, they are exceptional bargain for what you get. That's about the cost of 4 Haynes manuals and you get probably 50x more information. Also accurate information. The first time you run into a difficult electrical issue the manual will pay for itself.

If $80 for some documentation scares you, you're in the wrong hobby.

GD

Jimmy2x

Mike, you are a lot like me in that your car is fairly new to you. What I did was go through all of what I would consider the consumables. Oil, fuel, brakes, tranny, rear end, belts, hoses, plugs, cap & rotor, ect. You have to assume that it all needs to be done since you have no idea the current condition. Do what you can and keep picking away at the non-critical items until you have a baseline for everything completed. In other words, if you just changed the oil you know that you are good for awhile. You can then begin to build your own maintenance schedule based on how you utilize the car. As you drive it you will be able to determine what needs to be addressed next.

Mike Delong

$80 is an absurd amount of money to pay for a book. I wouldn't pay any more than $30 for one.

GeneralDisorder

iTrader: (1)

Having been a software engineer, and had to buy many professional technical manuals and textbooks.... It's not even close to absurd. You have ZERO idea what you're talking about.

I laid out exactly why the cost is what it is, and your response is that it's absurd? Really?

Sorry that reality sucks so bad for you. As I said, you should probably find a different car/hobby. Just wait till you have to pay someone with real skills to work on it! Us competent mechanics charge $80 for about 45 minutes of our time. Good luck with that.

$80 won't even buy one of my ratchets.... friend, you got a major reality check coming.

GD

gt4373

$80 Is A Bargain.

Mike Delong

I'm sorry you feel that way, but I just found one on ebay for 29.99 shipped. Proof that $80 is absurd. I don't care what's in it, I'm not paying $80 for a 30 year old bundle of paper. I've paid lots before to have work done on cars. It's well worth the price for quality parts and talent. For a book? Not really. If I wanted to spend over inflated prices for paper, I would go get a liberal arts degree.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

You never said what car you have!!!

Ron U.S.M.C.

Here's a CD FOR $25.00 = http://www.ebay.com/itm/1988-1989-19...5YoOBU&vxp=mtr

I have a Chilton's Manual for mine that has been used extensively for over 10 years now and shows it.

It has the basics and its fun to read. (Yes, I'm weird like that).
Pick one up at your local auto parts store for about the same price as that CD.

If your going to own a Third Generation Camaro or Firebird your going to need them.
That and a steady cash flow to keep it on the road.

I have replaced and or fixed every single "bolt on" and screw "in" item there is to my "89" 5.0 TBI engine.
Including every other serviceable item there is on the car just to keep it on the road.

Just as many, many, of us has had to do.

That's one of the reasons its hard to get any love complaining about a book.

These cars will not only hit you with big ticket items but nickel and dime you to and early grave.
Sad part is I love my car so much I will most likely be berried in it.