Well, I have found an installer for my new carpet and weatherstripping. The interior will soon be done and am now getting ready to put the finishing touches on the motor to get ready for lots of trips this spring and summer. Some advice would be appreciated.
I would like to flush the cooling system and change the lower radiator hose. Can I get to the water pump end of the hose when the car is on ramps? If not, how is the easiest way to get to the hose to change it? I would like to replace the thermostat when the system is drained, and would like to know if I should go to a 180 degree thermostat or stick with the 195 degree. I have a 1986 coupe with cast iron heads. Stock computer. Don't know if the lower thermostat would affect the computer. I will also drill the four small holes in the thermo.
I am planning on going to some pretty hot places this summer, and saw a coolant additive in Eckler's. Stuff called "Forty Below". Has anyone had any experience with this stuff. Found some feedback from Camaro website when did a search and said worked pretty good.
Thanks for any input, hope to post some pictures of the new interior when all done.

 

I also have this Q. My 88 has been running around 200- 225, and its not even hot here yet. Radiator flush? New thermo? Help is appreciated. (sorry to butt in Dilweed) :withstupid:

 

:cheers: I'll try to answer in order.

Cooling system flush is good, but pulling the radiator and cleaning the area between it and the AC condensor will also be a big help.

With radiator out, remove serpentine belt and getting the lower hose on and off the water pump should be a snap. Replace serpentine belt if it is more than three years old or if you don't know how old it is.

180 thermo will not screw up computer! drilling four small holes will do to things...one eliminate air in the system and ...turn the thermo into about a 170 thermo since coolant will be flowing at all times (not bad either, that's the way I always run)

Water wetter, below 40, etc. seem to work :D

:seeya

:steering:

 

You will have to move the A/C Compressor out of the way and the belt tensioner to get to the hose clamp at the water pump end. The hose at the radiator end doesn't look to be too hard to get to.

The thermostat is pretty straightforward. Use RTF silicone sealer and replace the housing when the sealer is still wet. A 180 stat should work fine as long as the cooling system is in good shape. If the radiator is really old and the core is so thin that it won't effectively cool, a lower temp stat won't really help. As far as coolant additives, if the system is in good condition, additives may not really help. Higher temps are necessary for emissions control and driveability.

One thing youshould definitely look for is debris (leaves, dirt, small animals, Hondas) between the A/C condensor and the radiator. This area will trp a lot of stuff and will impede cooling. Use a garden hose and a fairly soft flow of water to force stuff out from between the tubes.

You might want to use some flushing chemicals if the old coolant is dark looking or very cloudy or muddy. Don't get a flush that is real strong.

Use a good "green" coolant and install as a 50/50 mix and use distilled water for the final fill. Distilled water has most all of the minerals removed and that will help keep the system clean. It should be available at grocery stores for less than a buck a gallon. I use it for a final flush prior to refilling so I usually use about 5 gallons. The system will take about 2 gallons of antifreeze and 2 gallons of water.

Even if you have a 180 stat installed, driving in very hot weather and in heavy traffic may cause temps to hit 210-220 or so. If your car doesn't have the auxiliary fan, you might consider adding one.