Rule of thumb........
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
That said...................
Change all the filters, including the fuel filters. Change the oil. If
you
aren't having overheating problems, leave the cooling system alone. No
flush and fill. No new thermostat. See the Rule of Thumb.
DO take an extra ignition control module with you and the tools you need
to
replace. I have had terrible luck with aftermarket ignition modules and
find it well worth the price to buy a GM from the dealer. At one time,
AutoZone would also sell you a GM-Delco as well but I haven't checked for
a
couple of years to know if they still do. If you have some time, go to
Monster Parts Online or GM Parts Direct and order the module, that will
save
you some money on them. You don't need many tools to change the module.
Whatever it takes to get the cap off (either a straight screwdriver or
nutdriver), a Phillips to take the rotor off (I've done it with it on, but
easier with it off), either a Phillips screwdriver or a torx screwdriver
for
the module itself. If you DO have to change it, wipe off all the old
dielectric compound from the distributor and use a thin coating of the
compound provided on the bottom of the new module. Don't lather it on
thick
because that can actually reduce the heat transfer and make the new one
die
quickly.
If the fuel pump is working, let it be. I've had more problems with
replacement pumps than old original pumps. The more often you change your
fuel filter, the better luck you'll have with the fuel pumps, has been my
experience, so I change them every year.
Make sure you check air pressure in your tires, give the front wheel
bearings a shake, and just generally look things over.
John Stricker
"Axel Griese" <axel-dot-griese-at-yahoo-dot-com> wrote in message
news:Xns99683B5E16F0axeldotgrieseatyahoo@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> So I got my '86 going, finally. Turns out the prior owner had the
> distributor in wrong. They'd also put a brand new ECM it, presumably to
> correct the problems caused by the distributor in wrong, but neglected
> to transfer the CALPAK. Duh.
>
> Thinking of taking this thing on a Road Trip, Portland Oregon to Central
> Idaho, about 300 miles each way. Of course before I go I'll check all
> the normal things - belts, hoses, oil change, and probably change the
> fuel filter just to be safe.
>
> But given that this thing is 20+ years old, has 80,000 miles, and sat
> for several years prior to me buying it a few weeks back, is there
> anything else I really out to replace, just to be safe ? I'm
> specifically worried about those things that are likely to fail suddenly
> and leave me stranded, not those things that might be a nuissance or
> might let me "limp home" if they go bad.
>
> I'm thinking of the IGNITION CONTROL MODULE inside the distributor, and
> the FUEL PUMP. Or am I being overly paranoid in thinking of replacing
> those at only 80K miles with no symptoms currently ?
>
> And/or is there anything else I really ought to replace for good measure
> ?
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