Hey Scotty, My name is Holly and I live in Georgia. I really love your YouTube videos. You give the best and most honest car advice and I truly appreciate that. I'm writing because I have recently had a 1985 Monte Carlo passed down to me from my dad. It was originally my grandfather's. He bought it new in '85 and he took very good care of it. Only has 87,000 original miles on it. it's the Custom Luxury edition with a 305 V8 5.0 liter motor with a 2 barrel carburetor and automatic transmission. It runs really smooth most of the time and after the initial startup of the day which usually creates a cloud of white smoke from the exhaust, I barely have to turn the key and it cranks right up. I have a transmission pan leak that I will be fixing DIY style tomorrow. Got a new transmission filter, gasket and Dex VI transmission fluid for the job, but I'm wondering if there's anything else that I should be addressing or at least look into since the car sat for over 10 years in my dad's garage, having only been drove a handful of times during those years and with me driving it mostly short distances, but on a daily basis? Do you have any suggestions about additional things I can do to keep my car running like new? I really trust your opinion and know you will give the best advice on this. Thank you for your time. You da man!
If not already done change all filters, engine oil, coolant and brake fluid. Basically all fluids should be changed. (You're already onto trans fluid.) Install new thermostat. Check brake lines for rust, change rubber brake hoses if original.
Hi Chuck, Thank you for your response. I will definitely be doing all of that. Are you familiar with the A/C systems in older cars like mine? I believe the system was converted over to R-134a years ago, but the system hasn't run cool for as far back as I can remember and I would really like to fix it. Do you have any suggestions for a DIY fix? It's hard for me to trust anyone enough to take it to and leave at a shop. I live in Clayton County Georgia and my car is a very sought-after one. Thank you.
Yes, I have cars here with the old R12 systems, but I'm still using R12 in them. (I stocked up on it before it was banned.) The quality of R134 conversions is all over the place and you do lose about 20% cooling capacity with the newer refrigerant. First thing to do would probably be to hook up a manifold gauge set to check pressures.
I find that the best thing for maintenance is just to look it over often with a fine tooth comb. I find something every time.
oh and listen for noises while driving, and occasionally run diagnostics on it. Check fuel trims, MAF readings, temps, pressures, O2 etc.
Not much in the way of electronic diagnostics on a 1985 model, that's even pre-OBD1. No MAF or fuel trims on a 2-barrel carb.
right! I got stuck in modern thinking.
I guess you would watch for soot on the tailpipe, smell the exhaust, measure the vacuum and stuff like that.
It may have an O2 sensor if equipped with a feedback carb. 1980s cars with carbs tended to have those along with seemingly miles of vacuum plumbing to control emissions gadgetry. That's something else to deal with, a lot of those vacuum lines are probably shot after 36 years and who knows how many are still hooked up properly.
C'mon Joe! You remember '85. Bell bottoms, Karaoke, Peace, Love and Tie Dye, Turquoise and no such thing as OBD.
Nah 80s was pale jeans and poofy hair
Keep an eye on that white tail pipe smoke. Hopefully, it's just condensation but monitor your coolant level to be on guard for a possible blown head gasket.
