1986 Chevy Monte Carlo help?

Question

I drive a 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo with 61,000 miles and it drives decently well. I was wondering if anyone can help me out and give me some tips on repairs and maintenance that won't cost a fortune so that I can keep the car alive for a while. Any little tips would be helpful since I don't know the first thing about car maintenance.

Answer 1

i drive a 1971 and i do all the work myself first listen to it if its talking to you (making funny noises) find out what they are before it becomes a problem as it should be fuel injected add fuel cleaners every 9000 miles the best i have found (as wierd as it sounds ) is 1 quart auto trans fluid and 1 can spray carb cleaner in the fuel tank with 5 to 8 galons of fuel it works great also regular oil changes tire presure checks as well as antifreze and other fluids

Answer 2

Change oil correctly check frequently. Check the water level frequently too. Those are very important. If it is running a little hot have the thermostat checked, maybe radiator flushed. Seals & gaskets can start to leak if not already! Have your tranny drained and refilled with new filter every couple years. This car is goint to start needing a lot of TLC. Your gonna spend a lot keeping repairs. If you do a lot of it yourself you can save a lot of money too. Here is a part list idea of all the stuff you'll eventuall need!
http://www.performancepartswholesale.com/performance/parts.php?make=5&year=1986&model=43

Heres an interesting story about Mikes 1986 Monte Carlo SS http://webpages.charter.net/mikesmonte/mikesmonte.html

Answer 3

Change all engine belts ( water pump/ power steering / alternator, change radiator hoses & heater hoses, breather element, change oil, change automatic transmission fluid, check brake shoes/pads and replace, change hydraulic fluid in brake system, change oil, have a 'tech' look at your exhaust system and replace if necessary, always keep oil changed, have a front alignment done, check tires for uneven wear ... the list goes on and on.

Answer 4

just do the usual tune-up,like plugs,wires,clean out the throttle body,air filter,gas filter,change the oil and filter in the motor and tranny.,pcv valve,fan belts,check out all electrical,like headlights,turn signals.grease the car,like ball joints,tie rods,and check the brakes on the front and back.also after you do all this,write it in a book,what you did and the date you did it.that way you can keep track,to when it needs done again,thats what i do.good luck.

Answer 5

go to parts store and get $15 manual...you will never regret the small charge for the info you get