Now that my '83 (auto) is running (with your help) after a 6 year nap what should I do next? I was planning on changing fluids and checking for leaks (fuel, coolant. ps fluid...). I know that the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner will need to be done soon but what should I do before that? Also any tips on engine cleaning the engine/compartment pretty grimey after being stored on the PO's driveway for a long time.
Thanks
Jorge

 

If you're doing a TB/WP job soon, do your fluids then. You'll drain the coolant during the job and can change oil while it is up. At that time I would also change all the belts (AC. PS, air pump, alternator). This is also a good time to inspect your coolant hoses since they will be disconnected.

Before a TB/WP, you can check your vacuum and fuel lines and PS hoses and see what condition they are in and if any need replacing.

Matt

 

replace the fuel lines and probably the Motor Mount`s and oil pan gasket as well as service the power steering system with a few new hoses and a new power steering resivour, while your there you can scrub out the front wheel wells and make things look clean again this sometimes take more than a few scrub sessions

 

If it's been sitting in the POs driveway, you'll probably find some interesting things in the valley up top. (do the '83s have that?)
I'd plan on the top end refresh soon.

My order was:
running gear (TB/WP, compression check, electrical tune-up, FI hoses, things that can potentially burn or blow up, tranny fluid, filters, oil change)
stopping gear (brake pads, check rotors, tire pressure, tire condition, brake fluid flush)
turning gear (check ball joints, tie-rods, cv boots, axles)
electrical gear (running lights, warning lights, interior lights in that order)
Make it faster (exhaust mods, make it lighter maybe)
cosmetics...

I'm only about 2/3 of the way through this list after a year, but I'm pretty sure it won't blow up and I drive it everyday.


But first, get yourself a set of the CDs that Jim Morehouse sells. They're extremely useful. Then get a Rennlist membership it's a bargain at twice the price.

Enjoy and good luck.

How 'bout some pics?

 

if you are changing most/all of your fluids, changing out the hoses would be the next logical step. regardless of how good they might look, they are close to the end of their life expectancy.