Preventive Maintenance... or Paranoid Maintenance ?

[Axel Griese]

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
?

[Les Benn]

Post by Axel Griese
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
?

Well from personal experience the ICM is a bugger to diagnose and it would
be worth the effort to replace. It dies slowly, but is very frustrating when
it quits working.

The fuel pump never gave me a problem at all. The Fuel Filter would be worth
changing especially since it sat for so long. I would put some miles on it
first just to loosen the crud in there then change the filter. Run one or 2
tanks of premium gas through it.

[JStricker]

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

Post by Axel Griese
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
?

[labtech_one]

Change your 'belts', having sat for so long, they have either taken a 'set'
or dried out or both ( MUCH easier to change a belt in your drive way
or garage than along side the road)

Filters, air, gas and oil are a good idea, top up all fluids and check for
leaks,
Replace your ICM, distributor cap and rotor as they too have probably
corroded.

A grease job on all the tie rod ends and ball joints wouldn't hurt either,
since the grease is old and may either be contaminated or dried out
from sitting.

Common sense routine mantainace can extend the life of your car, and driving
enjoyment. Have fun on your trip :)

Post by Axel Griese
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
?