QuestionI have a 1984 Grand Prix. I'll be taking it in for new freezer plugs (one is leaking). What other work should I have done? IF they have to pull the transmission or engine.
I'm thinking to save time and money, if they have to pull things out, may as well get other things done too.
John
AnswerThis is a much newer car than I am familiar with, but I can give you some general ideas about it:
Replacing a freeze-out plug (AKA core plug) is a very simple operation, and will not require any significant disassembly of things. It is best to have all of the core plugs on the sides of the block replaced at the same time, in order to avoid having to repeat the repair as the others fail, because if one is leaking, the others will start to leak too, soon. This job can be done by most any mechanic - I'd prefer to have it done at a cooling system (radiator) repair facility, because there is likely a need to clean out the block of accumulated debris in the cooling passages at the same time, and they will be familiar with this job.
Since I don't know how many miles are on your car, and what previous repairs might have been done to it, there is no way I can guess what else it might be prudent to do.
If there are less than 200,000 miles on the engine/trans, and if it is running well and not showing any signs of impending failure, I'd leave it totally alone.
If there are more than that amount of miles on it, I'd advise you to take it to a diagnostic service and have them do a complete work-up on it. This should include a compression and leakdown test, and a driving evaluation. The best way to get an honest opinion is to go to a diagnosis outfit only - if you take it to a mechanic who stands to profit by finding things wrong, you can bet he will find lots of things wrong. A good diagnostic mechanic will advise you what needs to be done to the car, and how soon it is needed.
Dick
