Toyota: 88 Toyota Celica, toyota celica, celica gt


Question
OK, for starters, I was wondering if you know anything about my particular model which is an '88 Celica GT-S.  Anything from the number of HP in the engine to front-wheel or rear-wheel drive would be very helpful.  I'd like to know as much as possible about my model, but of course the person I purchased the car from didn't have the manual.  

There's also a few general problems I was wondering if you could help me with.  One major one is the car tends not to start after it's been running for a while--especially on a hot day.  I've been told that this is because the starter is located near the exhaust manifold and when the engine has been running the manifold heats up causing the starter to cease to work.  It works after about 30 minutes or so of sitting.  I had to have the starter replaced because it was apparently shot and this helped the problem a little bit.  If you know of any way to fix this problem please let me know.

Another problem, this is a smaller one, is the engine tempature guage will stop working (it goes from the 'nominal' area on the guage all the way to cold as if the engine were off).  If you have any idea, wether the guage itself is bad or it's somekind of thermostat, then please tell me.

The third major problem I have with the car is the AC doesn't work.  No matter what setting the thermostat is on, the car will only blow extremely hot air.  If you can give me any suggestions as to what the problem might be (or if it just needs to be recharged) then please tell me.  

That's all for now!

Best Regards,
Tyler Stricker

Answer
I dont know the spcs on your car, but celicas.org would know, or your local toyota dealer would know.
as for the starter you should try a heat sheild, or maybe some thermo wrap, you starter is getting heat soaked. for the temp gauge you might try a new sending unit, try a junk yard or the dealer ($$), as for the ac not working, have you had it checked out latly, it might need to be recharged, or just overhauld.
Shane