Stealth Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 hey I just rememberd, Ive had the cutlass for over 2 years and have never changed the fuel filter, I saw them at canadian tire today and there only 13$, how do I change it? and what exacly does it do and how important is it?? what about the thermostat? how do I change that? how can I tell if the trans fluid has been changed, the car has 224000 kms and the fluids like a crimson color? I now it needs to be changed but I dont wanna fook the tranny, how bad is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GutlessSupreme Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 doing the fuel filter and thermostat are very straight forward, but you're going to leak hazardous liquids in either case, so break out a catch pan. The fuel filter is right in front of the gas tank on the driver side. just a cylinder about 3 inches long. the side that has a nut is easy, that just unscrews.. we had some trouble with the "quick release" side. It's very apparent on how to do it, but some tugging will probably be required. service manual writers frown on this, but when me and my step dad did mine he just vise gripped the nylon hose. I didn't think that was the smartest thing to do, he told me that if I brought it to a shop to have it done that's exactly what they'd do (can't say I doubt it - and he is an ex-mechanic). the hose didn't look great afterwards, but he looked it over good and assured me it was fine, and nothing leaked. You'll want an adjustable wrench (I dunno the size of the nut) and a long flathead screwdriver or two to help on the quick release side. wear goggles. trust me. have a rag nearby too. the thermostat housing is to the rear/pass side of the air box, in front of the throttle body. has a small bronze bleeder screw on top (if it hasn't been broken off in the past). I think there's just two bolts on the housing (dunno size, 13mm?). just take the bolts out, take the old thermostat out and drop the new one in. you'll leak some coolant when you unbolt the housing.. don't do this while the engine's warm I think that's all there is to it. might need to just pour a little coolant in afterwards. someone else go right ahead with the tranny q.. edit: damn you Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby1870 Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 alright......he said the tranny fluid was crimson. Sounds good to me! How are the shifts? Firm, fast? If its red, its pretty much good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth Posted August 31, 2004 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 ok thanks but I kinda screwed up on the color of the fluid, I put some on a piece of paper next to some new stuff, its kinda dark, the dtuff on top and bottom is the old stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THe_DeTAiL3R Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 If you haven't changed the tranny fluid in 2 years (and don't know when it was changed before you had the car) then definatly change it. You can go to NAPA or wherever and get a tranny kit (pan gasket, filter) for like under $15. Make sure the gasket is not cork!{ but rather rubber. Do a search on how to "drop the pan". With the fuel filter you can also relieve the fuel pressure by pulling the fuel pump FUSE and then trying to start the car until it stalls.. this uses up any gas. Be sure to take the gas cap off as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth Posted August 31, 2004 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 can I just bring it to canadian tire for the fluid dhange? is it safe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GP1138 Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 can I just bring it to canadian tire for the fluid dhange? is it safe? Get a big catch pan, and do it yourself. It's not that hard, and you'll feel better knowing it's done right. There's honestly not much to it, it's just messy. Have a lot of Gojo/Orange Clean and shop rags on hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White93z34 Posted August 31, 2004 Report Share Posted August 31, 2004 last time i did it i got a bath in ATF, hehe my hair was REALLY shinny that night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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