Rough start and Overheating on long hills?

[Gottolovem]

Great job this is a good car to learn how the various systems work.

I Like to use the one minute gasket in a can called the right stuff it's kinda pricey but works the first time every time. Even a paper gasket is much better than the rubber thing that comes with thermostats these days there a real pain. Make sure both surfaces are scrapped totally clean before reassembling.

[irowiki]

Auto parts stores can test the whole charging system on the car, just bring it in!

[dlb]

good for you, that was a quick and easy repair. great start for a new mechanic!

a few words about the clogged fuel filter. it's possible the thing was simply never changed in many years but it's also possible that there is rust and corrosion in the gas tank (if the car sat with a partially empty tank for a long time). if the latter is the case, you may have to replace a few fuel filters before most of the crap is gone. luckily, fuel filters for these cars are super cheap and easy to replace so that's no big deal.

for the leaking thermostat, i don't use the paper gaskets at all. i apply a bead of high temp silicone sealant to the thermostat housing, rest the thermostat in there in the correct orientation, and carefully maneuver it into place. it is tricky to get it in there, especially without wiping some of the sealant off, so be patient and have someone hold a flashlight for you if possible. don't overtighten the 10 mm nuts or you will warp the housing but make sure they are snug enough--it's a delicate balance between too much and not enough but i'm sure you'll get it.

easy way to test the alternator's output is to use a volt meter. check the battery's charge when the car is off, fully charged it should be 12.5 to 13 V. check again when the car is running and it should read around 14 V. or take the alt into a store like irowiki suggested. check all the cables and wires for the alternator and make sure they're securely connected and not corroded. if you find corroded grounds, use sandpaper and clean them until they're shiny again.

[irowiki]

Oh I meant take the whole car to an auto parts store. They usually have a mobile cart they will attach various things to the car for testing.

[Gottolovem]

Hey dewloft

Did you get your car in sonora ca ?
Is it brown ?
Did the guy tell you that he got it from a little old lady and it spent it's life in a carport ?

[dewloft]

Yes I did! How did you know?!

[dewloft]

Should I be worried?
By the way thanks again for the responses. That trick with with the thermostats worked great! The simple tricks that make life so much easier. Still having trouble with the electrical. Takes a bit to start on the jump when its cold. I bought a volt meter and the alternator checks out. I am starting to think something is draining it while the car is sitting. I did put back the rear wiper button reconnecting the the plug and all. The water pump works for it but the wipers don't? Let you know how cleaning all the wires goes. Thanks again.

[Gottolovem]

I have an app on my phone that tells me when any t4 comes up for sale within a 500 mile radius.
The seller had a parts car I was going to pickup but it sold before I could make arrangements.
I hope that he sold you a good car the miles are low and that's a good sign but I didn't get a good vibe from him over the phone (kinda an a**)