Umm... where do I start. What did I get myself into :-)

[garydan]

Ok, I just picked up a 1985 K5 blazer, the body is in great condition. The motor is 400ci with Hedman Headers, true dual exhaust. I don't know any other specs on the motor, but I can tell there is a decent cam in there. I have so many questions I don't know where to start. I'm used to working on an LS1 camaro. So the
idea of tuning a carb is quite foreign to me. So here we go:

I'm going through a basic inspections process. I'll be changing the oil, flushing the coolant, changing the rear-end oil, checking the brakes, changing the air & fuel filters.

1. Does this truck take Dex-Cool? What is the recommended coolant. What ratio of water to coolant should be used (50/50?) ?
   
2. I popped the cap off the radiator and saw nice green coolant about 6-8 inches down. Is that an ok level? The external coolant reservoir was empty. I also noticed this rust colored film inside the radiator. Like I said the coolant I saw looked green, but the metal inside of the radiator I saw was brownish in color. Is that normal? If not what should I do about it.
   
3. Spark Plugs. Should I go with platinum or is there a standard type of plug that works well with these motors (400ci sb)? What gap should I have?
   
4. Is there a good Service manual available for the 1985 Blazer?
   
5. What about rear-end oil. I'm know I'll need a gasket (or rtv sealant?) and gear oil. Any recommendations here? Do I need an additive like I did with the 12-bolt I had in the camaro?
   
6. Fuel Filter. Any recommendations here? I'm not sure what I'm asking. I guess I'll just find the filter and take it to the auto-parts store and get a new similar model.

There are many more questions to come, including questions about servicing the 4wd components and transmission, but I'll stop here for now Thanks for your time and responses!

Edit: Oh... one more "stupid" question. How the hell do you jack one of these trucks up? It has 35 inch tires on it, and its lifted (not sure how much though). I have a good size jack, but I doubt it will go high enough to take a wheel off (unless I jack it from the pumpkin). What are the recommended jacking methods.

 

[jeff_buob]

1. regualr green anti-freeze 50-50
2.fill the rad raight up and put some in the reservoir. dont be alarmed if the coolant goes back down in the rad, some rads just seem to run low, do worry about the brown gunk, it never caused me a problem, you could do a system flush if u really wanted to
3. standard auto store plugs, no clue on the gap i just take em outa the box
4. factory service manuals are help ful but hard to get some times ask at a auto parts store or library for a haynes or chilton
5. gasket or rtv they both work, and a few liters of 80-90 gear oil no need for a additive

you shouldnt have a problem jacking from either the axle tube or pumpkin. front or back, just make sure its sitting in the jacks saddle securly. trying to block the frame up on a lifted truck is another battle tho

 

[cdoggwsu]

2. I popped the cap off the radiator and saw nice green coolant about 6-8 inches down. Is that an ok level? The external coolant reservoir was empty. I also noticed this rust colored film inside the radiator. Like I said the coolant I saw looked green, but the metal inside of the radiator I saw was brownish in color. Is that normal? If not what should I do about it.

I would do the flush. Easy and it can't hurt to get any crap out of the system.

3. Spark Plugs. Should I go with platinum or is there a standard type of plug that works well with these motors (400ci sb)? What gap should I have?

$1.99 AC Delco or NGK plugs are fine, the effectiveness of platinum is questionable. Not sure on the gap, my 350 TBI is .035

4. Is there a good Service manual available for the 1985 Blazer?

www.helminc.com

6. Fuel Filter. Any recommendations here? I'm not sure what I'm asking. I guess I'll just find the filter and take it to the auto-parts store and get a new similar model.

I doubt you'll see any performance increase, parts store special is probably fine.

 

[pauly383]

Your gonna need a couple service manuals , one for the year of the truck , one for the year of the motor . 1985 would be either a 305 or 350 in a K5 . 400's were phased out in the late 70's , think 80 was the last year .

Or just hang out here , its cheaper anyway in the long run for the tech

 

[DR]

1. What about rear-end oil. I'm know I'll need a gasket (or rtv sealant?) and gear oil. Any recommendations here? Do I need an additive like I did with the 12-bolt I had in the camaro?

Dont forget that you have the front end to worry about too. The front end and the transfer case are probably the most neglected parts of the vehicle.

 

[garydan]

I'm going to go through every "container" of fluid.. change and reseal if needed. So I guess that includes the front end, transfer case, oil pan, rear end, transmission.....

BTW.. I posted in another thread that I have a coolant leak at what looks like the head gaskset. I'm not burning coolant (no white smoke detected)... but there is a decent drip for a period after running the engine coming off the driver site motor mount area.

 

[Capt.D]

Check the freeze plugs....