Thanks everyone for the advice to replace the thermostat.
Now the temp gage stays between 175 and 190 and the engine is running smoother than ever.
I replaced the original thermostat because the temp gage never hardly budged off cold.

Another problem solved.
Now I have to tackle the ugliest job in all of Fiero-dom: The inboard exhaust leak.
There must be a way to get at these bolts without moving the a/c compressor and tilting the subframe back...
If anyone has advice, I am all ears.

Thanks,
Rich Truett
Detroit

P.S. I'd gladly pay someone around here to do repair for me.

Happy to see your car running like it should. BTW, was this car parked for a while before you bought it??

If it was my car, I would drop the engine completely because you may want to replace more things
and you'll be able to inspect to make sure everything is good. Hell of a lot easier to replace the manifold gasket.
If you break 1 exhaust manifold bolt in the cylinder head, I don't see anyone drill / tap the hole with the engine in the car.

I know this isn't the news you want to hear, but its the easiest way.

------------------
fierogt28

88 GT, Loaded, 5-speed.
88 GT, 5-speed. Beechwood interior, All original.

The car has just 55,000 miles on it, so yeah, it had been sitting for awhile.

I can't get my head around dropping the engine for an exhaust gasket. I'd pull the head off before I'd drop the engine.

There has to be a way to get wrenches on those bolts...

quote Originally posted by Rich Truett: Now I have to tackle the ugliest job in all of Fiero-dom: The inboard exhaust leak. There must be a way to get at these bolts without moving the a/c compressor and tilting the subframe back...

Just wait until you discover one or more of the manifold bolts broken off in the head. Been there, done that.

I ended up pulling the heads because of broken manifold bolts.

quote Originally posted by Rich Truett: Thanks everyone for the advice to replace the thermostat. Now the temp gage stays between 175 and 190 and the engine is running smoother than ever. I replaced the original thermostat because the temp gage never hardly budged off cold. Another problem solved. Now I have to tackle the ugliest job in all of Fiero-dom: The inboard exhaust leak. There must be a way to get at these bolts without moving the a/c compressor and tilting the subframe back... If anyone has advice, I am all ears. Thanks, Rich Truett Detroit P.S. I'd gladly pay someone around here to do repair for me.

Drop the exhaust and the ac compressor, or five bolts and drop the cradle. Its almost as easy as a beetle.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/090376.html

Here is something to help with the manifolds.....