I ran my '84 Fiero earlier today for the longest time it has run since it was parked in '97, and it was working normally for a while, besides an oddly increasing high idle. After running it for a bit and going in to check the gauges, I come out to check on the engine and there is either steam or smoke coming from one of the gaskets on the engine, along with a few drops of coolant around it.

I'm guessing the gasket would need to be replaced. Is that the solution, or could this be indicative of a greater problem? Also, how would I go about doing it? Thanks.

Gasket leak. You have the "old style" thermostat housing.

You need the blue Felpro gasket PN 35062
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/144348.html

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Could be bad Cap and coolant ran down but T-stat housing likely rotted/damage letting the gasket leaked.

New T-stat housing part is hard to find.
I'm told is ACDelco # 15-80794 GM# 10038440 but no pictures on few sites claim to have them.
Should be New Tube/Housing w/ own special gasket.

Bad news, isn't only thing iffy or dying as result of being parked or dead coolant. Example: WP Seal is known to fail after parked for months to years then engine runs again.

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[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 12-30-2020).]

quote Originally posted by theogre: Could be bad Cap and coolant ran down but T-stat housing likely rotted/damage letting the gasket leaked. New T-stat housing part is hard to find. I'm told is ACDelco # 15-80794 GM# 10038440 but no pictures on few sites claim to have them. Should be New Tube/Housing w/ own special gasket. Bad news, isn't only thing iffy or dying as result of being parked or dead coolant. Example: WP Seal is known to fail after parked for months to years then engine runs again.

Ok, that is good to know. Would it still have rotted out in a dry climate? Things seem to be in not quite as bad condition because it is a CA car from a hot and dry area.
Also, would it be good to just replace the water pump while the coolant is drained?
Thank you for the advice and info.