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Looking at a 2003 Park Ave, things to be done ?

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Old 02-24-2011, 08:01 PM
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Default Looking at a 2003 Park Ave, things to be done ?

Its got 75k but is real clean. I think i should, if I buy it, Chg;

fuel filter, air filter, tranny fluid and filter, and get the Dex cool out and replace it ith the Prestone mix with all coolant and chg the tstat at the same time, agree ??

Also add a trailer hitch for my small trailer
Old 02-24-2011, 08:06 PM
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Standard things, oil, spark plugs, air and fuel filter.
Old 02-24-2011, 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by goldfinger22
Its got 75k but is real clean. I think i should, if I buy it, Chg;

fuel filter, air filter, tranny fluid and filter, and get the Dex cool out and replace it ith the Prestone mix with all coolant and chg the tstat at the same time, agree ??

Also add a trailer hitch for my small trailer
75K isn't all that bad. A car like that should get to 200k. The problem seems to be paying for gas to get it that far.
Old 02-25-2011, 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by espee1989
75K isn't all that bad. A car like that should get to 200k. The problem seems to be paying for gas to get it that far.
Fuel mileage is only as bad as you let it get.

I always enjoy a good seafoam treatment myself before doing a tuneup. I don't know if a tuneup is necessary though, as I believe they were set up to run to 100k miles before needing one.

I would do a coolant flush though at least. Whether you put Dex back in to it is completely up to you.
Old 02-25-2011, 09:31 AM
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And yes, I would suggest a complete cooling system flush. DEX is 5 years or 100k miles, which ever comes first, and that car i well past 5 years. No problem putting DEX back in. But if you don't use DEX then make sure you flush it all out, anything left and it will sludge up. You could also use all color if you wish.
Old 02-25-2011, 09:34 AM
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In the midst of all this stuff. I'd suggest lower intake gaskets. Change them out to the newer style aluminum versions. If this is not an Ultra, plug the coolant ports in the LIM while you are there and you should have a long living trouble free car. As for Dex.. it'* not the enemy, the gaskets were the issue.
Old 02-25-2011, 01:52 PM
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Bill, Can you plug the coolant ports and use the same UIM ?? How tough a job is that ??


These cars get great gas mileage ! The only thing that seems to be a problem is my 98 Bonnie and my 99 Park Ave both needed torque convertors at 100k miles...


Any way to flush and be sure to get all the dex out ?? If some stays it should be ok with the mix any color coolant right ?
Old 02-25-2011, 02:20 PM
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It'* easy to block the ports, 1/4" plugs, tap the holes, put plugs in seal them good with RTV, remove the O rings from the gasket and put a nickel in it'* place and use RTV to seal it good, let dry, then close everything up.

Any color coolant is fine, just drain what you can and refill with any color.
Old 02-25-2011, 02:27 PM
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so what happens if there is no coolant running thru the UIM ?? Any pics or step by step to show how this is done ?? ANy down side ??
Can you do it and use exsisting UIM ??
Old 02-25-2011, 02:29 PM
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how many ports to pulg are there ??


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