13 Carb Considerations
A carburetor should always look as if it was just rebuilt. A routine cleaning will accomplish this.
For a carburetor to perform properly, it is important to keep it clean from varnish deposits that will form. Simply removing the air cleaner and spraying the throttle bores and exterior with some carburetor cleaner is all that needs to be done for peak performance. Once a month on a daily-driven car will keep the carburetor performing like new. Keep in mind, however, that carb cleaner will remove paint on restored parts.
14 EFI Considerations
EFI engines need the throttle body and MAF serviced (if so equipped).
An EFI Pontiac needs to have the throttle body cleaned. If the throttle plates are treated with a coating, then a throttle body spray cleaner needs to be used. If they are not treated then carburetor cleaner will suffice. Not sure? Then always use spray throttle body cleaner. Open the throttle plates so that you can clean on both sides. CRC makes a MAF (mass air flow sensor) cleaner that works very well and should be used whenever you service the throttle body.
15 Directional Rotation
A rubber drive belt will take a set from being installed and operated in one direction. Whenever removing a belt that you plan on reusing, mark the direction of rotation with chalk before removal. This way, you can install it in the same direction of rotation. If the belt is installed opposite to the rotation, it has the potential to stretch excessively and either fail or jump off the pulley. A good mechanic always installs a belt in the same direction it has been used.
16 Make It Shine
Keeping your engine clean from grease and oil helps it run cooler and extends the life of the parts. Over time, grease and oil will attack electronics, hoses, belts, and especially the A/C lines. In addition, it's more difficult and less enjoyable to work on a dirty engine. A good biodegradeable degreaser sprayed on a cold/warm engine and rinsed off with a garden hose every time you wash the vehicle will keep it looking like new under the hood.
17 Don't Cheap Out
When it comes time to buy parts for your Pontiac, don't look for the cheapest brand, believing if it looks the same, then it is the same. There are differences that the naked eye cannot detect. With a newer Pontiac, stick with factory replacement parts and pay a little extra. The old slogan, "Keep your GM car all GM," is still correct.
If factory parts aren't offered anymore, then use high-quality components from a reputable source. Your Pontiac is only as good and reliable as the parts that you install.
The same goes for oil and filters. Good quality lubricants cost more to make. A name brand oil and high quality air, fuel, and oil filters are well worth the investment.
18 Let The Heat Out
Whenever an engine is shut off after being run, the underhood temperature increases due to the lack of air movement and because the coolant is no longer being circulated. Every underhood component rises in temperature. This is called heat soak. Heat attacks the electronics, the battery, the rubber belts, the hoses, the engine gaskets, and the soft metal of the carburetor. When possible, open the hood to let the heat rise instead of being absorbed into the parts. Doing this will add a good deal of life to every component under the hood. This practice is especially important with a modern Pontiac since there is less room under the hood and more electronics, plastic, and rubber parts.