TiGZ461: FIX OR DITCH THREAD Options

[TiGZ461]

Sup guys,

As most of you here know, I was planning to rid of the Celi. But I've come to think of it, that I'm better off fixing it and just keeping it as my daily. A couple problems with it, but most seem fairly easy. Don't know why I was giving up so quick. But anyway, I figured I'd atleast have some fun with these problems and learn as I do, or get rid of it for good. And right now I guess I'll stick with it, because it does get me from where I want to the next with no issues.

Problem 1:

NO heat what so ever. I turn it full blast and no luck. I once had someone open I think it was the heater core or switch (which is in the engine bay near the firewall on the driver side) and when they did this I had heat. But after about 2 days same deal, no heat. What could this be? Theromastat?

Problem 2:

The indicator on the dashboard, which shows when the car has reached running temp. (say winter time when you let the car warm, and the needle goes up when the car starts to warm), well that never goes up no matter how long I run it. MAYBE at times when it's really hot out it goes up maybe 1/4 of the way up , stays there for awhile and then goes back to C which is where it's at when the car is cold. What could this be? I have two fans connected and they are always on, could this be the cause? The only way I could turn off the other fan is if I disconnect it.

Problem 3:

The car at time feels so forced, it feels as if it's clogged or something. Feels real stuck in place and then you feel a pull late within the gear. What could this be?

Problem 4:

Weird low knocking sound from the engine. Not loud, very soft knock. What could cause this?

Maintance:

Car has 161,XXX Miles, what should I change to have it running it's best and get the most out of my engine? I know close to little, when it comes to car's. I can do brake jobs and such, but I still have a rough time on the pity stuff. So if you guys can tell me what I should do, and give me a brief run-through, it'd be great.

[TiGZ461]

Gonna go ahead and do the compression test when I get a chance.

And when I filled the rad up (mind you it had no radiator when I bought the car), I had the heat on full blast, and waited till the upper hose turned hot. I used coolant from autozone, forgot the brand but it was a 50/50 mix. I let the car run till I saw no bubbles, but I did it again say 2-3weeks after and it seemed to have big bubbles coming up, let it run again till they left. I feel as if the block (if it's possible) has alot of air bubbles. When I had the car on a felt suface I got no bubbles, on a slant, I got big ones.

I forgot to add there was crum like things when I removed the radiator cap. What could that mean?

And yea, I wanna see if it's worth it before I start anything. If not it's time for a replacement.