Ok, My 87 GT needs the radiator replaced before I can drive it. How hard is it to change it out. Is it simple like changing a regular car radiator, or is it difficult. If it is difficult, could anybody plz give me some tips on how to do it. I dont know why this is bugging me so much, must be because it is the last thing I can do before I can safely drive it. Any comments welcome, Thanks.
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08:38 PM
PFF
System Bot
PaulJK Member
Posts: 6638 From: Los Angeles Registered: Oct 2001
I think it is relatively simple. Remove the fan and shrouding and the top brace. Drain the radiator and disconnect the hoses, then lift it out. I THINK the radiator is only held in place by the top brace holding it down.
I'm not sure if the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder radiators are the same, but i THINK the automatic trans. has a connection on the left side (small line connects under the top hose).
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08:43 PM
Xanth Member
Posts: 6886 From: Massachusetts Registered: May 2006
Swapping the radiator is easy and fairly straightforward. Filling the system is what has to be done differently, and you will need about 4 gallons of coolant.
Your Haynes manual will tell you to remove the hood, don't bother, it comes right out. The trans oil cooler lines are on the left side, you might use a little PB Blaster on them so they don't twist the lines. Also, NEVER start the engine with the oil lines loose, don't ask how I know this. in '66 or so I sprayed down my Dad's garage door with ATF, he was not amused!
------------------ '85GT Indy clone 4.9 4T60E '78 Toyota longbed, parts runner '89 Bonneville daily driver '87 30' Kit Classic TT, living in it.
Ok, My 87 GT needs the radiator replaced before I can drive it. How hard is it to change it out. Is it simple like changing a regular car radiator, or is it difficult. If it is difficult, could anybody plz give me some tips on how to do it. I dont know why this is bugging me so much, must be because it is the last thing I can do before I can safely drive it. Any comments welcome, Thanks.
Well that doesnt sound to bad. Maybe I should add that it is an AUTO Transmission. Can anymore people comment on this subject.
Since you have the automatic transmission, the radiator will have two tranny cooler lines attached to the driver side. Like mentioned above, it's a good idea to soak them with PB Blaster beforehand. Because they have a habit of freezing up.
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10:47 AM
never2old Member
Posts: 1854 From: Wyoming, Michigan USA Registered: Dec 2005
I am probably the worst Fiero mechanic on the forum and I did mine. I know there is a trick to refilling but I forget now how I did it. Wasn't that difficult and I bought mine online ,
Well sounds like I should be able to do it. Iam not a mechanic, but i know my way around fieros, so I should be able to handle it, I plan on tackling this situation in about a week. Thanks to all for the replies.
I sure did. Picked this fiero up about 2 weeks ago. Just needs a tune up, and a new radiator, then she is ready to drive.
Is it the one that a guy name Haun had for sale? If so be sure to look the car over really well, he always seem to leave out major things wrong with things he sales.
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01:49 AM
PFF
System Bot
PaulJK Member
Posts: 6638 From: Los Angeles Registered: Oct 2001
They are not exactly the same, the V6 one has a thicker core and better cooling capacity. Other then that, they are identicle, except that there are manual transmission radiators, and automatic transmission radiators. You can get away with using a 4 cyl radiator on a 6, but its better to have the correct part. Some people (including myself) have done engine swaps and left the 4 cyl radiator, and did not have any cooling problems with it.
