Fiero Radiator (Page 1/2)
Firezappy APR 07, 03:05 AM
I have myself a 1988 iron duke Fiero. As long as I have had it it overheats if I sit in one spot for a few minutes in drive.Otherwise it runs great. The fan works fine and kicks on as well. I have already put a new water pump on it, and I have burped it many times. I checked the cooling lines and they seemed nice and clean and smooth on the inside. So at this point I think it may be a partially plugged radiator. I want to buy a new drop in replacement, but all I can find are these crazy 3 row oversized ones. The Fiero store says "This part is not currently available. Our supplier is not able to provide an ETA at this time". I just want it to be an easy drop in fit. I am nervous about buying an old used radiator, but at this point I am running out of options. Anyone got some advice? Or maybe want to sell a known good working spare?

Anyone else have this issue? Could it be something else other then the radiator? I think the exhaust manifold gasket is fine, so I doubt it is that. Or did the 3 speed auto Fieros just overheat if they sit still to long in drive? I just don't want to be stuck in traffic and start overheating this summer. (It has happened before.) And yes, it still will overheat even without the thermostat,

Patrick APR 07, 03:10 AM

Have you carefully checked the metal coolant pipes that run down each side of the car. They often get crushed when a Fiero is lifted improperly. Crushed coolant pipes don't flow well... and can lead to overheating.
Firezappy APR 07, 04:24 AM
Yeah I have, they look fine and not crushed. I almost wish they were so I knew what it was for sure.
css9450 APR 07, 10:03 AM

quote
Originally posted by Firezappy:

So at this point I think it may be a partially plugged radiator. I want to buy a new drop in replacement..... The Fiero store says "This part is not currently available. Our supplier is not able to provide an ETA at this time".



Can you get one at a local parts store? I'd rather buy one over the counter than have one get damaged in shipping.

I bought mine at Advance, which curiously no longer lists one in stock. Autozone has one though, part number A828.

Rock Auto has three different part numbers listed, but all are out of stock. Most likely the one Fiero Store sells is one of those three and if they're all out of stock both places there probably won't be any more until they run a new batch.
theogre APR 07, 11:33 AM
230°F is hot but not overheating. Coolant w/ 50/50 mix won't "boil over" until ~ 265°F w/ 15psi cap.
But w/ 87+ l4 engine ECM should command Rad Fan On at 221°F.

If coolant pipes under car is bent even a little you have Crushed Pipe.
Remove/loosen support hardware to look at rear of pipes at minimum.
Many Fiero have broken rocker panels and body damage too because morons jack the car wrong.

Temp Gauge on dash often lies, Even when doesn't most T-stant can make big temp swings more so at idle or low speeds.
Replace T-stant w/ Stant superstant. Even tho may look same as others, is not and stops wide temp swings.

See my Cave, Thermostat and most of rest of section.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Firezappy APR 07, 04:26 PM
I went ahead and bought a 45818 Stant thermostat. When I had the gas tank out I remember carefully looking at the coolant lines, they seemed fin to me. Maybe that is not enough after all and I need to take a close look. I know the coolant tank says check when hot? Is it possible I am overfilling it? What is the a average resting level of the coolant before the car is warmed up? I always make sure the coolant is at least at the low marker before I go anywhere. I know I have past 230 before when I was stuck still for a long time, due to the fact that I started spitting out coolant on the ground. So I know my temp gauge is not that far off anyway.
theogre APR 07, 05:20 PM
Check coolant Overflow tank when Hot because heat makes coolant expand and push out coolant, and air if still there, to tank.
If cold only fill to ~ add mark or ~ 1/3 between marks. Not Full.
Daryl M APR 08, 12:53 AM

quote
Originally posted by Firezappy:

I went ahead and bought a 45818 Stant thermostat. When I had the gas tank out I remember carefully looking at the coolant lines, they seemed fin to me. Maybe that is not enough after all and I need to take a close look. I know the coolant tank says check when hot? Is it possible I am overfilling it? What is the a average resting level of the coolant before the car is warmed up? I always make sure the coolant is at least at the low marker before I go anywhere. I know I have past 230 before when I was stuck still for a long time, due to the fact that I started spitting out coolant on the ground. So I know my temp gauge is not that far off anyway.



Have you stopped by a radiator shop? A good shop can re-core a radiator in some cases or flush a radiator. Or you could do what I did and get an aftermarket aluminum radiator. Again, a good radiator shop could hook upu up.
hnthomps APR 09, 09:52 AM
Champion has a three core radiator that is basically a direct fit. I have this radiator on three Meras and have had no heat related issues since I replaced the original radiators.

Nelson
Curlrup APR 09, 11:35 AM
Every Duke I owned got hot until I burped the system of ALL air bubbles. Takes some doing, there is a procedure somewhere....been a long time since I've done it, but an air bubble free system is key.