After searching for a day or so, I've concluded that there's not a diagram on here for the V6 cooling system. So I created one. Or, at least, my understanding of the cooling system. I want to post it here and get feedback on it's accuracy, but I'd like to know where I can post it that I can delete it or edit it as people point out errors. I know how to use Myfiero.com and PIP, but as I understand, I don't think images can be deleted or modified from either. I don't want to use Photobucket either. It's blocked at work.

OK. Since nobody's responded, I'll post what I have. Here it is.



Is this right? Does all of the coolant from the engine go through the heater core? Does the return from the heater core connect to the line from the radiator, or does it go all the way back to the WP? Looking at the diagram, there HAS to be at least 3 lines going from the back to the front. I always thought that there were only 2. I guess I never looked all that hard. So anyway, what's the consensus? Is this accurate?

quote Originally posted by Formula Owner: OK. Since nobody's responded, I'll post what I have. Here it is. Is this right? Does all of the coolant from the engine go through the heater core? Does the return from the heater core connect to the line from the radiator, or does it go all the way back to the WP? Looking at the diagram, there HAS to be at least 3 lines going from the back to the front. I always thought that there were only 2. I guess I never looked all that hard. So anyway, what's the consensus? Is this accurate?

Is the 88 Cooling System really that different than the 84-87s?

In 84-87, there are 4 cooling pipes that go from front to back. Two main ones that run under the sides of the car, and two smaller ones which connect to the heater core that run under the center of the body near the fuel tank.

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Todd,
2008 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x2
2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr 4x2
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

Yes the return from the heater core attaches to the radiator return pipe.

No the coolant does NOT all flow through the heater core.

The only recirculating path is through the heater core when the thermostat is closed. With the thermostat open the coolant flows through the engine, through the water pump, through the radiator and back to the engine. The heater core picks up at the water pump also and returns to the engine.

I'd have to look to see if the water pump is at the output the engine or the input of the engine but basically the same.

If you look at your diagram, the engine would not be cooled by the radiator. That can't work!

[This message has been edited by phonedawgz (edited 12-08-2010).]

I've modified your diagram to what it should look like:

quote Originally posted by Bloozberry: I've modified your diagram to what it should look like:

Correct! Somebody really picky could add the throttle-body heat loop, which effectively parallels the heater loop, but the flow through the TB loop is very small, probably small enough to ignore.

Another small detail: Coolant enters the radiator at the top of the left manifold (the side opposite from the filler neck), and exits from the bottom of the right (filler-neck side) manifold. On automatic transmission cars the left side manifold on the radiator also encloses the transmission heat exchanger.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 12-08-2010).]

Thanks, everyone for the feedback.

Thanks, Bloozberry for correcting my diagram.

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: Correct! Somebody really picky could add the throttle-body heat loop, which effectively parallels the heater loop, but the flow through the TB loop is very small.

You're right, IF you want to be picky. I'm mainly concerned with understanding how to flush, fill, and burp the system, and I wasn't satisfied with the text only procedures. I wanted to see a diagram to understand what's going on. Also, I'd like to backflush my system, and the layout of the Fiero's system doesn't match up with the description and procedure in Prestone's flush kit.

There are drains in the coolant tubes and you should NOT try to take them out. Just use the radiator one and let the rest spill.

Just incase you can't find the drain petcock.



It's surprising how hard it is to find when you don't know exactly where it is. Also if you are looking for a brass one

[This message has been edited by phonedawgz (edited 12-08-2010).]

I agree. I've been successful getting the plugs out of the metal tubes only a couple times. The rest of the time I have always managed to strip the heads of the little allen-key plugs. They're located just before the tubes angle upwards in front of the rear wheel. It's better to disconnect the hoses and get as much out that way as possible instead though.