Are there any alternatives from other cars that can be used on the Fiero. I sanded the top of the thermostat housing with fine sandpaper, and added a few drops of machine oil, and a brand new OEM cap. It is still very hard to get off. I have to use channel locks most of the time. This is the my 3rd Thermostat housing / engine in my car, and they are all have been the same.
I am looking for something that is not round and smooth, that you can actually take off, no tools required
Though I have a pair of channel locks that may do the trick, I like to use the oil filter wrench that fits the Fiero oil filter. It has a good handle for leverage, the band squeezes on the cap without doing damage. I've never seen one on a Fiero that had the two ears like some caps have.
Use GM ACdelco or Stant Tstat caps. Most if not all "Store brand" caps are made by MotoRad and look the same as Stant to many buyers have enough differences they are very tight or not to fit at all.
Ever w/ good caps... Use Brake grease on the housing "track" and cap ears where they tighten the caps. See my Cave, Thermostat
------------------ 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)
Are there any alternatives from other cars that can be used on the Fiero. I sanded the top of the thermostat housing with fine sandpaper, and added a few drops of machine oil, and a brand new OEM cap. It is still very hard to get off.
That reminds me of a discussion we've had here previously... I forget if it's a brand thing or a generational thing, but some of the thermostat caps have a seal that does not pivot separately from the cap. Those caps are awful as it's very difficult to open or close these caps when the rubber seal is forced to rotate/rub on the top of the thermostat housing. On the good caps, the rubber seal spins freely... which means the seal can stay put on the housing as the cap is turned and tightened (or loosened).
Next time you buy a thermostat cap, check to see if the "rubber donut" seal can rotate freely. If not, that cap will be difficult to remove. Another trick is to spread a light coating of grease on that rubber seal, and on the top of the thermostat housing. Oil may not be thick enough to help. Try something thicker, like wheel bearing grease.
And if that fails, then throw an oil filter wrench in the trunk.
Originally posted by Blacktree: Next time you buy a thermostat cap, check to see if the "rubber donut" seal can rotate freely. If not, that cap will be difficult to remove. Another trick is to spread a light coating of grease on that rubber seal, and on the top of the thermostat housing. Oil may not be thick enough to help. Try something thicker, like wheel bearing grease.
And if that fails, then throw an oil filter wrench in the trunk.
Most grease/oil will ruin coolant rubber parts. Is why I said use Brake Grease.
Stant cap's rubber will not cause the problem here. Stant made a lot of OE caps and many have OEM labeling but still have S logo somewhere you can see.
Just push down as you turn it. You could weld a few tabs on the top sticking up if its a problem. Ive had regular radiator caps like that in the past. Or buy one that has 'ears' on the sides.
The cap is only slightly larger than a standard quart mason jar lid, maybe an 1/8". There are rubber rags if you just need a better grip or handled grips if you also need leverage without the possibility of damaging the cap.
Originally posted by fiero4.3L: The cap is only slightly larger than a standard quart mason jar lid, maybe an 1/8". There are rubber rags if you just need a better grip or handled grips if you also need leverage without the possibility of damaging the cap.
That or almost any kind of strap wench works. Can Get in kitchen section, as normal tools, plumbing section, etc.
Push down might not work for Fiero Tstat. Does work to remove many Rad caps.
Fiero Tstat caps on l4 and V6 are awkward for many people. Where they are makes it hard to turn and/or push down.
Originally posted by theogre: Fiero Tstat caps on l4 and V6 are awkward for many people. Where they are makes it hard to turn and/or push down.
On the V6, I remove the RH decklid vent to get good access. Reaching while standing on the right side of the car is then easy. I have only had notchbacks though.
With a fastback V6, it seems like the quarter window would be in the way, but I don't know.
I was going to say the same. Use plumbers lube (silicone grease, clear, comes in a small plastic tub at hardware store, $3). It works great on all rubber seals at all temps and generally last a long long time. Does a nice job with o-rings as well.
