Runnin’ Hot (Page 1/1)
tywahn OCT 12, 08:02 PM
Hello. I’m new here and I have a question about the cooling system.
My Fiero runs hot and I am wondering how hot they generally run.
My cat will run until the temp gauge reaches the red and then the cooling fan finally kicks on and gets it down to 220. So basically I have to drive with the AC on to prevent it from getting so hot. Now with winter approaching I wondering if there’s a way to get the fan to come on earlier so it doesn’t overheat.
It even overheats in the winter.
Any info can help. Thanks in advance.
Mike in Sydney OCT 12, 08:09 PM
A bit information, please. Year? Engine type & size? V6, I-4, stock or replacement? Mileage?

That said, have you checked your thermostat? It's located at the block, not the radiator. Do you have a full cooling system.

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Mike in Sydney

fierosound OCT 12, 08:26 PM

quote
Originally posted by tywahn:

.. will run until the temp gauge reaches the red and then the cooling fan finally kicks on and gets it down to 220.
So basically I have to drive with the AC on to prevent it from getting so hot.
Now with winter approaching I wondering if there’s a way to get the fan to come on earlier so it



Make sure everything else in system is in good working order.

Factory fan switch doesn't kick fan on until 235F. Yours may be turning on late?
Also note that temp gauge is not the most accurate thing in the world.

For a 195F thermostat, a 210F/200F fan switch works well.
http://rodneydickman.com/pr...o.php?products_id=88

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My World of Wheels Winners (Click on links below)

3.4L Supercharged 87 GT and Super Duty 4 Indy #163

theogre OCT 12, 09:09 PM
hitting red over 235 is hot...
running between 210-230 is normal.

Need to run AC (whether or not compressor runs) is pointing to coolant system problems...
See my Cave, Coolant Fill, Thermostat and the rest of section.

Depending on car's trim level different body panels push air thru the rad and Missing/Damage panels won't help either.

Don't trust dash gauge. Scan ECM or use something to "read" engine temps.
Cheap IR unit pointed at T-stat tube is easy...
if want to drive cheap thermometer using K type thermocouple is good but many have short ones so need helper to read thru rear glass. Or get a longer probe so can push thru holes in firewall.

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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

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 10-12-2020).]

tywahn OCT 12, 11:45 PM
Thank you for the replies.
It’s a V6 1986 GT. 5-speed manual.
It’s stock as far as I know. I had the whole radiator replaced last spring. I’ve had the car one year almost exactly. I had an ‘85 2M6 when I was younger and don’t remember any cooling issues so this is frustrating.
I’m the least knowledgeable car person out there.
So is my best bet to get a new thermostat? Or a new fan switch? It’s all Greek to me.
My mechanic doesn’t really like to work on it.

[This message has been edited by tywahn (edited 10-12-2020).]

Patrick OCT 13, 12:43 AM

quote
Originally posted by tywahn:

It’s a V6 1986 GT. 5-speed manual.

I’m the least knowledgeable car person out there.

My mechanic doesn’t really like to work on it.



As the owner of a 34 year old vehicle, this isn't a recipe for success. If you aren't able to work on the car yourself, you better find a mechanic who's more receptive to working on a Fiero!
fierosound OCT 13, 11:42 AM

quote
Originally posted by tywahn:

My mechanic doesn’t really like to work on it.



The fan switch is near the thermostat housing facing up.
theogre OCT 13, 12:55 PM
If unknown age... replace both caps and T-stat as covered in cave.
Stant SuperStat is best and mostly stops temp swings making gauge to swing more so in cool to cold weather.
New caps are safe bet the caps are good and rad cap is right type. Buy only Stant caps.

If still have problems.... check for crush pipes etc in the cave.
Rad is new but heater core etc could be full of crap... Proper Flushing might help w/ fresh coolant.

Do these before buying anything else.
oneinch OCT 13, 01:28 PM
Cooling issues is a topic of interest to me. I'm going to be working on my coolant system soon. Both of my main coolant pipes are bent/crushed. A common problem I knew nothing about. Check your pipes. Yours may be damaged too. You'll need to fix them. I agree with others that you need to start your own wrenching. Grab your tools and get at it. So far I haven't found my car too difficult to work on. Knock on wood. Hey, that's worth saying again, knock on wood. If DIY just isn't your thing, good luck finding a new mechanic. Please update your post with your findings. You just might help me.