Rebuilt 2.8, coolant leak code 44 (Page 1/1)
SemperFi18 OCT 18, 02:25 AM
Good evening again gents, have a couple small questions. I know I can figure these out, just want to expedite the process with you dedicated Fiero enthusiasts. 86 2.8 SE

Recently got my stroker 3.1 back in the Fiero. During this time I replaced every sensor, plugs, wires, injectors all gaskets obviously and currently have the aluminum vac lines. I started the car after some persuasion, had a high idol. Found I left the map sensor house disconnected, somehow the breather tube from the block to the throttle body came out of the TB... Took the top end off and got that squared away.

Started the car again, idol is better but not great. Also now hearing a whistling/sucking sound near the intake or rear exhaust manifold. Sprayed carb clear on all connections, no leaks. Once the car was warm the noise went away.. also developed a moderate coolant leak near the water pump/timing cover it appears.. All hoses look good. Installed all new clean gaskets during rebuild, torque sequenced, RTV on bolt 4.. everything.

The coolant is my main concern right now, but it's also throwing code 44, lean exhaust.. new injectors and new regulator, new pump.. but three year old fuel. Any guys with a good place to start would be appreciated. Coolant is pooling up on the motor mount
Gall757 OCT 18, 03:56 PM
I would start by looking for an exhaust leak in the manifold under the rear window....(the front manifold).
SemperFi18 OCT 18, 04:32 PM
Alright.. well I've decided I'm going to drop the cradle back out and start over. The coolant leak is coming from the timing cover, i got a cracked water pump out of the box when I started putting it back together. Didn't notice the crack until it was installed, when I removed it is where I screwed up. Didn't clamp it, re installed the new pump. So there's the leak.

Plus I'm going to re do the exhaust manifold gasket with a felpro. I made the mistake of using the engine tech one from the kit. PLUS I think I have a small intake leak in the mid manifold... I'm dropping the cradle again and going slower this time. Really starting to lose motivation for this car
Patrick OCT 18, 05:18 PM

quote
Originally posted by SemperFi18:

The coolant leak is coming from the timing cover, i got a cracked water pump out of the box when I started putting it back together. Didn't notice the crack until it was installed, when I removed it is where I screwed up. Didn't clamp it, re installed the new pump. So there's the leak.



And yet there are some members here who still insist that the clamp isn't required when removing the Fiero 2.8's water pump.


quote
Originally posted by Patrick in This thread:

As also mentioned previously, the ACDelco pump doesn't come with the clamp that is required to prevent the timing cover from breaking its seal against the block when the pump is removed.

Speaking about the clamp, I have never seen an image anywhere on the 'net (including Pennock's) of one actually being used. Behold...this is where it goes!



And yes, you install the clamp before you loosen any water pump bolts!
buddycraigg OCT 18, 08:31 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

And yet there are some members here who still insist that the clamp isn't required when removing the Fiero 2.8's water pump.




I'm one of them.
Maybe it depends on the design of the front cover.

[This message has been edited by buddycraigg (edited 10-18-2021).]

SemperFi18 OCT 18, 10:11 PM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Patrick:

And yet there are some members here who still insist that the clamp isn't required when removing the Fiero 2.8's water pump.

On the car I could completely see why I would need the clamp, I had the engine dry on a stand and re torqued everything. But it must have been just enough to leak. It's a small leak, but more than I'm comfortable with