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Pontiac Firebird Radiators

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Radiator, 3.2L/3.3L/3.8L/4.1L/4.3L/4.4L/4.8L/4.9L/5.0L/5.7L/6.5L/6.6L Engines, Automatic Transmission Cooler, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P162
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$90.49
Product Details
Notes : Please measure your Radiator size before ordering.Core Dimensions : 26.38 x 17.25 x 1.25 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.56 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 162Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 52481615Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010364Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 26 3/8 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU162, 52481615, GM3010364
Radiator, 5.7L Engine, Automatic or Manual Transmission, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P1486
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$87.49
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 24.81 x 17.25 x 1.25 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.31 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 1486Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 52466004Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010174Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 24 3/4 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU1486, 52466004, GM3010174
Radiator, 3.4L/3.8L/5.7L Engines, Automatic or Manual Transmission, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P1485
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$94.41
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 24.81 x 17.25 x 1 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.31 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 1485Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 52470330Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010172Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 24 3/4 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : CU1485, 52470330, GM3010172
Radiator, 5.7L Engine, Automatic or Manual Transmission, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2365
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$86.49
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 24.81 x 17.25 x 1 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.31 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2365Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 52471357Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010176, GM3010178Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : CU2365, 52471357, GM3010176, GM3010178Core Height : 24 3/4 in.
Radiator, 2.5L/3.1L/3.8L/5.0L/5.7L Engines, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P951
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$99.49
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 26.25 x 17.25 x 1.25 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.56 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 951Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 52453865Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010355Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 26 1/4 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU951, 52453865, GM3010355
Radiator Kit, 5.7L Engine, Automatic or Manual Transmission, includes Cooling Fan Assembly
Part Number: KIT-120622-69
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$194.49
Product Details
Components : (1) Radiator and (1) Cooling Fan AssemblyRecommended Use : OE ReplacementTank Material : Plastic TankProduct Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52471357, 22104439, 12365307, 22098787Replaces Partslink Number : GM3115141, GM3010176, GM3010178Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Interchange Part Number : CU2365, 52471357, GM3010176, GM3010178, 620634, FA70453, 22104439, 12365307, 22098787, GM3115141Returns Policy : 30-Day Return Policy
4-Piece Kit Radiator, 3.4L/3.8L Engines, Automatic or Manual Transmission, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P1485-86-374OEM-3
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$142.49
Product Details
Notes : 3 Gallons Coolant/Antifreeze - Orange; Concentrated; Aluminum Compatible; Ethylene Glycol Based. Silicate, Borate, Nitrite and Amine Free; Compatible with other similarly formulated OAT coolants; Do not mix with conventional high pH, borate or silicate based CoolantsCore Dimensions : 24.81 x 17.25 x 1 in. Core SizeComponents : (3) Coolant/Antifreeze and (1) RadiatorAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.31 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 1485Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52470330Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010172Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 24 3/4 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : CU1485, 52470330, GM3010172
4-Piece Kit Radiator, 5.7L Engine, Automatic or Manual Transmission, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2365-86-374OEM-3
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$134.99
Product Details
Notes : 3 Gallons Coolant/Antifreeze - Orange; Concentrated; Aluminum Compatible; Ethylene Glycol Based. Silicate, Borate, Nitrite and Amine Free; Compatible with other similarly formulated OAT coolants; Do not mix with conventional high pH, borate or silicate based CoolantsCore Dimensions : 24.81 x 17.25 x 1 in. Core SizeComponents : (3) Coolant/Antifreeze and (1) RadiatorAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.31 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2365Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52471357Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010176, GM3010178Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : CU2365, 52471357, GM3010176, GM3010178Core Height : 24 3/4 in.
4-Piece Kit Radiator, 2.5L/3.8L Engines, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P951-86-374OEM-3
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$146.99
Product Details
Notes : 3 Gallons Coolant/Antifreeze - Orange; Concentrated; Aluminum Compatible; Ethylene Glycol Based. Silicate, Borate, Nitrite and Amine Free; Compatible with other similarly formulated OAT coolants; Do not mix with conventional high pH, borate or silicate based CoolantsCore Dimensions : 26.25 x 17.25 x 1.25 in. Core SizeComponents : (3) Coolant/Antifreeze and (1) RadiatorAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.56 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 951Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52453865Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010355Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 26 1/4 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU951, 52453865, GM3010355
5-Piece Kit Radiator, 5.7L Engine, Automatic or Manual Transmission, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2365-86-374OEM-4
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$152.49
Product Details
Notes : 4 Gallons Coolant/Antifreeze - Orange; Concentrated; Aluminum Compatible; Ethylene Glycol Based. Silicate, Borate, Nitrite and Amine Free; Compatible with other similarly formulated OAT coolants; Do not mix with conventional high pH, borate or silicate based CoolantsCore Dimensions : 24.81 x 17.25 x 1 in. Core SizeComponents : (4) Coolant/Antifreeze and (1) RadiatorAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.31 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2365Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52471357Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010176, GM3010178Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : CU2365, 52471357, GM3010176, GM3010178Core Height : 24 3/4 in.
5-Piece Kit Radiator, 5.7L Engine, Automatic or Manual Transmission, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P1486-86-374OEM-4
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$153.49
Product Details
Notes : 4 Gallons Coolant/Antifreeze - Orange; Concentrated; Aluminum Compatible; Ethylene Glycol Based. Silicate, Borate, Nitrite and Amine Free; Compatible with other similarly formulated OAT coolants; Do not mix with conventional high pH, borate or silicate based CoolantsCore Dimensions : 24.81 x 17.25 x 1.25 in. Core SizeComponents : (4) Coolant/Antifreeze and (1) RadiatorAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.31 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 1486Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52466004Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010174Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 24 3/4 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU1486, 52466004, GM3010174
5-Piece Kit Radiator, 3.1L/5.0L/5.7L Engines, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P951-86-374OEM-4
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$164.99
Product Details
Notes : 4 Gallons Coolant/Antifreeze - Orange; Concentrated; Aluminum Compatible; Ethylene Glycol Based. Silicate, Borate, Nitrite and Amine Free; Compatible with other similarly formulated OAT coolants; Do not mix with conventional high pH, borate or silicate based CoolantsCore Dimensions : 26.25 x 17.25 x 1.25 in. Core SizeComponents : (4) Coolant/Antifreeze and (1) RadiatorAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.56 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 951Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52453865Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010355Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 26 1/4 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU951, 52453865, GM3010355
6-Piece Kit Radiator, 5.0L Engine, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P951-86-374OEM-5
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$182.49
Product Details
Notes : 5 Gallons Coolant/Antifreeze - Orange; Concentrated; Aluminum Compatible; Ethylene Glycol Based. Silicate, Borate, Nitrite and Amine Free; Compatible with other similarly formulated OAT coolants; Do not mix with conventional high pH, borate or silicate based CoolantsCore Dimensions : 26.25 x 17.25 x 1.25 in. Core SizeComponents : (5) Coolant/Antifreeze and (1) RadiatorAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.31 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom right outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.56 in. OutletInlet Location : Top left inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 951Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52453865Replaces Partslink Number : GM3010355Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 26 1/4 in.Core Width : 17 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU951, 52453865, GM3010355
Radiator Kit, 5.7L Engine, Plastic Tank, includes Thermostat
Part Number: KIT-052623-84
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$94.49
Product Details
Notes : Thermostat - Includes housingComponents : (1) Radiator and (1) ThermostatRecommended Use : OE ReplacementTank Material : Plastic TankColor Finish : Factory FinishProduct Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : KitReplaces OE Number : 52471357, 12571261Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Interchange Part Number : CU2365, 52471357, GM3010176, GM3010178, 902700, 12571261Returns Policy : 30-Day Return Policy
1485C Radiator
Part Number: GPD1485C
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$133.49
Product Details
Recommended Use : OE ReplacementTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishProduct Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : CU1485, 20930, 20850, 1485, 52470330, 2480595, RA1485C, DP1485C, 2398A, 8011485, 411485, 432398, 20647, 2937Warranty : 1 year GPD limited warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemical which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Interchange Part Number : CU1485, 20930, 20850, 1485, 52470330, 2480595, RA1485C, DP1485C, 2398A, 8011485, 411485, 432398, 20647, 2937
Page 1 of 3 | Showing 1 - 15 of 33 results

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Radiator was good and fits perfect
Daniel M.
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Product Questions & Answers

Q:What radiator cap is used for this product? My original doesn’t seal properly and causes a leak. Show Less
Levi Dunning
A:BEST ANSWERHi Levi, I'm glad to assist you. The matching radiator cap for the radiator you recently purchased is part number ACRC94. If your car/truck appears in the vehicle fitment information below (after selecting the year, make, model, submodel, and engine size), it is a guaranteed fit part. Grab our lowest price and click the link below to buy it today. Happy shopping! https://www.carparts.com/details/Chevrolet/Camaro/AC_Delco/Radiator_Cap/2002/Z28/8_Cyl_5-dot-7L/ACRC94.html?can=cpje1043_CSQA_20240707 Show less
Jeonino E.
 
1 Question, 1 AnswerView all Q&As >

Customer Guides

Ways to Diagnose Your Pontiac Firebird Radiator Problems

The radiator is responsible in keeping your car's engine at a moderate level and ensuring that it does not overheat or abruptly shut down. While your Pontiac Firebird radiator may look fine on the outside, if you take a look on the inside you could find some problems. Because issues with this component are fairly common, it is always best to prepare for the time when you will have to take care of these problems.

Clogged radiator

When your car's radiator gets clogged, the entire cooling system is doomed to fail, and serious mechanical damage could happen if you fail to catch it on time. To find out if the component is clogged, start the car and allow it to run. Once it starts to warm up, feel the outside radiator fins with your hands. The entire component should heat up as hot fluid passes along inside, but if you feel hot and cold spots on the fins, then this means that the fluid is not flowing correctly because the radiator is clogged.

Overheating engine

One of the radiator's functions is to cool the liquid that circulates through your car's engine. When this component goes bad, its cooling capacity may be compromised. Because of this, a faulty radiator causes higher operating temperatures in the engine, which could lead to a full breakdown due to overheating. If your radiator is faulty, your engine will most likely overheat during heavy acceleration or when you come to a stop after highway driving. When you notice the temperature going up, immediately pull your car over and give the radiator a closer look.

Other troubleshooting tips

Always look out for possible issues with your car's heating and cooling system. If it starts to blow out too much hot or cold air or if it starts to lack in power, then there could be a problem with the radiator.

Never open a radiator cap while the engine is warm. Doing so could cause a serious accident, as the built-up pressure could turn the radiator cap into a flying missile.

When you notice your car engine overheating, do not just check for clogging or leaking in the radiator. Inspect leaks in the cooling system as well. Do not just put water in the radiator, but fill it with a real coolant instead. Examine the component for cracks or faulty connections as well.

Many units of the Pontiac Firebird are left and forgotten usually because its radiator and the rest of its cooling system have failed an overheating engine. Things like this only happen when owners neglect to maintain their car or don't know how to go about doing it in the first place. This guide can show you some useful ways on how you can keep your Firebird's radiator running. Do these simple and practical tips at least every other year to make sure you have a reliable car that won't suddenly overheat any time soon.


Drain and replace radiator fluid.


The radiator internally decays as it gets old. Most of the deposits end up in the radiator fluid circulating in the cooling system. With too much dirt going around, the flow is decreased and its ability to keep the engine cool is lessened. Some of the rotting may even end up near the engine and negatively affect performance. That's why it's necessary to flush the fluid out of the radiator to get rid of metal scales and deposits. Replace it with the right amount of coolant and water depending on the season. You generally use less coolant when it's colder, and more coolant when it's warmer.


Keep an eye on the spoiler vent.


On some units of the Pontiac Firebird (mostly 3rd generation models), the absence of a grille makes the job of the cooling system tougher as compared to a car that had one on. In its place is a spoiler vent on the base of the radiator that becomes the new path for the air. Its role is to scoop up cool wind when the car is travelling at a fast speed. Make sure that this is properly aligned and in position. This vent is usually prone to damage from parking-lot bumpers. Any variation-even slight ones-can result to inefficiency in collecting air and an overheated engine.


Inspect the caps and hoses.


For the radiator to work properly, it's important that enough pressure is kept inside the system. Any loss leads to inefficiency in cooling. Make sure the cap is sealed shut. Tubes and hoses should also be free of holes and punctures. Replace defective ones as soon as possible to maintain both the running engine and the cooling radiator.