The Transaxle - Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual

6B-8 ENGINE COOLING
DRIVE BELTS
Frayed or cracked belts should be replaced and
tensioned to specifications using a strand tension
gage, such as tool J 23600-B or equivalent.
Loose belts may place an extremely high impact
load on driven component bearings due to the whip-
ping action of the belt.
An over-tightened belt also places unnecessary
loads on the component bearings.
When adjusting a drive belt, it is important that
the proper adjustment specification be used. Refer to
Accessory Drive Belt Tensioning Specifications for
adjustment.
A "Used" belt is one that has been rotated at
least one completed revolution on engine pulleys.
This begins the "seating" of the belt and it should
never be reset to "New" belt specifications.
SERPENTINE BELT
A single (serpentine) belt may be used to drive
all engine mounted components. All driven compo-
nents are rigidly mounted to the engine. Drive belt
tension is maintained by a spring loaded belt
tensioner.
A belt squeak when the engine is started or
stopped is normal and has no effect on belt durability.
The drive belt tensioner can control belt tension
over a broad range of belt lengths; however, there are
limits to the tensioner's ability to compensate. Using
the tensioner outside of its operating range can result
in poor tension control and/or damage to the
tensioner.
See "ON-VEHICLE SERVICE" for checking
belt tension procedure and illustration.
ALUMINUM RADIATOR REPAIR
This radiator utilizes an aluminum core with
plastic side tanks. The core and side tanks can be
replaced separately and core repair is easily made with
the hot melt adhesive method. A transaxle oil cooler is
located in one of the side tanks. The oil cooler can be
replaced. The drain cock is located on the lower part
of one of the tanks. The drain cock is also serviceable.
Core
The core is made of aluminum and is of the
crossflow design. It utilizes large tubes that resist
plugging, and repairs to the tubes and core are easily
made using the hot melt adhesive method.
The core is attached to the tanks by clinched
tabs on the core that can be bent back if tank or core
replacement is required.
If the damage to a tube is too severe, a tube can
be blocked or plugged as explained in "Tube Block-
ing." No more than two tubes should ever be blocked
on a core. Also replace the core if more than three tabs
are broken on one side, or if two adjacent tabs are
broken.
Tanks
The tanks are attached to the core by the use of
clinched tabs. The clinched tabs can be bent back if
the tanks need to be removed from the core. Bend the
tabs back only enough to remove the tank.
Overbending will weaken the tabs.
A high temperature rubber gasket is used to seal
the mating surface between the core and the tank. (See
Figure 8) The gasket must be replaced any time a tank
is removed from the core.
Transaxle Oil Cooler
The transaxle oil cooler is located in one of the
radiator side tanks. The oil cooler can be replaced by
removing the tank from the core.
A leaking oil cooler gasket can be replaced
without removing the tank from the core.
Drain Cock
The aluminum/plastic radiator utilizes a two
piece plastic drain cock and a rubber seal. The drain
cock is serviceable (See Fig. 9).
ALUMINUM RADIATOR SERVICE
The aluminum-plastic radiator can be repaired at
the dealership. The following components are easily
replaced:
• Core
• Tanks and gaskets
• Oil coolers and gaskets
• Drain cock and gasket
The
tanks cannot be repaired
if broken or
cracked. The radiator core can be replaced and the
new core used with the original tanks and oil cooler.
Precautions
As with all cooling system service, take mea-
sures to prevent personal injury and damage to the
system.
CAUTION: To help avoid the danger of
being burned, do not remove the radia-
tor cap while the engine and radiator
are still hot. Scalding fluid and steam
can be blown out under pressure if the
cap is taken off too soon.
NOTICE:
DO NOT USE "BOIL OUT" TANKS
OR VATS. Common service methods may actu-
ally destroy an aluminum radiator. Caustic or lye
cleaning solutions must NOT be used for alumi-
num radiators.
® Do not open the hood if you can see, or hear,
steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment.
• Do not remove radiator cap if radiator feels
warm.