Cliff: Created page with "'''Coolant pipes''' refers to the long coolant tubes used by the Pontiac Fiero cooling system. Because the Fiero engine is mounted behind the passenger compartment and the radiator is mounted at the front of the car, coolant must travel through long pipes running along the underside of the vehicle. == Overview == The Fiero cooling system is different from many front-engine cars because the engine and radiator are far apart. Coolant travels from the engine to the..."

2026-07-06T20:42:10Z

Created page with "'''Coolant pipes''' refers to the long coolant tubes used by the Pontiac Fiero cooling system. Because the Fiero engine is mounted behind the passenger compartment and the radiator is mounted at the front of the car, coolant must travel through long pipes running along the underside of the vehicle. == Overview == The Fiero cooling system is different from many front-engine cars because the engine and radiator are far apart. Coolant travels from the engine to the..."

New page

'''Coolant pipes''' refers to the long coolant tubes used by the [[Pontiac Fiero]] cooling system.

Because the Fiero engine is mounted behind the passenger compartment and the radiator is mounted at the front of the car, coolant must travel through long pipes running along the underside of the vehicle.

== Overview ==

The Fiero cooling system is different from many front-engine cars because the engine and radiator are far apart.

Coolant travels from the engine to the front radiator through long coolant pipes, then returns to the engine through the opposite side of the system.

These pipes are important to cooling-system operation. Damage, crushing, corrosion, leaks, or restrictions can cause overheating or poor coolant circulation.

== Location ==

{{Image wanted|Photo or diagram showing the Fiero coolant pipes running under the car between the engine compartment and front radiator. Images of damaged or crushed coolant pipes would also be useful.}}

The coolant pipes run underneath the car along the sides of the chassis.

They connect the rear engine cooling system to the front radiator area.

Because the pipes are mounted low on the vehicle, they can be damaged by improper lifting, jacking, road debris, or corrosion.

== Function ==

The coolant pipes carry coolant between the engine and the radiator.

They are part of the main coolant path and are essential for moving heat from the engine to the front radiator.

A restriction in one of the coolant pipes can reduce flow and cause overheating.

== Common problems ==

Common coolant-pipe problems include:

* Crushed coolant pipe
* Dent or restriction
* Corrosion
* Leak
* Damaged pipe end
* Loose hose connection
* Improper repair
* Damage from jacking or lifting
* Road debris impact

== Jacking and lifting damage ==

Coolant pipes can be damaged if the car is lifted incorrectly.

A jack, lift arm, or support placed under a coolant pipe can crush or dent the pipe. Even a partial restriction can reduce coolant flow enough to cause cooling problems.

Before diagnosing more complex overheating issues, the coolant pipes should be inspected for crushing or deformation.

== Symptoms ==

Possible symptoms of coolant-pipe problems include:

* Overheating
* Temperature rises at speed or under load
* Poor coolant circulation
* Coolant leak
* Repeated air in the cooling system
* Difficulty filling or burping the system
* Temperature does not stabilize normally
* Coolant loss after driving

== Diagnosis ==

Basic diagnostic checks include:

# Inspect both coolant pipes visually.
# Look for crushed, dented, bent, or flattened sections.
# Check for corrosion or leaks.
# Inspect pipe ends where hoses attach.
# Check hose clamps and connections.
# Check for signs of previous improper repair.
# Check coolant flow if overheating remains unexplained.
# Inspect the system after any recent lifting, towing, or underbody work.

== Relationship to overheating ==

Damaged coolant pipes can cause overheating by restricting coolant flow between the engine and radiator.

However, overheating can also be caused by trapped air, low coolant, incorrect caps, thermostat problems, water pump problems, radiator problems, fan problems, or engine issues.

Related topics:

* [[Overheating]]
* [[Cooling system]]
* [[Coolant filling procedure]]
* [[Radiator fan]]
* [[Thermostat]]
* [[Water pump]]

== Relationship to filling and burping ==

The long coolant pipes are one reason the Fiero cooling system must be filled carefully.

Air can become trapped if the system is filled incorrectly. A damaged or restricted pipe can make coolant filling, circulation, and air removal more difficult.

Related topic:

* [[Coolant filling procedure]]

== Repair and replacement ==

Coolant-pipe repair depends on the type and severity of damage.

Possible repair considerations include:

* Whether the pipe is leaking
* Whether the pipe is crushed or restricted
* Whether the pipe end is damaged
* Whether corrosion is present
* Whether a replacement pipe is available
* Whether a repair can maintain full internal diameter and proper sealing

A pipe that is badly crushed or internally restricted should not be ignored, even if it is not leaking.

== Notes ==

Coolant pipes are a Fiero-specific diagnostic point because of the car's mid-engine layout.

Always inspect the coolant pipes when diagnosing unexplained overheating, especially if the car has been lifted, repaired, transported, or worked on underneath.

== See also ==

* [[Cooling system]]
* [[Overheating]]
* [[Coolant filling procedure]]
* [[Radiator]]
* [[Radiator fan]]
* [[Thermostat]]
* [[Water pump]]
* [[Common problems]]

[[Category:Fieropedia]]
[[Category:Cooling system]]
[[Category:Diagnostics]]
[[Category:Common problems]]

Coolant pipes - Revision history