THERMOSTAT
Most thermostats are thermal wax pellet type. As coolant temperatures rise, the wax begins to expand. This expansion overcomes spring tension, allowing the thermostat to open. Some thermostats also have a bleed hole to allow a small amount of circulation and help eliminate air locks.
PRESSURE CAP
Modern cooling systems use a closed system type cap. This system allows for coolant expansion during engine operation. As coolant expands and builds pressure, some coolant is permitted to bleed past the cap into the overflow tank. When the engine cools and coolant contracts, the cap allows coolant in the overflow tank to siphon back into the system.
The pressure cap also increases pressure in the cooling system. The increased pressure raises the boiling point. One pound of pressure raises the boiling point approximately 10°F.
COOLANT MIXTURE
Engine coolant must be mixed with water to a specified percentage. A 100 percent coolant mixture could cause system overheating or premature system failure. The percentage of coolant to water can vary depending on climate condition, but a 50/50 mixture is a standard percentage.
MAINTENANCE
Periodic maintenance is necessary for extended cooling system and engine life. Because engine and cooling systems are made of different metals, electrolysis begins to destroy the metals. Changing the coolant at scheduled maintenance periods reduces electrolysis and removes sediment. Replace coolant every 24 months or 30,000 miles.
Note. Approximate capacity figures are listed. Capacities may slightly vary.
| Application | Specification | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant Capacity | |||
| "A" Body | |||
| 2.5L | 9.9 Qts. 9.6L | ||
| 3.1L | 13.0 Qts. (12.3L) | ||
| 3.3L | 12.9 Qts. (12.2L) | ||
| "B" Body | |||
| 5.0L (VIN E) (1) | 18.0 Qts. 17.0L) | ||
| 5.0L (VIN Y) (1) | 15.2 Qts. (14.4L) | ||
| 5.7L | 16.5 Qts. (15.6L) | ||
| "C" Body | |||
| 3.8L | 13.0 Qts. (12.3L) | ||
| 4.5L | 13.2 Qts. (12.5L) | ||
| "D" Body | |||
| 5.0L | 15.2 Qts. (14.4L) | ||
| 5.7L | 16.5 Qts. (15.6L) | ||
| "E" Body | |||
| 3.8L | 13.0 Qts. (12.3L) | ||
| 4.5L | 13.2 Qts. (12.5L) | ||
| "F" Body | |||
| 3.1L | 13.0 Qts. (12.3L) | ||
| 5.0L (VIN E & F) | 18.0 Qts. (17.0L) | ||
| 5.7L | 16.5 Qts. (15.6L) | ||
| "H" Body | |||
| 3.8L | 13.0 Qts. (12.3L) | ||
| "J" Body | |||
| 2.0L (VIN K & M) | 8.5 Qts. (8.0L) | ||
| 2.2L | 8.5 Qts. (8.0L) | ||
| 3.1L | 13.0 Qts. (12.3L) | ||
| "K" Body | |||
| 4.5L | 13.2 Qts. (12.5L) | ||
| "L" Body | |||
| 2.2L | 8.5 Qts. (8.0L) | ||
| 2.3L | 8.0 Qts. (7.6L) | ||
| 3.1L | 13.0 Qts. (12.3L) | ||
| "N" Body | |||
| 2.3L (VIN A) (1) | 8.0 Qts. (7.6L) | ||
| 2.3L (VIN D) (1) | 9.2 Qts. (8.7L) | ||
| 2.5L | 7.8 Qts. (7.4L) | ||
| 3.3L | 12.9 Qts. (12.2L) | ||
| "W" Body | |||
| 2.3L (VIN A) (1) | 8.0 Qts. (7.6L) | ||
| 2.3L (VIN D) (1) | 9.2 Qts. (8.7L) | ||
| 2.5L | 9.9 Qts. (9.4L) | ||
| 3.1L (VIN T & V) | 13.0 Qts. (12.3L) | ||
| "Y" Body | |||
| 5.7L | 16.5 Qts. (15.6L) | ||
| Pressure Cap | 15 psi | ||
| Thermostat | 195°F (91°C) | ||
| (1) Refers to VIN engine code. | |||
| (1) | Refers to VIN engine code. |
COOLING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
| Body Designation | Model |
|---|---|
| "A" Body | Celebrity, Century, Cutlass Ciera, Cutlass Cruiser Wagon, 6000 |
| "B" Body | Caprice, Custom Cruiser, Estate Wagon |
| "C" Body | DeVille, Electra, Fleetwood, Ninety-Eight, Park Avenue, Touring Sedan |
| "D" Body | Brougham |
| "E" Body | Eldorado, Reatta, Riviera, Toronado, Trofeo |
| "F" Body | Camaro, Firebird |
| "H" Body | Bonneville, Delta 88, LeSabre |
| "J" Body | Cavalier, Sunbird |
| "K" Body | Seville |
| "L" Body | Beretta, Corsica |
| "N" Body | Cutlass Calais, Grand Am, Skylark |
| "W" Body | Cutlass Supreme, Grand Prix, Lumina, Regal |
| "Y" Body | Corvette |
GENERAL MOTORS PASSENGER CAR DESIGNATIONS
DRAINING AND FILLING COOLING SYSTEM
| CAUTION | To avoid being burned by hot water and steam, do not remove the radiator cap while the engine is at normal operating temperature. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if the cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot. |
- Remove the radiator cap while the engine is cool. To remove the radiator cap do the following: Rotate cap counterclockwise to detent, do not press down while rotating. Ensure that there is no residual pressure in the cooling system. After all pressure is relived from the cooling system, press down on the cap while continuing to rotate counterclockwise.
- Open radiator drain valve and air bleed vent on thermostat housing and bypass pipe. Allow system to drain completely, then close the radiator drain valve tightly.
- Remove coolant recovery reservoir with clean water, drain and reinstall. Fill the cooling system through the radiator neck until full. Close all bleed vents tightly and install radiator cap.