Contents Section: Cooling System (mechanical) All sections

Cooling System Specifications Pontiac Sunbird II

THERMOSTAT

All models use a 195°F (91°C) thermostat that starts to open at 192-198°F (89-92°C), and is fully open at 222°F (106°C).

PRESSURE CAP

All models, except 4.3L Diesel, use a 15 psi (1.0 kg/cm 2 ) pressure cap. The 4.3L Diesel engine uses a 16-18.5 psi (1.1-1.3 kg/cm 2 ) pressure cap.

WATER PUMP

Water pump is serviced only as an assembly.

MAINTENANCE

Inspect cooling system every 12 months or 15,000 miles. Drain and flush cooling system every 24 months or 30,000 miles. On all models, except 4.3L Diesel, maintain a 50% mixture of ethylene glycol anti-freeze and water. On 4.3L Diesel, use 64% ethylene glycol anti-freeze and 36% water.

Bleeding

  1. Remove thermostat from vehicle and install thermostat cover. Fill cooling system to bottom of radiator filler neck. Start and run engine for 3 minutes. Accelerate engine to fast idle for 15-20 seconds. Turn engine off.
  2. To relieve system pressure, loosen thermostat filler cap. Once pressure is released, remove thermostat filler cap. Fill coolant system to bottom of thermostat filler neck. Install thermostat and filler cap. Start and run engine until cooling fan cycles once. Fill coolant reservoir to proper level.

COOLANT

Note. Actual capacity figures are shown, but may vary 15% due to system variations. Capacities include coolant reservoir (filled to ADD mark).

ApplicationQuarts (L)
1000
1.6L9.3 (8.6)
1.8L Diesel9.0 (8.5)
Sunbird7.9 (7.5)
6000
2.5L9.7 (9.2)
2.8L11.6 (11.1)
4.3L Diesel13.8 (13.0)
Fiero14.1 (13.3)
Firebird
2.5L12.8 (12.1)
2.8L12.5 (11.8)
5.0L17.2 (16.3)
Bonneville & Grand Prix
3.8L13.0 (12.3)
5.0L15.3 (14.3)
5.7L Diesel17.3 (16.3)
Grand Am
3.0L7.8 (7.4)
Parisienne
4.3L Diesel12.2 (11.5)
5.0L16.3 (15.5)
5.7L18.0 (17.2)

COOLANT CAPACITY