Hello everybody!

I need a new radiator for my 1.2 8V due to corrosion. I want to take the opportunity to exchange it by a radiator for the 1.4 16V. Not because it´s bigger or better performing, but I want to rid of the radiator with the integrated coolant expansion reservoir and so of the filler pipe that stands in the way of my modified admission...

O.K., so far so good. I think I have all relevant components already collected, but there is still one question for that I couldn´t get an answer.

Where is the the thin coolant tube of the 1,4 16V expansion reservoir that leads behind the engine connected? Is there a T-pipe? Or is there a plug at the thermostat housing? Or something else?
Could somone here explain to me, with a picture would be much more nice.


Thanks an best regards
Olli

Maybe this drawing (that I made by myself) shows better what I mean, its about the tube Nr.3:

Isn't that just the "overflow pipe" if the pressure release in the cap operates? If so, presumably just routes the released water/steam somewhere safe (to the bottom of the engine bay, away from plastics/electrics?)?

From its shape and routing, looks like it connects to the thermostat housing.

Can find no reference to it in Haynes or on e-learn. What is it for? Normally there is only a hose from rad to expansion chamber, why is there a second one?

If I still had my mj, I would pop the bonnet and take a look.

Sorry!

PS - this ebay ad has a good pic of the pipe with an obvious connection on the end, suggesting it does connect to something.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-PAND...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51c54f7114

Thanks for both answers. Meanwhile I think the pupose of the tube is simply the automatic de-aeration. The 1.2l has for this only a screw that has to be operated manually.
So I will exchage the de-aeration unit and replace it by a T-fitting, where I connect the tube.

Olliver said:

Thanks for both answers. Meanwhile I think the pupose of the tube is simply the automatic de-aeration. The 1.2l has for this only a screw that has to be operated manually.
So I will exchage the de-aeration unit and replace it by a T-fitting, where I connect the tube.

Click to expand...

It's the return pipe usually attaches to the top of the rad or engine somwhere

Avaxbox said:

It's the return pipe usually attaches to the top of the rad or engine somwhere

Click to expand...

:yeahthat: it's a return pipe. Comes from the engine somewhere

O.K. So the 1.2 doesn't need it, due to it's integrated reservoir.

Olliver said:

O.K. So the 1.2 doesn't need it, due to it's integrated reservoir.

Click to expand...

You might find if you are going for the 1.4 radiator, there may be a spout at the top for this hose to attach to. The way it operates, is to let out the trapped air at the top of the radiator to maximize it's efficiency (in the same way you would bleed your radiator in your home). It also allows any excess coolant back into the expansion tank.

Basically having this hose to the expansion tank allows the cooling system to bleed itself if the expansion tank is located higher than the engine.

In the end it´s quite simple. The 1,4l has an additional connection at the thermostat housing where the thin tube is connected, the 1,2l doesn´t...


1.4 16V:

hxxp://fiatworkshop.co.uk/images/55202176-4673-1-800.jpg


1,2 8V:

hxxp://www.onlinecarparts.co.za/17084-thickbox/fiat-500-14-mpi-16v-thermostat-engine-code-169a3000-09-on.jpg


The purpose is as the others said in the replays before only automatic bleeding.

Just put the rad that was designed for the car in?

Avaxbox said:

Just put the rad that was designed for the car in?

Click to expand...

Why did you bother making such an unhelpful post? The OP obviously has further plans for his car, hence the post. I thought I was a pain!!!

I can't see the long term benefit tbh

Avaxbox said:

I can't see the long term benefit tbh

Click to expand...

If you read the original post, as I did, I assumed the OP was planning a modification that required some plumbing changes.

Yes, I made from a 500 air-filter lid and of a Grande Punto air-filter lid that has the intake on the other side one new one with two intakes. But with the original radiator the filler sticks just right in front of the new intake and so I cant connect the intake tube...
So that´s the reason.
And please no discussion if a 1.2l engine needs this...I think yes...

O.K. I think I have now all parts together for installing the 1.4l radiator.



My only question is now how to remove the front bumper, as it seems to be necessary for exchanging the radiator. A manual, or any tips and tricks for me? Are there hidden clips or screws?

http://www.forgemotorsport.com/media/fiat 500 abarth intercooler.pdf


You will find bumper removal here.

Great link, thanks man!

So, the old stuff is out, the new stuff in!