1988 PONTIAC FIERO engine coolant

6-4 ENGINE GENERAL INFORMATION
Bent connecting rod.
HEAVY KNOCK H0"FVVI"F TORQUE APPLIED
Broken balancer, or pulley hub. Replace parts as e Exhaust system grounded. Reposition as
necessary. necessary.
Loose torque converter bolts. Flywheel
cracked.
e Excessive main bearing clearance. Replace as
Accessory belts too tight or nicked. Replace
necessary.
and/or tension to specs as necessary.
e Excessive rod bearing clearance. Replace as
necessary.
LIGHT KNOCK HOT
Detonation or spark knock. Check operation of e Loose torque converter bolts.
EST or ESC (See Section
6D or 6E). Check e Exhaust leak at manifold. Tighten bolts and/or
engine timing and fuel quality.
replace gasket.
8 Excessive rod bearing clearance. Replace
bearings as necessary.
KNOCKS ON INITIAL START-UP BUT ONLY LASTS A FEW SECONDS
Noisy mechanical fuel pump. Replace pump.
When the engine is stopped, some valves
will be open. Spring pressure against lifters
Improper oil viscosity. Install proper oil viscosity will
tend to bleed lifter down. Attempts to
for expected temperatures. See Owner's Manual. repair
should be made only if the problem
is consistent.
Hydraulic lifter bleed down. Clean, test and @ Excessive crankshaft end clearance. Replace
replace as necessary. crankshaft
thrust bearing.
@ Excessive front main bearing clearance. Replace
worn parts.
KNOCKS AT IDLE HOT
Loose or worn drive belts. Tension and/or @ Excessive piston pin clearance. Ream and install
replace as necessary. oversize pins. (VIN R and 2) or replace piston
A/C Compressor or generator bearing. Replace and
pin.
as necessary.
e Connecting rod alignment. Check and replace
rods as necessary.
Noisy mechanical fuel pump. Replace pump.
8 Insufficient piston to bore clearance. Hone bore
Valve train. Replace parts as necessary. and
fit new piston.
@ Loose crankshaft balancer. Torque and/or
Improper oil viscosity. Install proper viscosity oil
replace worn parts.
for expected temperature4 See Owner" e Piston pin offset to wrong side. Install correct
ENGINE OVERHEATS
Coolant system leak, oil cooler system leak, or
2. Belt slipping or damaged. Replace tensioner, or
coolant recovery system not operating. Check for belt, as required.
leaks and correct as required. Check coolant
3. Thermostat stuck closed. Check and replace if
recovery tank, hose and radiator cap.
required.
4. Electrical cooling fan operation. See the
ELECTRICAL TROUBLESHOOTING
MANUAL.
5. Head gasket leaking. Check and repair as
required.

2.8 LITER V-6 6A2-9
INTAKE MANIFOLD (FIGURE 6A2-7)
Removal
Disconnect battery.
Remove air cleaner.
Drain coolant.
Refer to Section 6E3 for removal of the following
PFI sub-assemblies.
e Plenum
e Fuel Rail
e Runner
Disconnect spark plug wires at spark plugs.
Disconnect wires at coil.
Remove distributor cap and spark plug wires.
Mark distributor position and remove hold down
bracket.
Remove distributor.
Remove air management hose, manual
transmission only.
Disconnect emission canister hoses. Remove pipe
bracket (front left valve cover).
Remove left valve cover.
Remove air management bracket, manual
transmission only.
Remove right valve cover.
Remove upper radiator hose.
Disconnect heater hose.
Disconnect coolant switches.
Remove manifold bolts.
Remove manifold. Discard manifold gaskets and
remove loose RTV from front and rear ridges of
cylinder case.
Installation
When installing intake gaskets, notice that the
gaskets are marked Right Side and Left Side
(carbureted only). Use them only as indicated to
maintain designed efficiency of this engine.
1. Make
sure that no oil or water is present on
surface when new RTV is applied. Place a 5mm
diameter
(3/16") bead of RTV, # 1052917 or
equivalent, on each ridge.
2. Install
new intake gaskets on cylinder heads.
Hold in place by extending ridge RTV bead up
6mm onto the gasket ends. The new intake
gaskets will have to be cut, where indicated, to
install behind push rods. Cut only those areas
that are necessary.
3. Install intake
manifold on engine. Make sure
areas between case ridges and intake are
completely sealed.
4. Install manifold retaining bolts and nuts and
torque in the sequence shown in Figure 6A2-7.
5. Install heater and radiator hose to manifold.
6. Install rocker covers as previously outlined.
7. Connect coolant switches.
8. Install air management bracket.
9. Install pipe bracket (front left rocker cover).
10. Install distributor, distributor cap and retaining
nut. Do not tighten.
11. Refer to Section 6E3 for installation of PFI
sub-assemblies removed. 12.
Connect
necessary wires and hoses.
13. Fill cooling system with
the proper mixture of
ethylene glycol anti-freeze and water. Do not
install radiator cap.
14. Start
engine, set intitial timing. After set, torque
distibutor hold down clamp bolt to 34
N-m (25
lb. ft.). Recheck timing after torquing bolt.
15. Let engine
run until radiator upper hose becomes
hot (thermostat open).
16. With
engine idling, add coolant to radiator, if
necessary, until level reaches bottom of filler
neck.
17. Install
radiator cap, making sure arrows on cap
line up with overflow tube.
Figure 6A2-8 Exhaust Manifold
EXHAUST MANIFOLD (FIGURE 6A2-8)
Removal (Left)
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Disconnect exhaust pipe.
4. Remove
(4) rear manifold bolts and (1) nut.
5. Lower vehicle.
6. Disconnect air management, hoses and wires.
7. Remove power steering and fuel line bracket.
8. Remove manifold.
Installation (Left)
1. Clean mating surfaces on manifold and head,
then install manifold in position and install bolts.
2. Torque
manifold bolts to 34
N.m (25 ft. lbs.).
3. Install power steering bracket.
4. Raise vehicle.
5. Install exhaust pipe.
6. Lower vehicle.
7. Connect battery.
Removal (Right)
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Disconnect exhaust pipe.
4. Lower vehicle.

2.8 LITER V.6 6A2-15
18-30 N.m (13-22 FT. LBS.)
I 11 47-48 N.m (20-35 FT. LBS.) I
Figure 6A2-17 Water Pump/Front Cover Orientation
CRANKCASE FRONT COVER
Removal
1. Raise engine.
2. Remove oil pan.
3. Lower vehicle.
4. Remove water pump as outlined in Section 6B.
5. If A/C equipped, remove compressor from
mounting bracket and lay aside. Then remove
compressor mounting bracket.
6. Remove torsional damper as previously outlined.
7. Disconnect lower radiator hose at front cover and
heater hose at water pump.
8. Remove remaining front cover bolts and remove
cover.
Installation
1. Install new gasket. When installing new gasket,
be sure sealing surfaces are clean. Care should be
taken not to damage sealing surfaces.
2. Place front cover on the engine, install stud bolt
and bolts, install water pump as outlined in
Section 6B, install retaining bolts and nut and
torque to specifications.
3. Connect lower radiator hose to front cover.
Torque clamps to
3.5 N-m (30 lb. in.).
4. Install torsional damper as previously outlined.
5. Install water pump as outlined in Section 6B.
6. If A/C equipped, install compressor mounting
bracket and install compressor.
7. Raise vehicle.
8. Inspect oil pan gasket replace if necessary.
9. Install oil pan.
10. Lower vehicle.
11. Install serpentine belt.
12. Fill cooling system. Leave radiator cap off.
13. Connect battery negative cable and start engine.
14. Run engine until upper radiator hose becomes
hot (thermostat open).
15. Check coolant level and add as necessary.
16. Install radiator cap, making sure arrows on cap
line up with overflow tube.
OIL SEAL (FRONT COVER)
Replacement
With Cover Removed
1. With cover removed, pry oil seal out of cover
from the front with a large screw driver.
2. Install new seal so that open end of the seal is
toward the inside of cover and drive it into
position with Tool
5-23042. Support cover at seal
area. Pre-lube seal with engine oil prior to
installation of torsional damper.
With Cover Installed
1. With torsional damper removed, pry seal out of
cover from the front with a large screw driver,
being careful not to damage the surface on the
crankshaft.
2. Install new seal so that open end of seal is toward
the inside of cover and drive it into position with
To01 5-23042.
Figure 6A2-18 Timing Chain and Sprockets
TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKET
Removal
1. Remove crankcase front cover as previously
outlined.
2. Place #1 piston at top dead center with the
marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets
aligned (#4 firing).
3. Remove camshaft sprocket bolts and remove
camshaft sprocket and chain (Figure
6A2- 18).
Sprocket is a light fit on camshaft.
If sprocket
does not come off easily, a light blow on the lower
edge of the sprocket (with a plastic mallet) should
dislodge the sprocket.
Installation
1. Install timing chain on camshaft sprocket, lube
thrust surface with Molykote or its equivalent.
Hold the sprocket vertically with the chain
hanging down and align the marks on the
camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. (Refer to
Figure
6A2- 19).

2.8 LITER V-6 6A2-25
Fitting
1. Select rings comparable in size to the piston being
used.
2. Slip
the compression ring in the cylinder bore;
then press the ring down into the cylinder bore
about 6mm above ring travel. Be sure ring is
square with cylinder wall.
3. Measure the space or gap between the ends of the
ring with a feeler gage (Figure
6A2-33).
4. If
the gap between the ends of the ring is below
specifications, remove the ring and try another
for fit.
5. Fit each compression ring to the cylinder in
which it is going to be used.
6. If the pistons have not been cleaned and inspected
as previously outlined, do so.
7. Slip the outer surface of the top and second
compression ring into the respective piston ring
groove and roll the ring entirely around the
groove (Figure
6A2-34). If binding occurs at any
point, the cause should be determined. If there is
a ring groove, remove by dressing with a fine cut
file. If the binding is caused by a distorted ring,
check a new ring.
Installation
1. Install oil ring spacer in groove being sure ends
are butted and not overlapped.
2. Hold
spacer ends butted and install lower steel oil
ring rail.
3. Install upper
steel oil ring rail with gap staggered.
4. Flex
the oil ring assembly to make sure ring is
free. If binding occurs, the cause should be
detemined. If caused by ring groove, remove by
dressing groove with a fine cut file. If binding is
caused by a distorted ring, check a new ring.
5. Install second compression ring. Stagger gap
from other rings.
6. Install top compression ring with gap properly
located.
ENGINE ASSEMBLY
Removal
Disconnect battery.
Remove air cleaner.
Remove hood. Drain radiator.
Remove lower radiator hose.
Remove upper fan shroud.
Remove upper radiator hose and coolant
recovery hose.
Remove transmission cooler lines. Remove radiator.
Remove fan assembly.
Remove heater hoses.
Disconnect carburetor linkage, includes cruise
control detent cable.
Remove vacuum brake booster line.
Remove distributor cap and lay wiring aside.
Disconnect necessary wires and hoses.
Remove power steering pump and lay aside. Raise
vehicle.
Remove exhaust pipes at exhaust manifold.
Remove dust cover.
Remove converter bolts.
Disconnect starter wires.
Remove bell housing bolts.
Remove motor mount through bolts.
Disconnect fuel lines at fuel pump.
Lower vehicle. Support transmission.
Remove
A.I.R./Converter pipes bracket.
Remove engine, include removing wire from
bracket at rear left of engine.
Installation
Position engine assembly in vehicle.
Attach motor mount to engine brackets and
lower engine in place.
Remove engine lifting device.
Remove transmission floor jack.
Raise vehicle on hoist.
Install mount "through" bolts. Torque to
specifications.
Install bell housing bolts. Torque to
specifications.
On vehicles with automatic transmission, install
converter to flywheel attaching bolts. Torque to
specifications.
Install flywheel splash shield of conveter housing
cover as applicable. Torque attaching bolts to
specifications.
Install starter wires.
Connect fuel lines.
Connect exhaust pipe at manifold.
Lower vehicle on hoist.
Reinstall power steering pump, if so equipped.
Connect necessary wires and hoses.
Install radiator and fan shroud and reconnect
radiator and heater hoses.
Fill cooling system.
Fill crankcase with oil. See owner's manual for
specifications.
Install air cleaner.
Install hood.
Connect battery cables.
NOTICE: To avoid possible arcing of battery,
connect positive battery cable first.
22. Start engine, check for leaks and check timing.
CRANKSHAFT
The crankshaft can be removed while the engine
is dissasembled for overhaul, as previously outlined or
without complete disassembly.
Removal
1. With the engine removed from the vehicle,
remove the clutch assembly (if equipped) and
flywheel. Mount engine in stand and clamp
securely.

V-8 ENGINE BA3-1
SECVON 6A3
TER V8 V N CODE E
TER V8 V N CODE F
TER V8 V N CODE 8
CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION .......................... 6A3- 1
ENGINE LUBRICATION .......................... 6A3-2
ON-VEHCILE SERVICE ............................... 6A3-5
...................................... Powertrain Mounts 6A3-5
Intake Manifold ........................................... 6A3-6
Dipstick Tube .............................................. 6A3-7
Exhaust Manifold ........................................... 6A3-7
........................................ Rocker Arm Cover 6A3-8
Rocker Arm and Push Rods ...................... 6A3-8
Valve Stem Oil Seal and/or
Valve Spring
................................................ 6A3-9
Valve Lifters .................................................. 6A3- 10
............................. Cylinder Head Assembly 6A3- 1 1
...................................... Rocker Arm Studs 6A3- 14
...................................... Valve Guide Bores 6A3- 14
Valve Seats .................................................. 6A3- 14
Valves ........................................................... 6A3- 15
Torsional Damper ........................................ 6A3- 15
.
............................. Crankcase Front Cover .... 6A3- 1 5
Oil Seal (Front Cover) ................................... 6A3- 16
Camshaft ...................................................... 6A3- 16
Camshaft Bearings ............................. .. ....... 6A3- 17
Oil Pan ......................................................... 6A3- 18
..................................................... Oil Pump 6A3- 18
............................. Connecting Rod Bearings 6A3- 19
.............................................. Main Bearings 6A3-20
........................................... Rear Main Seal 6A3-22
........... Connecting Rod & Piston Assemblies 6A3-23
............................................ Cylinder Block 6A3-26
............................... Oil Filter Bypass Valve 6A3-27
.......................................... Engine Assembly 6A3-27
................................................... Crankshaft 6A3-28
..................... Sprocket or Gear Replacement 6A3-28
......................................... SPECIFICATIONS 6A3-28
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
CYLINDER BLOCK CAMSHAFT AND DRIVE
The cylinder block is made of cast iron and has The
cast iron camshaft is supported by 5 bearings
8 cylinders arranged in a "V" shape with 4 cylinders and
is chain driven. A steel crankshaft sprocket drives
in each bank.
5 main bearings support the crankshaft the
timing chain which in turn drives the camshaft
which is retained by bearing caps that are machined through a cast iron 'procket.
with the block for proper alignment and clearances.
Cam lobes are ground, hardened and tapered
Cylinders are completely encircled by coolant Jackets, with the high side toward the rear. This, cou~led with
CYLINDER HEAD a sphericalYface on the lifter, causes the "alve lifters to
rotate.
Camshaft bearings are lubricated through oil
The cast iron cylinder heads feature individual
holes which intersect the main oil gallery. The main oil intake and exhaust Ports for each cylinder. Valve gallery is rifle drilled down the center of the block, guides are integral, and rocker arms are retained on above the individual pressed studs.
CRANKSHAFT AND BEARINGS
The crankshaft is cast nodular iron and is
supported by five main bearings
#5 is the end thrust
bearing.
Main bearings are lubricated from oil holes which
intersect the camshaft bearings. The camshaft bearings
are fed oil by the main oil gallery which is rifle drilled
down the center of the block, above the camshaft. Two
additional oil galleries are on either side of the main oil
gallery to provide an oil supply for the hydraulic lifters.
PISTONS AND CONNECTING RODS
The pistons are made of cast aluminum alloy
using two compression rings and one oil control ring.
Piston pins are offset 1/16"
(1.6mm) toward the thrust
side (right hand side) to provide a gradual change in
thrust pressure against the cylinder wall as the piston
travels its path. Pins are Chromium steel and have
a
floating fit in the pistons They are retained in the
connecting rods by a press fit. Connecting rods are
made of forged steel. Full pressure lubrication
is
directed to the connecting rods by drilled oil passages
from the adjacent main bearing journal.

6A3-6 V-8 ENGINE
Fig. 6A3-4 Intake Manifold Installation (LO31
INTAKE MANIFOLD
Removal (TBI)
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Drain radiator and remove air cleaner.
3. Disconnect:
e Radiator upper hose and heater hose at
manifold.
e TBI linkage.
e Fuel lines
Spark plug wires (right side).
e Necessary wires and hoses.
4. Remove distributor cap and mark rotor position
with chalk, then remove distributor.
5. Remove (as required) air compressor and
brackets and cruise control servo and bracket.
6. Remove generator upper mounting bracket.
7. Remove EGR solenoids and bracket.
8. Remove vacuum brake line.
9. Remove manifold attaching bolts, then remove
manifold, discard gaskets.
10. If manifold is to be replaced, transfer:
e TBI attaching bolts, where applicable.
Thermostat with housing (use new gasket or
RTV, as applicable).
EGR Valve (use new gasket), where
applicable.
e Necessary switches and fittings.
lnstallation
1. Clean gasket and seal surfaces on manifold,
block, and cylinder heads with degreaser.
Remove all RTV that is loose or will cause
installation interference.
2. Install gaskets on cylinder heads and place a
3/16" (5mm) bead of RTV, At1052917 or
equivalent, on the front and rear ridges of the
cylinder case. Extend the bead
1/2" (13mm) up
each cylinder head to seal and retain the manifold
side gaskets. Use sealer at water passages. 3.
Install manifold and torque bolts to specifications
in the sequence outlined in
fig. 4.
4. Install (if removed) air compressor and bracket,
and cruise control servo and bracket.
5. Install distributor, positioning rotor at chalk
mark, then install distributor cap.
6. Install generator upper mounting bracket.
7. Install vacuum brake line.
8. Install EGR solenoid and bracket.
9. Connect:
Fuel lines
s Accelerator linkage at carburetor.
@ Disconnected wires and hoses.
Battery negative cable at battery.
10. Install air cleaner.
11. Fill with coolant, start engine, adjust ignition
timing
and check for leaks.
SNUG TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
WEW @
AT TIME OF INSTALUVIBN SURFACE AR- MUST BE FREE OF OIL AND 8ULlNG CQMWUIJD MUST BE Wm TO TOUCH WHEN BBLTISCRWS ARE TORQUED. APPLY SULINO GOMPOLINB
Figure 6A3-4a Intake Manifold Installation (PFI)
Removal (PFI]
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Drain the cooling system.

V-8 ENGINE 6A3-7
-
3. Disconnect accelerator T.V. and cruise cables.
4. Remove air intake duct.
5. Disconnect coolant hoses at throttle body.
6. Disconnect wires at throttle body.
7. Disconnect vacuum and breather hoses at
throttle body.
8. Remove throttle body from plenum.
9. Remove distributor shield.
10. Disconnect brake vacuum hoses at plenum.
1 1. Disconnect vacuum hoses at plenum.
12. Refer to Section 6E3 for removal of:
a Plenum
Fuel Rail
a Cold Start Injector
e Runners
13. Remove distributor.
14. Disconnect EGR solenoid.
15. Disconnect all electrical wires that would
interfere.
16. Remove intake manifold bolts.
17. Remove intake manifold.
Installation
1. Clean all seal surfaces.
2. Install gaskets and place a 3/16 inch 5 (mm) bead
of RTV, No. 1052917 or
equivalent,on the front
and rear ridges of the cylinder case. Extend the
bead 1/2 inch
(13mm) up each cylinder head to
seal and retain the manifold side gaskets and
install intake manifold.
3. Torque manifold bolts to specified torque.
4. Reconnect electrical and vacuum wires.
5. Install distributor.
6. Refer to Section 6E3 for installation
of:
e Plenum
e Fuel Rail
e Cold Start Injectors
a Runners
7. Vacuum hoses at plenum.
8. Install distributor shield.
9. Install throttle body and related parts.
10. Fill cooling system.
1 1. Reconnect battery cable.
12. Start engine and look for leaks.
DIPSTICK TUBE
Removal
1.
Disconnect battery negative cable to prevent
possible contact of the dipstick tube with the
battery terminal on starter during removal.
2. Remove bolt attaching bracket to engine and
remove tube (loose fit).
lnstallation
1. Clean tube and apply sealant #I052080 or
equivalent, around tube
1/2" below bead.
2. Insert tube in block and rotate into position.
3. Install bolt (with starter brace on top of tube
bracket) and connect battery cable.
&LB9/LO3/L98
19-35 N.m (14-26 FT. LBS.)
27-43
N.m (20-32 FT. LBS.)
Fig. 6A3-5 Exhaust Manifold lnstallation
EXHAUST MANIFOLD
Removal (Right Side)
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Disconnect spark plug wires.
3. Disconnect
A.I.R. hoses.
4. Remove air management valve.
5. Raise vehicle.
6. Remove exhaust pipe nuts.
7. Lower vehicle.
8. Remove manifold bolts.
9. Remove exhaust manifold.
lnstallation
1. Clean
mating surfaces on manifold and head,
then install manifold in position and install bolts
finger tight.
2. Torque bolts to specifications.
3. Reverse removal procedures.
Removal (Left Side)
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Disconnect spark plug wires.
3. Disconnect A.I.R. hoses.
4. If equipped with
A/C, remove compressor and
lay aside.
5. Remove power steering pump and lay aside.
6. Loosen brackets.
7. Remove rear
A/C and power steering adjusting
bracket.
8. Remove lower power steering adjusting bracket.
9. Raise vehicle.

6A3-12 V-8 ENGINE
Fig. 6A3-15 Cylinder Head
2. Remove generator lower mounting bolt and lay
unit aside.
3. Remove exhaust manifolds as previously
outlined.
4. Remove rocker arm covers as previously
outlined.
5. Remove valve mechanism as previously outlined.
6. Drain cylinder block of coolant.
7. Remove diverter valve.
8. Remove cylinder head bolts, cylinder head and
gasket. Place cylinder head on two blocks of
wood to prevent damage.
Disassembly
1. With cylinder head removed, remove valve
rocker arm nuts, balls and rocker arms (if not
previously done).
2. Using Tool
5-8062, compress the valve springs
(fig.
6A3-16) and remove valve keys. Release the
compressor tool and remove rotators or spring caps, oil shedders,
springs and spring damper,
then remove oil seals and valve spring shims.
3. Remove valves from cylinder head and place
them in a rack in their proper sequence so that
they can be assembled in their original positions.
Cleaning I
1. Clean all carbon from combustion chambers and
valve ports using Tool J-8089 (fig.
6A3-17).
2. Thoroughly clean the valve guides using Tool
5-8101.
3. Clean
all carbon and sludge from push rods,
rocker arms and push rod guides.
4. Clean valve stems and heads on a buffing wheel.
5. Clean carbon deposits from head gasket mating
surface.
Inspection I
1. Inspect
the cylinder head for cracks in the
exhaust ports, combustion chambers, or external
cracks to the water chamber.
2. Inspect the valves for burned heads, cracked faces
or damaged stems.
e Excessive valve stem to bore clearance will
cause excessive oil consumption and may
cause valve breakage. Insufficient clearance
will result in noisy and sticky functioning of
the valve and disturb engine smoothness.
3. Measure valve stem clearance (Fig. 6A3-19) as
follows:
a. Clamp a dial indicator
on one side of the
cylinder head rocker arm cover gasket rail.
b. Locate
the indicator so that movement of
the valve stem from side to side (crosswise
to the head) will cause a direct movement
of the indicator stem. The indicator stem
must contact the side of the valve stem just
above the valve guide.
c. Drop
the valve head about 1/16"
(1.6mm)
off the valve seat.
d. Move the stem of the valve from side to side
using light pressure to obtain a clearance