RADIATOR LEAKS DUE TO WEAR FROM A/C LINE INSULATION

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1988-89 J MODELS WITH C 60 AND 2.0L(VIN CODE K) ENGINE

Some late built 1988 and early built 1989 Pontiac Sunbrid (J models) could experience a condition of a radiator leak due to wear from contact with the "Fiero muff" insulator wrapped around the suction/discharge line. The stitching on the insulator may rub into the radiator producing a leak. (Figure 1).

The suction/discharge line with this insulator (1988 p/n 22545477) was used in Production from May 16, 1988 to build out and f rom Start of Production 1989 until November 21, 1988 (1989 p/n 22545191) at Lordstown Assembly on Pontiac Sunbird models only.

Lordstown Assembly began orienting the stitching away from the radiator (Figure 2) starting with VIN K7526198. Use of this insulator has now been discontinued and thinner individual heat protective sleeves (Figure 3) are currently used on the suction/ discharge hoses.

Although only Pontiac Sunbird models manufactured at Lordstown Assembly used the "muff" insulator style hose assembly in Production, the service part numbers listed above for J models ordered from CANSPO may or may not have the "muff" insulator. The "muff" insulator stitching must be properly orientated away from the radiator as shown in Figure 2 when replacing the suction/ discharge hose assembly.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.