The 1981 Delorean DMC 12 has 34 cooling system parts with verified fitment on this page — 6 part types and 10 brands, covering the 2.9L V6 engine. Each part includes a manufacturer part number and application notes.
On the 1981 Delorean DMC 12, the cooling system system keeps operating temperature in the narrow band the engine was designed for, from radiator and water pump to thermostat and hoses. 28 parts of the 34 listed are Coolant / Antifreeze (16 parts), Thermostat (7 parts) and Coolant Hose / Pipe (5 parts). The other 3 part types cover the remaining 6 parts.
Every part on this page is matched to the 2.9L V6 — the only engine offered in the 1981 Delorean DMC 12.
The most listed brands for 1981 Delorean DMC 12 cooling system parts are PEAK (7 parts), MOTORAD (6 parts) and PRESTONE (5 parts), plus 7 more brands. Quality grades include Standard Replacement, Premium and Economy.
7 parts on this 1981 Delorean DMC 12 page carry a "Popular" badge — the source catalog's flag for options frequently chosen for this vehicle — including FVP MV5050GAL (Coolant / Antifreeze) and ACDELCO 20168S (Coolant Hose / Pipe). Click any part number to see every vehicle that part fits.
Coolant / Antifreeze
Compatible With All Colors
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRESTONE | AF3055 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Prime YellowAll Vehicles | View on Amazon |
Economy
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FVP Popular | MV5050GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Extended LifeAll Makes / All Models | View on Amazon |
| PRESTONE Popular | AF3100 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Prime Yellow - All VehiclesExtended Life | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | BQA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Blue Mountain Long LifeAll Vehicle | View on Amazon |
| VALVOLINE | 719009 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Multi-Vehicle Yellow1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
Heavy Duty
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VALVOLINE Popular | ZXG051 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | G05 Yellow1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
Premium
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRESTONE Popular | AF2100 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | All Vehicles10yr/300k mi | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | PKP1GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | All Vehicles Antifreeze1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | PXA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Global Lifetime1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PRESTONE | AFMAX | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Max Universal1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
Standard Replacement
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FVP | GREEN5050GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Low Silicate Blend1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | BMA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Blue Mountain Conventional Green1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | RUA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Conventional Green1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | FFA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Full Force Conventional Green1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | SEP1GAL | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Sierra Conventional Green Concentrate Low Toxic Option1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PRESTONE | AF3300 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Prime Conventional Green 1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
This table covers the engine coolants and antifreeze formulations specified for this cooling system. Typical signs include a rising temperature gauge, rusty or sludged coolant, or a heater that blows cold. Use the chemistry named in the notes. Mixing silicate, OAT and HOAT formulas can gel in the radiator.
16 Coolant / Antifreeze parts for the 1981 Delorean DMC 12 come from 4 brands — PEAK, PRESTONE, FVP and 1 other brand. The "Popular" part is FVP MV5050GAL.
In the Compatible With All Colors grade, PRESTONE supplies 1 part: grouped under the catalog's "Compatible With All Colors" designation — the notes column spells out what sets them apart. A representative part number is PRESTONE AF3055.
The Economy section lists 4 options from FVP, PRESTONE, PEAK and 1 other brand — the catalog's value-priced group. FVP MV5050GAL is listed in this group.
In the Heavy Duty grade, VALVOLINE supplies 1 part: rated for severe service. A representative part number is VALVOLINE ZXG051.
In the Premium grade, PRESTONE and PEAK supply 4 parts: a step above OE specification in materials, tolerances or warranty terms. A representative part number is PRESTONE AF2100.
In the Standard Replacement grade, PEAK, FVP and PRESTONE supply 6 parts: built to original-equipment specification. A representative part number is FVP GREEN5050GAL.
Coolant Hose / Pipe
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACDELCO Popular | 20168S | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Professional / GoldMolded | View on Amazon |
| ACDELCO | 22257M | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Professional / GoldMolded | View on Amazon |
| ACDELCO | 26070X | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Professional / GoldMolded | View on Amazon |
| CONTINENTAL | 66200 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Molded | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 21461 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Molded | View on Amazon |
This table covers the hard pipes and extra hoses in the coolant circuit.
5 Coolant Hose / Pipe parts for the 1981 Delorean DMC 12 come from 3 brands — ACDELCO, CONTINENTAL and GATES. The "Popular" part is ACDELCO 20168S.
This group includes ACDELCO 20168S, ACDELCO 22257M and ACDELCO 26070X and the remaining parts above.
Radiator Hose
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACDELCO | 24108L | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Professional / GoldMolded | View on Amazon |
| CONTINENTAL | 61172 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Molded | View on Amazon |
| DAYCO | 70816 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Curved | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 21193 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Molded | View on Amazon |
This table covers the upper, lower and connecting hoses between radiator, engine and reservoir. Typical signs include swelling, cracks, a soft spot, or a leak at a clamp. Replace adjacent aged hoses while the system is drained — they share the same heat cycle.
4 Radiator Hose parts are listed for the 1981 Delorean DMC 12, from ACDELCO, CONTINENTAL, DAYCO and 1 other brand.
This group includes ACDELCO 24108L, CONTINENTAL 61172 and DAYCO 70816 and the remaining parts above.
Temperature Sender / Sensor
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULTRA-POWER | 5S1587 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Sender | View on Amazon |
This table covers the senders that report coolant temperature to the gauge or ECU. Typical signs include a gauge that sits on empty or overheat, or a lamp that does not match what the engine is doing. Rule out the cluster and the wiring before replacing the sender.
This group shows a single part: ULTRA-POWER 5S1587.
Thermostat
Premium
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORAD Popular | 7248192 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Fail-Safe | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | 7248180 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Fail-Safe | View on Amazon |
Standard Replacement
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORAD Popular | 248192JV | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Standardwith Jiggle Pin Weep Hole | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 33079 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | OE Type | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | 248160JV | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Standardwith Jiggle Pin Weep Hole | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | 248180JV | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Standardwith Jiggle Pin Weep Hole | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | 248174JV | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Standardwith Jiggle Pin Weep Hole | View on Amazon |
This table covers the thermostats that open the coolant circuit at the specified temperature. Typical signs include slow warm-up, a gauge that climbs in traffic, or heat that never quite arrives. Replace the housing gasket with the thermostat and bleed the system so a trapped air pocket does not cook the new part.
7 Thermostat parts are listed for the 1981 Delorean DMC 12, from MOTORAD and GATES. MOTORAD 7248192 carries the "Popular" badge.
The Premium section: 2 options from MOTORAD. MOTORAD 7248192 is listed in this group.
The Standard Replacement section: 5 options from MOTORAD and GATES. MOTORAD 248192JV is listed in this group.
Part numbers include MOTORAD 7248192, MOTORAD 7248180 and MOTORAD 248192JV, among others listed above.
Water Pump Inlet Tube
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CONTINENTAL | 60775 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | MoldedHose 1 Length: 34.14 In | View on Amazon |
This table covers the Water Pump Inlet tubes.
One part is listed for the 1981 Delorean DMC 12 — CONTINENTAL 60775.
Buying Cooling System Parts for a 1981 Delorean DMC 12
On this vehicle, the cooling system system keeps operating temperature in the narrow band the engine was designed for, from radiator and water pump to thermostat and hoses.
- Confirm you have the 2.9L V6 engine — every part on this page is matched to it.
- Read the notes on each row for position, trim and spec qualifiers before you order.
- Where labor overlaps, replace the thermostat and refill with fresh coolant whenever you change a water pump or radiator; original hoses on an older vehicle are on borrowed time.
- Cross-reference the manufacturer part number against your old part or a service-manual listing.
Start with the largest groups on this page: Coolant / Antifreeze and Thermostat .
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cooling system parts fit the 1981 Delorean DMC 12?
Our catalog currently lists 34 cooling system parts for the 1981 Delorean DMC 12 across 6 subcategories and 10 brands, covering the 2.9L V6 engine. Each part is matched to the engine(s) it fits.
What are the signs of cooling system problems on a 1981 Delorean DMC 12?
Common symptoms include a rising temperature gauge in traffic, sweet-smelling steam, crusty deposits around hose clamps, or a heater that blows cold. If you notice any of these, identify the affected subcategory above and cross-reference the part numbers listed.
What should I replace at the same time?
Where labor overlaps, replace the thermostat and refill with fresh coolant whenever you change a water pump or radiator; original hoses on an older vehicle are on borrowed time.
What do the market flags (US, CA, MX) on each part mean?
They show the market for which the manufacturer published application data for that part — where the vehicle was first sold, not where the part was made. If your 1981 Delorean DMC 12 was originally sold in the US, the safest choice is a part marked for the US market.
How do I make sure a part fits my 1981 Delorean DMC 12?
Every part on this page is matched to the 2.9L V6 engine. Then replace coolant with the exact specification the manufacturer calls for — mixing chemistries can gel and block small passages. The notes column carries position and trim qualifiers where they apply.
Other Parts for the 1981 Delorean DMC 12
Cooling System Parts for Other Delorean DMC 12 Years
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