This page lists 56 cooling system parts for the 1955 Desoto Fireflite, across 7 part types, covering the 4.8L 291cid V8 engine. Every part shows its brand, manufacturer part number and fitment notes.
The cooling system system on the 1955 Desoto Fireflite keeps operating temperature in the narrow band the engine was designed for, from radiator and water pump to thermostat and hoses. The largest groups are Coolant / Antifreeze (16 parts), Radiator Cap (12 parts) and Thermostat (11 parts). The other 4 part types cover the remaining 17 parts.
Every part on this page is matched to the 4.8L 291cid V8 — the only engine offered in the 1955 Desoto Fireflite.
The most listed brands for 1955 Desoto Fireflite cooling system parts are MOTORAD (13 parts), GATES (12 parts) and PEAK (7 parts), plus 10 more brands. Quality grades include Standard Replacement, Economy and Premium.
12 parts on this 1955 Desoto Fireflite page carry a "Popular" badge — the source catalog's flag for options frequently chosen for this vehicle — including FVP MV5050GAL (Coolant / Antifreeze) and MOTORAD ST13 (Radiator Cap). 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 | Prime YellowAll Vehicles | View on Amazon |
Economy
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FVP Popular | MV5050GAL | 🇺🇸 US | Extended LifeAll Makes / All Models | View on Amazon |
| PRESTONE Popular | AF3100 | 🇺🇸 US | Prime Yellow - All VehiclesExtended Life | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | BQA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US | Blue Mountain Long LifeAll Vehicle | View on Amazon |
| VALVOLINE | 719009 | 🇺🇸 US | Multi-Vehicle Yellow1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
Heavy Duty
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VALVOLINE Popular | ZXG051 | 🇺🇸 US | G05 Yellow1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
Premium
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRESTONE Popular | AF2100 | 🇺🇸 US | All Vehicles10yr/300k mi | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | PKP1GAL | 🇺🇸 US | All Vehicles Antifreeze1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | PXA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US | 1 GallonGlobal Lifetime | View on Amazon |
| PRESTONE | AFMAX | 🇺🇸 US | Max Universal1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
Standard Replacement
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FVP | GREEN5050GAL | 🇺🇸 US | Low Silicate Blend1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | BMA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US | Blue Mountain Conventional Green1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | RUA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US | Conventional Green1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | FFA1GAL | 🇺🇸 US | Full Force Conventional Green1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PEAK | SEP1GAL | 🇺🇸 US | Sierra Conventional Green Concentrate Low Toxic Option1 Gallon | View on Amazon |
| PRESTONE | AF3300 | 🇺🇸 US | 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 1955 Desoto Fireflite 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 | 20038S | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Professional / GoldMolded | View on Amazon |
| CONTINENTAL | 66505 | 🇺🇸 US | Molded | View on Amazon |
| DAYCO | 70158 | 🇺🇸 US | Curved | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 20563 | 🇺🇸 US | Molded | View on Amazon |
This table covers the hard pipes and extra hoses in the coolant circuit.
4 Coolant Hose / Pipe parts for the 1955 Desoto Fireflite come from 4 brands — ACDELCO, CONTINENTAL, DAYCO and 1 other brand.
This group includes ACDELCO 20038S, CONTINENTAL 66505 and DAYCO 70158 and the remaining parts above.
Cooling System Tester Adapter
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GATES | 31413 | 🇺🇸 US | Cooling System PressureRadiator Cap | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | 3003 | 🇺🇸 US | StandardIncluded In Tester Kit | View on Amazon |
This table covers the adapters used to pressure-test this cooling system.
2 Cooling System Tester Adapter parts for the 1955 Desoto Fireflite come from 2 brands — GATES and MOTORAD.
Listed part numbers: GATES 31413 and MOTORAD 3003.
Radiator Cap
Locking Replacement
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORAD Popular | ST13 | 🇺🇸 US | Safety Lever | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 31511 | 🇺🇸 US | Safety Release Radiator Cap | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 31508 | 🇺🇸 US | Safety Release Radiator Cap | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | ST7 | 🇺🇸 US | Safety Lever | View on Amazon |
| SKP | SKST7 | 🇺🇸 US | with Safety Lever | View on Amazon |
Standard Replacement
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GATES Popular | 31527 | 🇺🇸 US | OE Type | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD Popular | T13 | 🇺🇸 US | Standard | View on Amazon |
| CALORSTAT | RC0067 | 🇺🇸 US | PerformanceIncludes Seal | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 31526 | 🇺🇸 US | OE Type | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | T7 | 🇺🇸 US | Standard | View on Amazon |
| SKP | SK10228 | 🇺🇸 US | Pressure Rating 7 psiwithout A.C. | View on Amazon |
| SKP | SK10229 | 🇺🇸 US | Pressure Rating 13 psiwith A.C. | View on Amazon |
This table covers the caps that hold system pressure at the radiator or reservoir neck. Typical signs include a leak at the neck, a cap that will not hold pressure, or a missing tether. Match the pressure rating or thread in the notes — radiator, reservoir and fuel caps are not interchangeable.
12 Radiator Cap parts for the 1955 Desoto Fireflite come from 4 brands — MOTORAD, GATES, SKP and 1 other brand. The "Popular" part is MOTORAD ST13.
In the Locking Replacement grade, MOTORAD, GATES and SKP supply 5 parts: grouped under the catalog's "Locking Replacement" designation — the notes column spells out what sets them apart. A representative part number is MOTORAD ST13.
Standard Replacement: 7 parts, from GATES, MOTORAD, SKP and 1 other brand. A representative part number is GATES 31527.
Radiator Hose
Economy
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAYCO Popular | 81331 | 🇺🇸 US | Flex Radiator Hose | View on Amazon |
| GATES Popular | 26502 | 🇺🇸 US | Flexible (Heavy-Duty) | View on Amazon |
| ACDELCO | 31701 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Gold / ProfessionalFlexible | View on Amazon |
| CONTINENTAL | 52816 | 🇺🇸 US | FlexibleHose 1 Length: 16.31 In | View on Amazon |
| DAYCO | 81311 | 🇺🇸 US | Flex Radiator Hose | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 26501 | 🇺🇸 US | Flexible (Heavy-Duty) | View on Amazon |
Standard Replacement
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACDELCO | 31700 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Gold / ProfessionalFlexible | 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.
7 Radiator Hose parts are listed for the 1955 Desoto Fireflite, from DAYCO, GATES, ACDELCO and 1 other brand. DAYCO 81331 carries the "Popular" badge.
Economy: 6 parts, from DAYCO, GATES, ACDELCO and 1 other brand. A representative part number is DAYCO 81331.
The Standard Replacement section: 1 option from ACDELCO. ACDELCO 31700 is listed in this group.
This group includes DAYCO 81331, GATES 26502 and ACDELCO 31701 and the remaining parts above.
Thermostat
Performance
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORAD | 2006180 | 🇺🇸 US | High Flow | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | 2006160 | 🇺🇸 US | High Flow | View on Amazon |
Premium
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORAD | 7206180 | 🇺🇸 US | Fail-Safe | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | 7206160 | 🇺🇸 US | Fail-Safe | View on Amazon |
Standard Replacement
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GATES Popular | 33038 | 🇨🇦 CA | OE Type | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD Popular | 206160 | 🇺🇸 US | Standard | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD Popular | 206180 | 🇺🇸 US | Standard | View on Amazon |
| CALORSTAT | TH130982 | 🇺🇸 US | PerformanceDoes Not Include Seal | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 33036 | 🇨🇦 CA | OE Type | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 33039 | 🇨🇦 CA | OE Type | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | 206195 | 🇺🇸 US | Standard | 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.
11 Thermostat parts are listed for the 1955 Desoto Fireflite, from MOTORAD, GATES and CALORSTAT. GATES 33038 carries the "Popular" badge.
In the Performance grade, MOTORAD supplies 2 parts: engineered beyond original-equipment specification. A representative part number is MOTORAD 2006180.
The Premium section: 2 options from MOTORAD. MOTORAD 7206180 is listed in this group.
The Standard Replacement section: 7 options from GATES, MOTORAD and CALORSTAT. GATES 33038 is listed in this group.
Thermostat / Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Seal
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEL-PRO | 35063 | 🇺🇸 US | 2-1/2 (In) Inside DiameterWater Outlet Seal | View on Amazon |
| GATES | 33625 | 🇺🇸 US | Thermostat Gasket - 2 1/4" | View on Amazon |
| MOTORAD | MG40 | 🇺🇸 US | View on Amazon | |
| VICTOR REINZ | 711353100 | 🇺🇸 US | 2-1/2 IN I.D.with 2 Bolt Holes | View on Amazon |
This table covers the seals at the thermostat housing and water outlet. Typical signs include a wet housing, a drip after sitting, or fluid flung off a rotating shaft. Fix the surface the seal rides on. A new seal on a grooved shaft will leak again.
4 Thermostat / Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Seal parts for the 1955 Desoto Fireflite come from 4 brands — FEL-PRO, GATES, MOTORAD and 1 other brand.
This group includes FEL-PRO 35063, GATES 33625 and MOTORAD MG40 and the remaining parts above.
Buying Cooling System Parts for a 1955 Desoto Fireflite
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 4.8L 291cid V8 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 Radiator Cap .
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cooling system parts fit the 1955 Desoto Fireflite?
Our catalog currently lists 56 cooling system parts for the 1955 Desoto Fireflite across 7 subcategories and 13 brands, covering the 4.8L 291cid V8 engine. Each part is matched to the engine(s) it fits.
What are the signs of cooling system problems on a 1955 Desoto Fireflite?
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 1955 Desoto Fireflite 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 1955 Desoto Fireflite?
Every part on this page is matched to the 4.8L 291cid V8 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 1955 Desoto Fireflite
Cooling System Parts for Other Desoto Fireflite Years
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