1956 Desoto Firedome Cooling System Parts

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. Read more

16 Coolant / Antifreeze parts for the 1956 Desoto Firedome 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.

This table covers the hard pipes and extra hoses in the coolant circuit. Read more

4 Coolant Hose / Pipe parts for the 1956 Desoto Firedome 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.

This table covers the adapters used to pressure-test this cooling system. Read more

2 Cooling System Tester Adapter parts for the 1956 Desoto Firedome come from 2 brands — GATES and MOTORAD.

Listed part numbers: GATES 31413 and MOTORAD 3003.

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. Read more

12 Radiator Cap parts for the 1956 Desoto Firedome 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.

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. Read more

10 Radiator Hose parts are listed for the 1956 Desoto Firedome, from ACDELCO, GATES, CONTINENTAL and 1 other brand. ACDELCO 22000M carries the "Popular" badge.

Economy: 8 parts, from ACDELCO, CONTINENTAL, DAYCO and 1 other brand. A representative part number is ACDELCO 31701.

The Standard Replacement section: 2 options from ACDELCO and GATES. ACDELCO 22000M is listed in this group.

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. Read more

This group shows a single part: STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS TS52.

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. Read more

12 Thermostat parts are listed for the 1956 Desoto Firedome, from MOTORAD, GATES, SKP and 1 other brand. GATES 33038 carries the "Popular" badge.

Economy: 1 part, from SKP. A representative part number is SKP SK206160.

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.

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. Read more

4 Thermostat / Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Seal parts for the 1956 Desoto Firedome 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.