Think I need a new radiator.

[asiancivicmaniac]

I opened the hood today to put in a can of MOS2 and saw some white residue on my radiator. I didn't notice it a month ago so I'm guessing it just started. Car is a 2002 Maxima. Question is, from the picture below, how urgent is it? I definitely want to put a new one in, but I won't have time until Thanksgiving weekend and I would need to source a radiator.

 

[GearheadTool]

Any leaks?

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted By: GearheadTool
Any leaks?


are you trolling or just didnt look at the picture?




personally I wouldnt drive it.. if it lets go you would be stuck somewhere.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I think Bar's Leak will fix it.

 

[fdcg27]

Looks like a seam failure.
Darn plastic header tanks!
How much coolant have you lost?
If you have yet to see much coolant loss, you can probably milk a couple of more weeks out of it.
Just keep a sharp eye on the temp gauge.
The last time I needed a rad (for the '97 Accord), I think I bought it from Rock.
It was $238.00 IIRC, for a Japanese made Denso that was correct for the manual transmission, not a universal fit.
You might also want to replace the thermostat when you drain the coolant.
I didn't, and wound up replacing the thermostat five months later, since it was obviously stuck open.
This would also be a good time to replace any suspect hoses.

 

[SLCraig]

My dad just replaced the rad on his 2000 Maxima. I would go ahead and just replace it soon, its at roughly the age where it would need to be replaced soon anyways.

 

[fdcg27]

I don't think he's trolling.
If you read any one of the numerous Volvo threads, you'll see that he's just not very savvy mechanically.
He may learn.

 

[fdcg27]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I think Bar's Leak will fix it.


For a little while.
I'd avoid it if at all possible.
Easy to put in, hard to get out.

 

[shell_user]

I would not advocate bars leaks or even jb weld. Did neighbors radiator, and he jb welded the plastic part on it, didnt last 3 days and was already leaking again. Get a new radiator if you can afford it.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

So I can get a Ready-Rad from AAP or a Spectra from Rock Auto. Is one better than the other?

I'm going to see how much an OEM thermostat will cost.

 

[SuperDave456]

Interesting.
My wife drives a 2004 Xterra.
You could SMELL the coolant leak, but could never SEE it.

I searched and searched and eventually took it to the shop cause I was guessing as to where it was.
Turns out it was similar to yours, but a seam along the side of the radiator was leaking. Pinhole, tiny, at the seam but it STINKS something bad!

+1 for new radiator.

 

[fdcg27]

I'd go with a Japanese OEM brand myself, since you want to do it once in the life of the car.
OTOH, the OEM rad did fail after ten years.
Still, you'll not be driving this car ten years from now.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

I don't really see any Japanese ones being offered. Might be able to get a Koyo if the guy on maxima.org is still selling them.

I'll have to see how broke I am in ten years after hopefully getting through med school. I just might still be driving this car barring anything that will prevent it haha.

 

[Phishin]

I just replaced mine last year on my 2000 Altima. It had about 150k miles on it. Mine was leaking in the same spot. I drove it that way for a few months.

You can Koyo radiators anywhere. They are the best for Nissans.

http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/?N=1684+11369+4294962955+9235

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

So I thought I would update this thread.

I just finished putting in a Koyo radiator. The overall process was easy but it did take me a couple hours. Most of the time was spent on yanking off hoses and pulling things apart.

I bought new hoses and a thermostat too, but I was only able to change the top hose. I couldn't get the one attached to the thermostat off. I couldn't reach the screws for the thermostat so I left it alone too. I hope it doesn't need changing anytime soo because I can't see how I can fit a socket wrench to get to one of the screws.

Overall I have to say it was worth the time spent. I've heard people getting quoted $700 to have it done. I think all the parts and a gallon of coolant costed less than $200 for me.

 

[zzyzzx]

Why is the coolant leak in the picture white???

 

[mattd]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Why is the coolant leak in the picture white???


dried coolant is white.