Diagnosis and Part Selection Advice:
How did you know this part needed replacement? Why did you choose a certain brand/part number?
On a very cold day in Chicago, with the engine idling to keep its occupants warm, I noticed steam coming from underneath the hood. The steam came from coolant dripping onto the exhaust manifold heat shield. Miraculously, I ran the car all spring and summer with no ill effects until recently I saw a puddle underneath the vehicle every time it was driven. Plastic radiators tend to crack within 10 years. Fortunately for me, the crack was towards the top of the radiator rather than the bottom. I could see coolant flowing along the inside top of the radiator, dripping down from there to the ground.
I chose the PROLIANCE radiator based on previous experience with a Ford I used to own. I was impressed that it was a direct plug-in replacement and the part for the Nissan was no exception.
Part Comments
What came in the box? Were additional nuts, bolts, sealant, etc. needed for the repair?
A radiator came in the box with a generic install guide - nothing more. However, nothing more was needed for this installation.
Repair / Installation tips:
Special tools needed? Have to remove other parts to reach this one? Any left-hand threads, sharp edges, messy fluids or other pitfalls to avoid?
This is one of the easiest parts to replace on your car believe it or not. If you can drain coolant and replace hoses, you should have no problems. The hardest part - believe it or not - was removing the plastic shields located underneath the vehicle. The fasteners tend to become rusted so go SLOW when removing them - otherwise, the heads may snap off.
My car has auto transmission so there are two additional hoses to pull off - these are held on with clamps as opposed to fittings. Angle the tranny hoses upwards to avoid fluid spillage. Pull the old radiator out WITH the fan assembly attached - just transfer the fan assembly to the new radiator and put the new unit back in. Attach all hoses prior to tightening the bracket nuts to avoid stripped threads.
Good luck !!!
