Hi Guys...

Seems i need a new radiator...any good vendors recommended appreciated. This is for a 94 GXE v6.

Wow have i been out of the loop...just found out radiators are made of plastic?

 

Only the top and bottom are plastic but you can get all aluminum rads at a higher cost. Koyo rads are pretty good as a replacement to oem. Check either some of the vendors here on the org. or ebay and shop around for a good price but if im not mistaken there's a vendor here on the org that sells rads at a good price.

 

Thanks ac 92 max...Kayo. I saw their site...good to know someone referred them.

When i looked at the old radiator...only saw some rusting on the metal top bracket near center radiator cap. Temperature doesn't indicate over heating...and when i check the radiator cap on a cold engine...water always filled to the top.

 

Koyo or Mishimoto all-metal

 

Thanks chrome91.."Koyo or Mishimoto all-metal"...

 

Usually if the rad itself leaks you will see antifreeze along the bottom or top ridge where the crimping is (looks like a bunch of teeth) it will usually start as a minor leak before it gets worse but if it's just a little rust your seeing it could just be from moisture after rain i wouldn't bother changing it unless it is leaking for sure. The oem calsonic rads are the best but i guess for what an aftermarket rad is worth and if your not on a tight budget then go for it.

 

If the radiator is always full, then I would have to say that you don't have a leak. Is the level in the overflow tank also good and not going down?

I'm trying to imagine what is rusting. The only thing I can think of is the metal "fingers" that crimp the plastic tank onto the core. I don't know what kind of metal is used for those fingers.

 

Thanks ac max 92

DennisMik Yes the metal strip or crip along the plastic top tank show some rust. Radiator cap open on cold engine always to the top level ...however i do fill the overflow tanks at times really don't keep track of it.

Car doesn't overheat even when ac is used?
Its probably as ac max 92 describes...just seeping at first.

Thanks Guys!...

 

i would just leave it until you start to see a more significant leak or a drop in coolant level.

how old is your timing belt? possible the water pump is slowly leaking at the weep hole?

IMO the best is the OEM radiator. i purchased an Koyo...looked inside and was not impressed. you look inside your calsonic OEM and it's perfect in there.

 

+1 I agree that the oem are the best. Especially after over 20 years with no leaks vs. Aftermarket. If he can find a calsonic at his local yard that would be good but otherwise koyo seems to be the better aftermarket coice.

 

The car bought new in late 94...has about 130k on speedo. The guys at the shop wonder why i don't opt for a new car? Timing belt was change at 50k miles, recently new struts front and back, rebuilt rack pinion steering, brakes, water pump still original ( trans may be slipping)...and paint still great...only three door dings. Oh and engine still runs strong.

 

mileage isnt the only thing for timing belts though, around 6-7 years of age they can get cracked and brittle and you still need to change it no matter the mileage. or at least take off part of the timing cover and inspect it

 

one thing i envy about the earlier gens is the all aluminum rads you guys can get 5th gen and up doesn't have squat for all aluminum rads.

 

5th gens can use 4th gen rads.

6th gen aluminums are available from Mishimoto.

 

Ok...Thanks chrome91...

 

does any one sell performance and or all metal 4th gen rads? does the 6th gen rad fit too? i'd like to get all metal and preferable a little better cooling because i'd like a little extra cooling for forced induction.

 

Install an external cooler. You could also use some hyper-lube coolant additive.

 

EXTERNAL cooler? you mean like an oil cooler and oil cooling additive.

 

Yes. The external cooler will help with the transmission and the additive is supposed to help run the engine a little cooler. I personally haven't used the hyper-lube additive but I have installed an external cooler for the trans.

 

actually the OEM nissan radiators are pretty efficient for the maxima. I believe the Z31T guys or it might be the Z32TT guys running them.

i have the koyo 2 core and no issues with FI and cooling. temps are always where it should be in the hottest temps with the AC running.

 

is the koyo a plastic rad? i kind of wanted to go silicon hoses and all metal rad.

 

i believe they have plastic and metal versions for the 3rd gens.

the all alum one you can find...but you'll need to do some digging or relocate some piping.

 

Vibrant makes a silicone vacume line kit which is universal silicone hoses you cut to length to replace all of your vacume lines but good luck with finding any molded silicone hoses for the cooling hoses/rad hoses. If you do happen to come across anything let us know.

 

i did quick digging and looks like all-metal radiators for 3rd gens are next to non-existent. only hope would be to get a universal all-metal radiator and rig the fans and plumbing to fit for it

 

I have an aftermarket all-metal radiator for mine. I believe it's all copper and brass, soldered-together construction. It's seems to be working very well to keep things cool, and has no leaks, and fit ok (not quite as good as Oem fit, but good enough to work.) I sourced it locally from an Asia importer. (No shipping costs from importer to me).

 

Look on amazon for the one below. Do some research, but this is supposed to be made by KOYO:

TYC 1752 Nissan Maxima 1-Row Plastic Aluminum Replacement Radiator

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161404192601?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191154298078?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131438937652?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261766377524?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

anyone have any thing different or better?

 

I thought my buddy purchased a Mishimoto radiator for his 3rd Gen not to long ago...