I replaced mine at about 140k miles since it started overheating. Was only like 200 after the install I think so wasn't a big deal. But speaking about coolant system somehow my coolant line bracket(?) broke and started spilling out coolant and it ran me $360 to get it fixed at pep boys since that was the only place opened and I needed it back before I went back to school. Prob got ripped off but oh well couldn't be helped. That was a few years ago and haven't had any issues since.

 

Agreed.

A radiator is not generally replaced under preventative maintenance like a timing belt, or drive belt. It is a somewhat expensive part, but it is easy to replace, and can be done by any repair garage in the country, if you happen to be traveling if and when it fails.

at 200$, a radiator replacement is worth 10% of the value of the car in parts alone. I wonder if the OP has any idea of the value of a high mileage '98 maxima in the Toronto area. It ain't pretty.

If i were you I'd be looking to keep it rolling for as little as possible.

 

I see Pmohr already replied to you but I will say that mine randomly failed at about 265K miles. Started leaking around the seams. Changed my hoses along with the radiator as they were all original from the factory.

 

pmohr, is that vid still on the editing floor?

 

Indeed. I'll try to do something with it tonight, but it's a crap video anyway.

 

Rats, I knew I should not have been following this thread. My kid with the 96 max and 165,000 miles pulled into the driveway as I was changing the oil on my Altima. I told him to pop the hood and I'd check his oil level.

I opened the hood, and what a MESS. No, it is not a catastrophic failure, just a minor leak on the top part of the plastic where the company ID letters are; a pinhole leak just below the letters.

Problem is, the fine spray of coolant coming out there got sucked back and covered the entire engine bay with yucky grime. WHAT a PITA that is going to be to clean up.

I (temporarily) fixed the leak with some 5-minute epoxy and capped it with a piece of plastic so that if it does fail in the same spot at least the water will go down the front of the radiator.

So I guess I've gotta order a new radiator.

Rock Auto seems to be the consensus?

 

That's where I got mine, ~$100 shipped, definitely looks to be a good unit.

 

They have 5 or 6 of them, which one did you get?

 

The 'Spectra Premium', $105.24 shipped.

 

Found that one (the Spectra Premium, made in Canada) on Ebay for $85 shipped, with a "make an Offer" of $75...maybe.

 

As good as Koyo Rad?

 

Probably somewhere between OEM and Koyo, but half the price.

 

Thanks for all your help.

Anyone know where the old rad can be recycled properly?

 

I just put mine in the trash. Trash companies will go through it all at their plant and dispose of it properly.

 

I'd REALLY rather change a couple of wheels.

Did my radiator today, and it was a 2.5 hour PITA.
If everything went the way it should, probably an hour, but Murphy was hanging around.

Plus I bet you guys that can change them fast have a CAI system and all the factory air intake plumbing is not in your way. 20 minutes right there getting everything out of the way, and putting it all back in afterwards.