Hello everyone,

Yesterday I noticed that a couple of drops of coolant were falling on the ground near the front DS of my 98 Max. When I popped the hood, I could see where coolant appeared to spray from the radiator itself. I checked the hoses and they were all fine. The car hasn't been overheating and the coolant reservoir hasn't been very low. I even opened the cap on the radiator itself once the engine cooled down and the coolant level appeared normal. I did research this forum and saw that some of these late models were prone to the radiator cracking. I have attached pictures below. Does this look like the same issue? It seems that replacing the radiator is pretty straightforward, but does anyone have any tips or advice that can come in handy? Also, what do you recommend as a replacement? Thanks!

 

Looks like the classic upper plastic tank crack to me.

Let the car cool completely.

Hose it all down to clean it up and rinse the coolant off of everything.

Start it and let it warm up while you watch.

See if you can pin point the location of the leak.

But, based on the pooling of coolant in and around the aluminum tabs at the top of the tank, I'm saying it looks like the classic upper plastic tank crack to me.

 

Yep, dealt with this myself on my 97 a few weeks ago. Fairly straightforward and I think there's a write-up somewhere on here.

The only thing that was even a slight gotcha was that one of the tranny cooler hoses is clipped to the bottom of the fan shroud that prevents the shroud from being lifted up and away until it is unclipped. You'll have to look from the bottom to see this.

Removal took about 30 minutes - should be quicker for most. I also used this opportunity to replace both radiator hoses and all of the hose clamps. Cheap insurance. Got the new radiator from AutoZone for $117.00 + tax.

 

there isn't a crack, but the gasket between the plastic part (tank) and the metal part (core) went bad. Happens all the time on these style radiators regardless of what vehicle it is put in.
You can have a radiator shop fix it pretty cheaply if you want. I did that quite a few years back on a camaro. Sent the radiator in to be tested, found the leak, they repaired it for $35 and I put it in. worked fine for years that way.

 

Thanks everyone!

 

I had the same think happen to mine oddly enough it was after a coolant flush.

 

Mine leaked somewhat and I couldn't find the dumb leak. Ultimately, I found it underneath the air intake "snorkel". I tried some of the two-part epoxy "fix-it" but that only held for a week.
Bought a brand new radiator for $99 and it only took 1 hour 10 minutes from start to test. Voila'!! Easy, quick and FIXED!

 

Yep, same problem i had a few yrs back. Go with a koyo from the GD forum if you have not picked one up yet. Excellent rad. perfect fit good deal also!

 

ditto, at 200k +, replaced it along w/the hoses, in about 2 hrs start to finish. I asked the dealer if it was still under warranty, but it isn't


I found a koyo similar to the GD offer, but a bit cheaper.

 

just get a new one i just looked at your pics and didnt even bother reading lol

 

fix it right away

 

i say get a The Mishimoto performance aluminum radiator for the Nissan Maxima is designed and engineered to maximize cooling efficiency by up to 30%, boost engine functions, and most importantly protect your car from overheating. The Mishimoto aluminum Nissan Maxima radiator features a lightweight dual core, 100% brazed aluminum, and polished end tanks, enhancing the overall performance of your engine. Every Mishimoto aluminum radiator is a direct OEM fit, making installation effortless with no cutting or modification required, the ideal upgrade to the stock Nissan Maxima radiator. All Mishimoto radiators come with a high pressure 1.3 bar Mishimoto radiator cap and a great warranty including accident protection.


Model: MMRAD-MAX-95
MSRP: $320.00

 

I agree with hondakiller. Mishimoto is a tried and true name. Good stuff