Hello all,
Looks like my original Calsonic made in Japan radiator is starting to leak at the corners. Apparently both the OEM and Value Advantage radiators are discontinued. What is the preferred after market radiator? I see that Denso makes the 21410-0L715 but even those are made in China now and unlcear if still available. I'm waiting for Denso to write back.

95 Maxima SE 5 speed.

 

denso or koyo.

 

There are a few part numbers on nissan parts deal that don't say discontinued. Since you have a manual transmission, any A32 radiator will work.

Amayma has many, but costly. https://www.amayama.com/en/genuine-c...nd_cooling/214 You could rebuild yours too. All the part numbers are in that link.

For me, either the cheapest one and cross my fingers OR a lifetime warranty found locally.

FWIW, I bought VA radiator and condenser for my truck from the local dealer. One came in damaged so they ordered another. Long story short, they are clueless about parts. Those parts were no different from the other aftermarket parts sold elsewhere. Also with Denso, the parts come from all over the world.

 

Maybe look into the all aluminum Mishimoto Radiators that are made for Manual Transmission 95 to 99 Maximas? (No Automatic Transmission oil cooling built in)

Shop around for the lowers DELIVERED price if that works for you!

 

@slvr2KSE5 Thanks! I actually spoke with Denso. Super nice. They do have one but it is listed as fitting the automatic and the fellow said if it says that, it probably won't work with the MT. He said if it doesn't indicate auto or MT, then it would work. I also learned their radiators for the consumer market come from China.

 

@JSutter Thanks. I didn't realize these could be rebuilt. I'll need to take a look and see how easy it is to take this thing apart and where exactly the leak is to determine if it is the core or not. (Not even sure I can tell that). Are the replacement parts they list there genuine Nissan?

 

@KP11520 Thanks. I talked with them. Nice folks. Their radiators hold like 0.5 gallons more than OEM so they claim 30% more cooling capacity. Like other manufacturers, they are made in China.

 

I was just watching a youtube video of someone taking a radiator apart. I've never done that. It appears you have to bend all those little metal tabs up to release the pastic top. Then I imagine you could replace the seal beneath? But then how on earth can you get the top to ever seal again? I can't imagine how you would be able to crimp all those little tabs down enough to compress the seal and make it leak-tight.

 

FWIW, I’ve been running a TYC brand for about 8 years now.

 

Also, FWIW … the Value Advantage units do still appear to be available at Nissan Parts Deal (NPD).

https://www.nissanpartsdeal.com/part...r_cooling.html

 

@Turbobink Thanks! my local dealer said the Value Advantage was discontinued so apparently this place has a stockpile of them. This could be the way to go. I know Value Advantage is the economy part for Nissan, but probably better than other choices I'm currently finding. Appreciate it!

 

That's the basics, yes. You seem concerned with country of origin and getting parts as close to OEM as possible so I figured I'd mention it. Rebuilding is a last ditch effort or reserved for super enthusiasts you could say. I saw it done on a TV show called Wheeler Dealers years ago; they try to pinch pennies. There are specific tools though it's a pretty simple job. Maybe there is a shop in your area that could do it and they could give you advice.

 

I've been running a Mishimoto radiator for over a decade with no problems, the extra capacity gives me peace of mind when I'm racing.

 

any direct replacement aftermarket radiator will be designed to fit an auto. you simply dont use the built in oil cooler with a manual.

theres no reason to overthink this. just get a radiator and drop it in. since youre a manual it takes all of 10 minutes to do.

rebuilding a stock radiator? that sounds like a lesson in disappointment. how do you plan on evenly crimping the ends? spend the 100 bucks on a basic replacement and be done with it for another 15-20 years. my 00 made it 16 years. my 02 made it 20.

 

Just get something with a LLT warranty.

 

It's not rocket science.

 

still not seeing the point. if we couldnt get replacements? sure.

 

I understand the resistance to Wanton Noodle and Butter Metal manufactured parts. ALWAYS Last on my priority list when better options are available. However... SOMETIMES... When a manufacturer with an excellent reputation chooses to use the land of Egg Foo Young, but runs the process and QC, most of the time, they keep their reputation from sliding using strict controls.

That said, a high percentage of the time, parts (and tools) made in Taiwan are a much better option. Better Steel and metals, and so on. Much Better quality Control as well. So maybe that's an avenue you can explore because I can't think of any manufacturers left in the USA making mass market products that would include 25 to 30 years ago. Custom for stupid money....Maybe.

Our Gen Maximas all use the same footprint Radiators whether AT or MT. And the OEM for your MT probably has the ports for the AT Oil cooler there, just unused and plugged.

Being a perfectionist starts to get really painful when cars get this old. I HATE when that happens. Do yourself a favor and skip the rebuild frustration with plastic tanks that are DECADES old of Hot to Cold every time the car ran and find something new that has an excellent reputation and be done with it. I'm rebuilding the nose of my 99 and will be buying the Klimato radiator on Amazon. Granted, mine is an AT. But for $80 and a 4.9 out of 5 reputation, that's really a good bet. Good Luck finding a solution you can live with.

 

Thanks all! I despise our "throw-away" society and rebuilt or refurbished many parts/components on my old VW bug, and even appliances in the home etc. I try to do what I can for the environment by reducing carbon footprint and landfill. I appreciate all the input here and agree in this case, a new one with good reviews/reputation is the way to go. The crimping pliers JSutton referenced is interesting but I think a rebuild could be riddled with problems - lifting up all those tabs without damaging the plastic top and then getting them all crimped down tight again. Plus there is the hot/cold cycle stress on components as pointed out. I did find Denso makes a replacement but it is labeled for automatics and Denso said that usually means it will not work with the MT. Now I will have to check my old Calsonic to see if the AT ports are indeed just plugged, and the Denso could be a great option or the Value Advantage.

Very thankful to everyone on this board helping keep our old Maxmas on the road.

 

I might be looking at doing this same job. Is there anything else that should be replaced when doing a radiator replacement?

 

Upper and Lower hoses and stainless hose clamps for starters. And the upper brackets that hold the radiator in place, the rubber center bushings are cheap and new and tighter. Might as well wire brush the brackets and Rustoleum or equivalent spray Satin Black paint them too. Maybe replace the hose from the Cap and also the Radiator Cap to the reservoir as well. Hopefully the Fan Unit comes off easy without breaking. Inspect the wires and plug for that as well. Careful with the antifreeze and capture all of it and store in a bottle to be brought to a facility that disposes of it properly.. A drop can kill small wildlife and pets. A little more and your kidneys are toast. (Basic Public Service Announcement that needs to always be posted))

Have fun!

 

OE manual radiators do not have ports or coolers. you can see where they would be by a casting line (circle) in the lower tank but the holes are not drilled for the cooler fittings to pass through.

 

I prefer the fitment and look of OEM hoses, and really like the OEM spring-type clamps rather than worm gear style ones.

 

+1

I cant even remember hour many cars i get in the shop with leaking worm gear clamps because they loosen up over time.

 

You are right! I finally found a specific part number for MT:

Radiator Assembly - Nissan (21410-0L715)

And Discontinued long ago. OUCH! But the footprint is the same for both, so an AT version can be used. Just a smaller total amount of coolant fluid in the system.

Good Luck MT guys with the available choices!

 

no need for luck. i have an aftermarket replacement in both of mine and over the years ive installed hundreds at work. ive had 1 issue. trans fluid leak on an expedition due to poorly fit fitting on the cooler.

 

Discontinued in America, yes. But not everywhere

https://www.amayama.com/en/part/nissan/214100l715

But I have no idea why people are pressed about an OEM radiator. It's not like Nissan actually made them, it was made by a third party like Denso. These aren't specialized parts like cam and crank sensors, where only OEM parts should be used, it's a freaking radiator!

 

But they do need good luck...... dealing with the inner critic that's torturing them into not believing yours and and many of the rest of us' advice. LOL

Nothing like\ Mechanics Psychology to keep motoring interesting!

 

Well said, Rider … and true.

I think the obsession with OEM, in many instances, comes from a lack experience and know-how in keeping an old/older vehicle and a lack of experience and know-how in automotive DIYing in general. It just feels safer using OE parts and pieces and somehow folks just feel like they’re less likely to make a mistake.

I have a saying, “any dip-sh** earning a paycheck can buy a new car … it takes a special person to keep an old one.”

 

i cant remember the last time i bought an OE part from nissan. having the experience and knowledge of what aftermarket parts are identical or OE is unnecessary goes a long way. hell even when i went looking for 7th gen valve cover gaskets nissan parts guy could find or didnt list the cam sensor rings. meanwhile mahle came with them. wont catch me using felpro in anything.

 

I agree the TYC is excellent, and it has a lifetime warranty!