Hi, I will be flushing the coolant on my 2000 Maxima, I was just wondering if the plug on the block has a gasket or if it just seals itself?
Also any other tips on flushing the coolant on the VQ are appreciated.
Thanks.

 

The rear drain plug has a pipe thread and is an absolute ***** to access/remove. The front plug has a standard thread with a copper gasket and is a piece of cake.

 

Ok, thanks, I will probably have to do without removing the rear plug then. I will just run water thru the motor to clear out the old coolant

 

You can disconnect sevreal of the hoses and blow through the open end and watch the coolant shoot out.

 

Nissan loves to absolutely soak those plugs in sealant, so it's generally a PITA to get the one out even with the engine out of the car.

By hand, anyway.

 

I would just have the dealer flush it out. I researched its a PITA to do, rear
drain. Plus, OEM Nissan Coolant is RECOMMENEDED and its more expensive
than the stuff you can get at pep-boys or auto-zone. On a side note, you know
that its done to OEM spec (whatever thats worth).

See if they can discount the cost of the service. Its NOT cheap.
(Stealership, but time is money)

 

I'm about to attempt my coolant drain/fill. REading the service manual, Nissan states to use their coolant ($23!), or EQUIVALENT. So if Prestone or whoever makes an equivalent type, it should work, as long as it meets OEM specs as per Nissan's manual.

Having said that, I've used genuine Toyota coolant (red) in my Supra for the past 12 yrs. She's got 140K on her, and no issues, (I also use genuine Toyo rad. cap, thermostat, etc..) Point being, for these general maintenance items, I prefer to go with OEM brands.