The radiator I ordered was a direct-replacement for both manual and automatic transmission cars. Now that I have the new radiator, I see it has attachment points for automatic tranny cooling. Of course, these will have to be blocked to work in my manual-tranny car, right?

However, the old radiator in my Maxima does not appear to have any such connection points for tranny cooling. Thus, I have no parts to re-use in order to seal the cooling ports on the new radiator.

What does one use to seal these ports?

 

The local plumbing store or even HD or Lowes might have the solution for you. Are you a DIY'er?

 

Normally, yes, but after recent back surgery, I'm not allowed to do work like replacing a radiator. So, my local mechanic is doing the work for me.

 

you dont have to seal them...only thing that goes through it is tranny fluid

 

Probably would be a good idea to put caps on the openings at the very least...to prevent condensation and possible internal rust?

 

Ah! Stupid me, I was assuming the connections routed coolant through the tranny. That's what I get for being a manual man.

Thanks for the skoolin'.

 

no worries

tranny fluid goes through the bottom portion to cool it off...completely separate from the rest of the radiator...doesnt do the best job of cooling so most people get an extra cooler

you can probably just put some rubber or something over the nipples so nothing gets in

 

I personally wouldn't worry about the trans connections, but if you are concerned about the openings, squeeze a blob of silicone sealer in the openings.

 

Thanks guys. Since the unit came with some loose-fitting rubber caps, I think holding them on with the silicone sealer sounds like the way to go.

 

You could buy the kit (minus it's little radiator) for oil cooler - and run it through that transcooler section of the Radiator -

 

Sounds like a cool idea. I'll keep that in mind for when I replace the radiator again in another 350k