Hi,
I am replacing the thermostat on my '03 maxima with 115k miles this weekend. Looks like my T-stat is stuck open. I have the replacement part, gasket, some Permatex, and will just get some fresh coolant for the car since it probably has never been changed.

I have searched the FSM, and I am trying to located the bleeder valve for the coolant. I am not finding anything. The FSM (in MA-15) only mentions pouring the coolant slowly, then start the car, rev it a few times, then top off the coolant. Is there not a bleeder valve for the coolant on these cars?

Thanks. Also, the T-stat looks like it will be fun to get that third bolt loose.

 

There is no bleeder, you have to lift the front fairly high and use a funnel that seals in the radiator. Fill it up, squeeze air out of the hoses. Once it warms up, then start revving the engine. Keep oscillating RPMs until no more bubbles comes out.
If it's an aftermarket t-stat, then there's a high chance it won't open, b/c aftermarkets are all garbage, now.
The bolt is easy to get out. IIRC, take off the belt and tighten the tensioner all the way down. It's easy with a 1/4 ratchet and swivel.

 

Thanks for the tip on the funnel. Need to check my garage and see what i have laying around

 

Beer bong funnel works. That's what I have

 

dang, i new I shoulda kept that from my college days

 

Yes no bleeder.

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When I was at Nissan I used to watch the other techs struggle with bleeding the cooling system but I've never found it difficult... Except for that one damn g35. With the funnel it's usually not a big deal.

On another note they nearly killed an 03 cobra by not bleeding it properly. Didn't pull the bleeder plug.

 

Thanks. Will check the parts store for the funnel. Looking forward to paying that much for a funnel. At least i can use it on the other cars

 

To minimise the coolant splashing, only fill the radiator tank halfway to start with.

You get an old radiator cap and cut all the stuff off of the bottom side so that you you have a simple cap. Put this on the radiator when you start the engine and when the thermostat opens, all the coolant that would blow out the filler opening will be channeled into the expansion/overflow tank. Once that happens, remove the cap and add more coolant. I only fill the radiator tank half way, put the cap back on and rev the engine a few times to get all the air out and then top off the tank.

 

thanks guys. Ordered the funnel. Figured I'd eventually use it on my mom's armada, and want to switch my 83 280ZX to Evans coolant soon.

 

My fancy funnel came in last night. About to go add coolant. How long before the check engine light goes away on these cars?

 

pedal dance reset if you don't have any tools

 

Light went away by itself after about 160 miles of mixed highway and city driving. In case anyone is searching for this info