Today I replaced the upper radiator hose plus coolant filler neck. Tight seal no leak. topped off. 45 degree incline, front at highest point. Squeezed upper hose to release bubble, then started car w heat at 90 degrees and full fan blowing.

few minutes heat is great, continued topping of coolant. Go for a drive.

WTH!!!! Heat kicks in after turned up to 86degrees. Below it’s regular air.

what am I missing?? Heat usually kick in at 74.

help!!

 

Radiator Cap?

at 258k, is it safe to flush coolant system- never done before…??

 

Sure, that is fine. As you may have noticed, it drains easier if you remove the bottom hose rather than messing with that plastic petcock. Keep an eye on your temps. Sometime a flush can move some detritus around., Some things like your thermostat can get a bit wonky so if you do a flush at that mileage, I would consider replacing the thermostat. I used the "blue" made for asian cars type of antifreeze (meets/exceeds Nissan OEM specs) that was pre-mixed rather than my standard go-to. Our owners manual make that distinction so I would keep it in mind. Don't fret if the radiator goes at that time. I think our antifreeze was rated for 100,000 miles so technically, a bit passed that date, meaning it can turn a bit corrosive (just like wine.)

Also, don't forget to blow out (i use PC rated canned air) the interior temp sensor as well during that time. Over the years, it can get coated with dust and not be as responsive as it should. It isn't really related to a flush but it is a good time to take care of it.

 

Thanks LT 🤛🏿🤛🏿

i replaced the radiator last year after discovering a major leak.

I suppose I can remove the bottom Rad-hose by removing the under-engine shield vs. bumper and all that real estate?

After 200+ miles the temp gage stays at the halfway mark - keeping eye on needle.

so you believe the thermostat could be the culprit after 260k miles? What about the radiator cap (seems pretty sealed and hardly mess with it)?

yup, residue in the overflow.

 

Radiator Caps are pretty cheap, even for OEM. As long as you are seeing fluid in the overflow and not losing fluid, it should be fine. I replaced mine prophylactically just because I also replaced the "manifold" it sits on. Same with the Thermostat. It can be a pain to do, especially if you don't have magnetic sockets (you can't see so you have to feel to remove and replace these (I think 10mm) bolts.) They tend to fall out of your socket just before you get them started...doh! Oh, I bought my thermostat (the housing and thermostat are integral) from my local nissan dealer but if I remember correctly, I had to get the gasket separate ($2 think)

 

ok. Surgery in the makings. Doesn’t look like much to remove to get to Therm, and operations from Top.

why did you replaced your Therm back then? How long was surgery?