installing new radiator...advice - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

*crioten* · 02-11-2003, 05:38 PM

i have a 91 s13 with a bad radiator. i tried to fix it with JB Weld, but that did not work. i just ordered a new radiator off the internet...

i need some advice and the processes for installing it. any other helpful info would be great. i have never uninstalled a radiator before, or put one in, so please guide me through it. is it hard to do? im a moron lol...

also, should i invest in new hoses to go to it as well? or is there no need to do so? im too poor to go to a shop to do it, and wouldnt mind tackling a project to further my knowledge of cars=)

thanks a bunch
glen

*crioten* · 02-11-2003, 05:44 PM

also, in what order should i remove hoses and plugs, or does that not matter? hopefully my retard freinds will act like they know what they are doing and help...please help me, i think ill be screwed without your help lol

glen

Dream240 · 02-11-2003, 05:59 PM

Yes you should replace both the upper and lower radiator hoses when you replace the radiator. This is simple preventive maintenance the will save you a headache when you least expect it. The hoses are relatively cheap, around 5 to 10 bucks per hose. Make sure you get per molded hoses specifcally for the 91 240sx. If you get those cheap unbent hoses, they might kink after installation and suffocate the cooling system.
You shouldn't ahve too much trouble puling the old radiator off, just make sure you disconnect the electric fans BEFORE trying to pull out the radiator. All when you pull it out pull slowly and check for wires and such grabbing on the rad. as you go. Be patient and you won't break anything.
Oh, and drain the rad. out BEFORE you start, engine should be cool also. And dispose of the fluid properly, don't just flush it down the storm drain, unless you want your tap water to start glowing!!

Good Luck!!

Dream240 · 02-11-2003, 06:03 PM

Sorry about the typos, its PRE-Molded hoses!

*crioten* · 02-11-2003, 06:05 PM

thanks a bunch, where can i get pre-molded hoses from, like autozone? or off the web?

thanks again
glen

**mrmephistopheles** · 02-11-2003, 06:16 PM

Can't imagine a Nissan dealer having one...

Isn't it Bommarito Nissan out there in St. Louis?

-Kevin

kandyflip445 · 02-11-2003, 06:32 PM

Yes get new hoses. Get ALL new hoses that carry any coolant. Upper radiator hose, lower radiator hose, heater hoses, etc. Just ask them for all the hoses required for the car that are for the cooling system. Yes Nissan should have them. You can find them at almost any parts store(Autozone, NAPA, etc...). Drain all the fluid from the lower radiator hose. When you fill it back up make sure to bleed it out well and top it off(at running temp with heater on). You might as well replace your thermostat too if you haven't already. Before you drain your system get a coolant flush kit. You'll have to cut one of your hoses to do it so that's why I say get it before. This will help clean out the coolant passages throughout the engine. I can't think of anything else right now. If you need anything else just ask.

*crioten* · 02-11-2003, 07:02 PM

yeah, there are a bunch of nissan dealerships around here, including Bommarito Nissan, luckly there is a nissan dealer 2 blocks away, and autozone is one!! haha walking is fun lol.

thanks again guys,
glen

*crioten* · 02-12-2003, 06:45 PM

the dealer wants $25 for the upper hose, and $24 for the lower hose. is that a rip off? cuz the morons at autozone have no idea what i am talking about...anyone have a online parts store, cuz the dealer sucks and says it will take about 2 weeks for it to ship here...

glen

*Jeff240sx* · 02-12-2003, 07:17 PM

I think I paid like $25 for both radiator hoses, and they were from Autozone, and in stock. I dunno what your problem is, but if you dont get them by this weekend, send me the money and I'll pick them up for you (after I get an exact price).
-Jeff

02-11-2003, 05:59 PM	#3
Dream240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Inland Empire, California Age: 46 Posts: 2,188 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	Yes you should replace both the upper and lower radiator hoses when you replace the radiator. This is simple preventive maintenance the will save you a headache when you least expect it. The hoses are relatively cheap, around 5 to 10 bucks per hose. Make sure you get per molded hoses specifcally for the 91 240sx. If you get those cheap unbent hoses, they might kink after installation and suffocate the cooling system. You shouldn't ahve too much trouble puling the old radiator off, just make sure you disconnect the electric fans BEFORE trying to pull out the radiator. All when you pull it out pull slowly and check for wires and such grabbing on the rad. as you go. Be patient and you won't break anything. Oh, and drain the rad. out BEFORE you start, engine should be cool also. And dispose of the fluid properly, don't just flush it down the storm drain, unless you want your tap water to start glowing!! Good Luck!! __________________ Don't mess with my monkey...he's loaded.

02-11-2003, 06:03 PM	#4
Dream240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Inland Empire, California Age: 46 Posts: 2,188 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	Sorry about the typos, its PRE-Molded hoses! __________________ Don't mess with my monkey...he's loaded.

02-12-2003, 07:17 PM	#10
Jeff240sx I hate you too... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Tampa, FL Age: 42 Posts: 5,828 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Jeff240sx Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I think I paid like $25 for both radiator hoses, and they were from Autozone, and in stock. I dunno what your problem is, but if you dont get them by this weekend, send me the money and I'll pick them up for you (after I get an exact price). -Jeff __________________ Whatup?

02-11-2003, 06:16 PM	#6
mrmephistopheles Magnanimous Justice Distribution Service Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: BFE Age: 23 Posts: 14,372 Trader Rating: (9) Rides Gallery: mrmephistopheles Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Can't imagine a Nissan dealer having one... Isn't it Bommarito Nissan out there in St. Louis? -Kevin

02-11-2003, 06:32 PM	#7
kandyflip445 Post Whore! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Arden, NC Age: 40 Posts: 4,460 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: kandyflip445 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Yes get new hoses. Get ALL new hoses that carry any coolant. Upper radiator hose, lower radiator hose, heater hoses, etc. Just ask them for all the hoses required for the car that are for the cooling system. Yes Nissan should have them. You can find them at almost any parts store(Autozone, NAPA, etc...). Drain all the fluid from the lower radiator hose. When you fill it back up make sure to bleed it out well and top it off(at running temp with heater on). You might as well replace your thermostat too if you haven't already. Before you drain your system get a coolant flush kit. You'll have to cut one of your hoses to do it so that's why I say get it before. This will help clean out the coolant passages throughout the engine. I can't think of anything else right now. If you need anything else just ask.