removing GU radiator?

Submitted: Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 13:51

ThreadID: 17201 Views:2536 Replies:3 FollowUps:8

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Patrolling Dan

Hi all, new to the forum but have learnt heaps from all you Nissan Gurus, Cheers. I have owned my 98, 2.8 turboed GU since it was 6 mths old and have spent plenty of time in the odd precarious situation. I have only had one problem (so far) and thats recently with it running a little hotter than it should during the hot days at around 100k's. I believe I may sort it by removing the radiator and giving it a good clean as I can only get at about 1/3 of it in situ. I can see a lot of dried mud in the fins. So, how hard is it to remove? Do I need a manual for those hidden surprises or is it relatively straight forward. I have experience in marine engineering and fitting but would like to know if it is worth getting the mechanic to do it if its a pain in the arse. Thanks in advance guys.

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Reply By: GUPatrol - Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:07

Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:07

Easy job!!

Drain radiator on a clean container (there is a drain cock at the bottom of the radiator).
The purpose of this is to inspect the old coolant for oil presence or traces of rust and particles. Once inspected please do not drain it down the storm water or sewerage, treat it the same as oil, take it to a recycle facility.

1 -Disconect radiator hoses
2 -Remove shroud (clips together plus two bolts up the top)
3 -Remove two bolts holding the radiator up the top.
4 -4.2 has two sensors down the bottom, not sure about 2.8, check and disconnect of they are there.
5 -Pull radiator up being careful not to bend the fins against the fan. clear all rubish collected between radiator and A/C condenser.
6 -Before getting it wet, blow all dust and insects from the outside (if you wet it, you wont get the insects out because the expand)
7 -Inspect inside the radiator with a torch to make sure the pipes are clear.
8 -Connect a garden hose to the bottom tank and reverse flush, check that all tubes are clear, if not send it to a radiator specialist.

Hope it helps

AnswerID: 81090

Follow Up By: Member - Chris M (QLD) - Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:16

Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:16

Depending on finances and time...

Fairly time consuming job to pull radiator out...for $150 from our local specialist in brizzy, you can get the radiator removed, cleaned, and repainted and reinstalled. Least you have someone to kick if it still heats up! ;-)

Check thermostat too, mate with 2.8 TD in the last of the GQ had thermostat go, has been 6 years.

Cheers

Chris.

FollowupID: 340368

Follow Up By: Patrolling Dan - Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:22

Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:22

Thanks heaps guys, I think I'll give it a shot. I've got a few days off with the wife and little one interstate until Sunday. That means no excuses. Thanks again.

FollowupID: 340371

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:34

Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:34

Time consuming?

Must be different in a GU over a GQ, tis about 20mins in a GQ.

FollowupID: 340373

Follow Up By: Member - Chris M (QLD) - Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:46

Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 14:46

I mean taking out, cleaning, putting back in. If you can do that in 20 mins, you better start up a mechanic shop cause you'll make a killing!

FollowupID: 340378

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 18:40

Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 18:40

20 mins out 5 mins to hose out 20 mins back in. TOPS.....

FollowupID: 340413

Follow Up By: Member - Chris M (QLD) - Friday, Oct 22, 2004 at 07:46

Friday, Oct 22, 2004 at 07:46

Ahhh... that's better! ;-)

FollowupID: 340453

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Sunday, Oct 24, 2004 at 20:16

Sunday, Oct 24, 2004 at 20:16

I'm still not payin someone $300 an hour to do it.
Its little more than 30 mins. 20 out 20 in is taking your time.

FollowupID: 340673

Reply By: Patrolling Dan - Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 16:58

Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 at 16:58

Back again fellas. Well she's out and cleaned. Fairly well choked up too. Whilst cleaning the condensor (now that there's room), I noticed that the fan / viscous damper is quite sloppy. It obviously has to move radially, but there is quite a bit of movement axially aswell. Occasionally whilst driving I have experienced a squeeling from under the bonnet and put it down to be a loose belt. One of the belts was a little loose, but it is it possible that the damper is contributing to my heating problem. Can they be repaired (seals, silicon, springs) or am I up for a mechanics fee / new damper? Any help would be great. Cheers.

AnswerID: 81109