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[Al Kondo]

I have a 96 Sentra GXE with 120k miles on it. Recently, I have been
having overheating problems. I have a suspicion that my problems
derive from my radiator.

My radiator has its tubes travel vertically from top to bottom. As I
understand it, there should be a gradient of heat from the top of the
radiator to the bottom. In other words, the hottest part of the
radiator (at operating temperature) should be at the top while the
coolest part would be at the bottom. This gradient should be true
for the entire radiator with any "dead" spots. With my radiator, I
have found the following"

1. At the left part of the radiator (near the upper inlet hose), the
radiator is very warm and there is a gradient to the bottom.

2. The right half of the radiator is cool to cold. This is true from
the top of the radiator to the bottom. It is as if there were no hot
anti-freeze in this portion of the radiator. It would seem form this
that there is blockage preventing flow to that portion of the
radiator.

Is my theory right that what I have found is an indication that the
radiator has blockage?? I should mention that the radiator is the
original and approximately 9 years old.

Al Kondo

[jim]

Normal radiators in general have a larger diameter in the top and bottom
half horizontal sections to give the fluid easy access to all of the
vertical components. I agree with you that a blockage in the middle at
the top or bottom would impede the flow on the right side. Equally a
reduced flow caused by a constriction elsewhere *might* cause the
symptoms you suggest, although i doubt it.
You might wish to reverse flush out the radiator by applying a garden
hose to the bottom and letting it drain out the top.