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[Mike]

Hi! I have a 1996 Altima GXE that recently got a big crack in the top
of the radiator. I tried to seal the crack with some radiator epoxy
to no avail, and right after steam blew through the epoxy, the check
engine light went on and the heat sensor went up up up at idle. I
nursed the car a few blocks home and haven't driven since. I checked
the diagnostic trouble code and came up with - Engine coolant
Temperature sensor function (voltage to ECM low/impractical even after
engine has been on for a while) - which I guess implicates either the
thermostat or engine coolant temperature sensor, assuming the coolant
hadn't run dry. To my question, when I take it in to the mechanic
tomorrow, I should expect to replace the radiator, thermostat, and
possible the ECT sensor, right? And could this be indicitave of a
bigger problem, such as a failed water pump? Any suggestions would be
helpful, as I just bought this car, and I am finding a new mechanic
for the job. This is all new to me, as I have only owned aircooled
VW's in the past! Thanks so much,

Mike

[jjjsan]

Its tough to seal the crack on the plastic lid of radiator.
I was time to replace the radiator when leak started then.
Hard to tell if any engine damage was caused by the overheating. Depends
on how much water was in the system and how long it was driven in that
condition.
You can try filling radiator with water, leave radiator cap off and start
up engine. Refill radiator as required after engine is running. If
engines runs ok, then find a mech and drive there with the radiator cap
on, but loose, do not tighten up. If driving long distance, keep a few
gal of water and check level along the way.
If radiator is just bad then it should cost approx $100-200 for radiator
plus labor, and coolant cost.
Have mech check condition of the hoses and you want to replace hoses,
thermostat if its been awhile since it was replaced and have system
flushed of old coolant.

[John Smith]

Take the radiator in and get the tank replaced.

Mike wrote:

[DO NOT REPLY to this ADDR]

My wife's 1995 Altima had the same radiator failure.

The dealer AND the mechanic (specializes in Nissan) to whom I took it said
it's a common failure and that a new radiator was the best repair.

Cost less than half of what the dealer wanted for the independent mechanic
to do the work. As I recall about $225 or so for the entire job.



John Smith wrote: