Your Vehicle: 2009 Nissan-Datsun Altima V6-3.5L (VQ35DE)
 
Vehicle » Maintenance » Fluids » Coolant » Testing and Inspection  
 
 
  Testing and Inspection  
 

ENGINE COOLANT

System Inspection

WARNING:

  • Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high pressure coolant escaping from the radiator.
  • Wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly push down and turn it a quarter turn to allow built-up pressure to escape. Carefully remove the cap by pushing down and turning it all the way.

CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM HOSES
Check hoses for the following:

  • Improper attachment
  • Leaks
  • Cracks
  • Damage
  • Loose connections
  • Chafing
  • Deterioration

CHECKING RESERVOIR LEVEL

  • Check if the reservoir tank coolant level is within MIN to MAX range when the engine is cool.

  

  • Adjust coolant level if it is too much or too little.

CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
To check for leaks, apply pressure to the cooling system using suitable tool (A) and Tool (B).

  

  

WARNING:
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high pressure coolant escaping from the radiator.

CAUTION:
Higher pressure than specified may cause radiator damage.

CHECKING RADIATOR CAP

  1. Inspect the radiator cap.
    • Replace the cap if the metal plunger cannot be seen around the edge of the black rubber gasket.
    • Replace the cap if deposits of waxy residue or other foreign material are on the black rubber gasket or the metal retainer.

NOTE:
Thoroughly wipe out the radiator filler neck to remove any waxy residue or foreign material.

  

  1. Pull the negative-pressure valve to open it and check that it closes completely when released.
    • Check that there is no dirt or damage on the valve seat of the radiator cap negative-pressure valve.
    • Check that there are no abnormalities in the opening and closing conditions of the negative-pressure valve.

  

  1. Check radiator cap relief pressure using suitable tool and Tool.

  

  • When connecting the radiator cap to the tester, apply water or coolant to the cap seal surface.
  • Replace the radiator cap if there is an abnormality in the negative-pressure valve, or if the open-valve pressure is outside of the standard values.

CHECKING RADIATOR
Check radiator for sludge or clogging. If necessary, clean radiator as follows:

  • Be careful not to bend or damage the radiator fins.
  • When radiator is cleaned without removing, remove all surrounding parts such as cooling fan shroud and horns. Then tape the harness and electrical connectors to prevent water from entering.
  1. Apply water by hose to the back side of the radiator core, with the hose pointed vertically downward.
  2. Apply water again to all radiator core surfaces once per minute.
  3. Stop washing if any dirt no longer rinse out from the radiator.
  4. Blow air into the back side of radiator core, with the air hose pointed vertically downward.
    • Use compressed air lower than 490 kPa (5 kg/cm2, 71 psi) and keep distance more than 30 cm (11.8 in) .
  1. Blow air again into all the radiator core surfaces once per minute until no water sprays out.
  2. Check for leaks.