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1996 Altima - Cracked radiator and other problems? Suggestions?

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

Reply to
Mike
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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.

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jjjsan

Reply to
John Smith

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:

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