sgsy2k66

Test Drive
Purchased 2007 Xterra S 4X4 AT 98,000 miles. CoParts special, salvage title, no rust, no codes (after some ABS Sensors and IPDM replacement), now it runs great, $1700 (4X4's are expensive in NW). Have replaced all fluids, Engine Oil, Front & Rear Differentials, Brake, ATF, Transfer, Antifreeze. Did transmission/radiator bypass. Have put about 500 miles on and off road with no problems. Is there any way to tell if the Radiator has been previously replaced? I really do not like the design of precooling the ATF with the Radiator, but there is no way to check the ATF temp at this point. Purchased Xterra for mainly off roading and need a fair amount of reliability. Thoughts on ATF cooling, Radiator replacement, Secondary ATF Cooler, Electric Fan, ATF Temperature Sensor placement... ???
 

RikRong

Bought an X
Location
NoDak
The trans pre-cooler in the rad is a pretty common design. There are documented failures across many different brands and models, in a similar manner to ours. With that being said, the bypass should only be considered a temporary fix, with a new radiator being the best fix. There is a thread on the other Xterra forum that covers good and bad radiator part numbers, I'd cross-reference with that to see if you have good radiator. I've read stories on other forums of the trans overheating during sustained mountain driving and/or towing when the rad is bypassed and even when there was an aftermarket cooler installed. As far as monitoring temps, the ScanGauge is capable of monitoring trans temps, and I just read this week that it can now support the early Xterra years.

edit: there's a thread on here with p/n's.
https://www.xterranation.org/index....eeze-strawberry-milkshake-of-death-smod.9018/
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
Liquid to liquid cooling is more efficient then liquid to air. Many vehicles don't even have external coolers, just the one built into the radiator.

A $150 radiator is much cheaper than a $4k transmission.

Do the thermostat while you have it apart too.
 

RikRong

Bought an X
Location
NoDak
Liquid to liquid cooling is more efficient then liquid to air. Many vehicles don't even have external coolers, just the one built into the radiator.

A $150 radiator is much cheaper than a $4k transmission.

Do the thermostat while you have it apart too.
Which is the same reason that much of the cooling on aircraft and heavy machinery is liquid to liquid.
 

sgsy2k66

Test Drive
Understanding that I am unable to ID the current installed radiator and age, the best thing to do is replace it and reconnect the ATF to it. There are several manufacturers of radiators for the Xterra ranging in price $70.00 to $500.00. What should I look for in a replacement, found a Koyorad A2807 for $140.00 new but with out a warranty.
 
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