Coolant leak

[gorillamel]

Quick question- my coolant cap is leaking, which I understand it is not sealing correctly any more. Does anyone know the part number for this so I can order a new cap (I have not yet checked an auto parts store either-- at work)?

The levels do not look to be down too far, but if it is I should fill it with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water, right?

 

[civicjoe]

youre coolant level is probably fine in the time being, you can also buy premixed 50/50 but if your temps are crazy cold you might consult the bottle.
http://www.peakauto.com/pdf/specs-peak_long_life.pdf
Heres a pdf in the event someone experiences extreme cold, Mel you should be good with 50 50, to top it off.
Heres the link for the coolant cap
http://www.courtesyparts.com/21430a-cap-assy-radiator-xterra-n50-2005-2010-p-9794.html
This is the one for the radiator cap
http://www.courtesyparts.com/21430-cap-assy-radiator-xterra-n50-2005-2010-p-9793.html
Not sure it there is much a differnce in these just going off the courtesy parts website.

 

[Big_THanks]

Just go to autozone and ask for a cap that's what I did

 

[ryandavenport]

^^ I wouldn't do this. I know that a lot of people have had issues with aftermarket caps from auto stores. I would make sure that you replace the Nissan cap with a Nissan Cap

 

[Big_THanks]

I agree for other things but the cap was exactly identical that I got so it worked for me.

 

[AbuseTheElderly]

I have also seen others have overheating issues with aftermarket caps. They just aren't designed like OEM parts. Something so small yet vital to the cooling system and cheap, I believe it is better to just buy OEM to save yourself a possible headache.

 

[gorillamel]

This is the cap I am talking about:

It is located at the rear of the engine bay on the pass side and connected to a tube...(I'm not so engine-compartment savvy yet).

 

[tommyboy]

That is a heater hose right there. Is your truck super charged? I'm confused as to why there is a blocked off "t" there. But Napa O'Reily Advanced Auto Zone should have a cap like that. Is it the rubber nipple looking cap leaking, or is it coming from under the cap?

Okay I'm trying to see what is going on here but the picture is small. It looks like you can just take out the "T" and get the same type of plastic piece without the "T" and use the same clamps.

As for the Anti-freeze you need to make sure you have the correct mix being up north.

I hope this helps.

 

[ryandavenport]

That hose goes to the heater core, just like Tom said. Its actually there so that the bubbles can be easily worked out of the system. If you get a new one, get one that still has the T on it. I wish that I had one like that, but my truck just came with a regular fitting.

 

[tommyboy]

seems like a bad design as far as a bleeding spot.

 

[ryandavenport]

From what I have seen on TNX, thats where you can put coolant back in to bleed the system. They are hooking up a hose to the nipple right there, and running that hose into the coolant overflow tank. That takes the air out of the system somehow. Don't ask me how lol

 

[gorillamel]

^Huh, interesting.

Thanks for the replies. When I get a chance I'll go in to an auto parts store and see if I can get it replaced.

 

[Ripper]

That fitting actually works like a brake bleeder when the cap is removed. To purge air from the system you put a 5/16 ID hose one it and it pushes air out of the system towards the overflow bottle. The how to on TNX is spot on except for the hose size. Mel, you absolutely need to get that cap as you are allowing air into the system. How is your heat working?

 

[TomsRedX]

seems like a bad design as far as a bleeding spot.

Its the highest point of the cooling system so air will collect there. Hook up a hose and bleed the air out.

 

[gorillamel]

Got it fixed. The clamp on the hose/cap was too loose (derrr). So I tightened it up and no problems since. Heater works fine now. Yay for simple fixes.

 

[Xterradude05]

I just noticed the same problem on my X the other day. Good thing I found a solution.

 

[gorillamel]

Glad it was helpful for you!

 

[Xterradude05]

Along with this problem however, I also notice this:

Could this be a sign? I have a feeling my X is trying to tell me to replace the radiator now before it ruins my transmission.

 

[AbuseTheElderly]

Yikes! Given that you have a 2nd Gen, you should get it replaced soon.

Sent from my Galaxy S Showcase

 

[Macland]

Yeah you should definitely take that in immediately.

 

[Cameron23]

How can I find a coolant leak. I know I have one but can't locate it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk 2

 

[TheFauxFox]

How can I find a coolant leak. I know I have one but can't locate it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk 2

This was for Gen 2, but I also have a leak and can't find it. I've literally sniffed around, but I can't find it. I'm pretty sure I need a new hose.

 

[akinc]

This just helped me out. My clamp was loose too. Thanks Mel!