The Nissan Path

[FLpathFinder]

[deermjd]

I would have suggested to check the radiator fan to see if it was running but you have already checked that.
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05 SE 2wd

Bilstein shocks/struts, K&N air filter, transmission cooler bypassed

[FLpathFinder]

Quick question, is coolant supposed to go from a light green to a dark blue?
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2010 Pathfinder SE 4.0 4x2. Black sprayed rims, running boards, grille, and decals.

[disallow]

No.

But some coolant is dark blue to begin with. I use Honda Premix in mine, and it is a nice dark blue color. Normal coolant is a greenish yellow.

I use the honda stuff as it is silicate and borate free, and I've read that many Nissan enthusiasts use it with good success.

t
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Terry in Winnipeg

'05 Pathfinder SE Premium 4x4 - 343000kms (213000mi) - weekend warrior, Cortex Superchips on 87 Octane Tune, K&N filtercharger, Airlift 1000, Prodigy Brake controller, 7 pin trailer hookup, Prostart Remote Starter, Cooper Discoverer ATw P265/70/16

[FLpathFinder]

Brought it in. Blown head gasket at 60k. Unreal
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2010 Pathfinder SE 4.0 4x2. Black sprayed rims, running boards, grille, and decals.

[disallow]

Shit that sucks! Where you getting it fixed? Quotes?
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Terry in Winnipeg

'05 Pathfinder SE Premium 4x4 - 343000kms (213000mi) - weekend warrior, Cortex Superchips on 87 Octane Tune, K&N filtercharger, Airlift 1000, Prodigy Brake controller, 7 pin trailer hookup, Prostart Remote Starter, Cooper Discoverer ATw P265/70/16

[FLpathFinder]

An update on this since I've been MIA recently. Kinda a bizarre situation, it even took 3 trips to nissan to figure it out. Apparently the coolant leak I was experiencing was due to a leak in the rear heater. Quite an expensive fix and I'm even doing it the "cheap way". Luckily it was not a blown head gasket. I also have a clogged radiator, which Nissan wants 800$ for a new rad. Not happening nissan lol
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2010 Pathfinder SE 4.0 4x2. Black sprayed rims, running boards, grille, and decals.

[doctahjones]

[smj999smj]

My $92 "made in China" radiator is still doing fine...no complaints. Last I checked it was $72 shipped from Parts Express on Ebay. Some prefer the Canadian-made Spectra Premium which runs about $160 online. Keep in mind that the aftermarket radiators don't come with the foam, but those are inexpensive from Nissan.
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2006 Pathfinder LE VQ40DE AWD, aftermarket radiator, Airlift 1000's, Bilstein HD rear shocks, Doug Thorley shortie headers and mid-pipes, Magnaflow 12580 muffler, aFe Momentum GT CAI w/ dry filter, XTP plenum spacer, Superchips Flashpaq tuner

[ShipFixer]

[FLpathFinder]

I think I'm just going to pick up an aftermarket radiator, any suggestions? How easy is it to do yourself?
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2010 Pathfinder SE 4.0 4x2. Black sprayed rims, running boards, grille, and decals.

[smj999smj]

The job, itself, is one of the more difficult Nissan radiators to replace; labor guide calls for 3 hours. This is largely because of the A/C condenser, which shares the same mounting bracket as the radiator, and the lines going to the AC condenser. The radiator has bolt on side brackets that extend out at the mounts and these need to be fished through the condenser lines in order to pull the assembly through. Since the condenser shares the same mount bracket, it will need to be lifted out of the bracket and wired or tied up to support it during the procedure. Of course, the shroud and electric fan need to be removed and that's a tight squeeze. Then the clutch fan blade can be removed. As far as parts, it's a matter of made in Canada or made in China for most. Spectra Premium in made in Canada and is a quality unit for around $160 online. As I mentioned in my post, Parts Express on Ebay sells a lifetime warranty radiator for $72 shipped (last time I checked) and I was impressed with the one I got. If you want new seals on the tanks, you'll need to get them through Nissan.
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2006 Pathfinder LE VQ40DE AWD, aftermarket radiator, Airlift 1000's, Bilstein HD rear shocks, Doug Thorley shortie headers and mid-pipes, Magnaflow 12580 muffler, aFe Momentum GT CAI w/ dry filter, XTP plenum spacer, Superchips Flashpaq tuner

[DanJetta]

If you're handy, it's definitely doable. I did my V8 radiator and accessory belt with a $30 Walmart toolkit in about 3 hours. That included some extra steps which weren't necessary as well as replacing a tensioner and a good half hour wrangling the accessory belt (which was not a part of the radiator replacement). If you have a V6, you'll have more room to maneuver.

It's very straightforward. As said above by SMJ, the hardest part is maneuvering the old radiator out through the AC lines. If you protect the fins of the condenser and the new radiator with cardboard, you'll be able to coax it without having to be so careful. You'll also be able to do it without having to remove the fan blades.

Check out my photos here: http://www.thenissanpath.com/viewtopic.php?t=8978
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2008 LE V8

[smj999smj]

IIRC, when I reinstalled the radiator, I left the driver's side radiator bracket off until I got the radiator (w/ right side bracket attached) past the lines and then I installed the driver's side bracket.
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2006 Pathfinder LE VQ40DE AWD, aftermarket radiator, Airlift 1000's, Bilstein HD rear shocks, Doug Thorley shortie headers and mid-pipes, Magnaflow 12580 muffler, aFe Momentum GT CAI w/ dry filter, XTP plenum spacer, Superchips Flashpaq tuner

[FLpathFinder]

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback!
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2010 Pathfinder SE 4.0 4x2. Black sprayed rims, running boards, grille, and decals.