Nissan 370Z Forum - Radiator cap? coolant leak

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)

- Engine & Drivetrain (http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivetrain/)

- - Radiator cap? coolant leak (http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivetrain/115512-radiator-cap-coolant-leak.html)

Oh jsolo one other side benefit of a the reservoir being part of the pressurized system vs an overflow is the coolant is always circulating through the clear reservoir, this is great for a visual condition check of the coolant for if any signs of oil contamination from a oil to water cooler (Common on vw, GM), also if you have no constant/consistent circulation then you know the impeller of the water pump has broken (extremely common vw/Audi 1.8t).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jhill (Post 3525151)

Ok so let me break this down for you as to what the auto tech experiences. That 180.00 you pay is about 1 hr drive rate time which the tech gets about 20.00-24.00 of. Generally diag is 1hr. What you are asking now is for the tech to do his whole inspection and now do diag for no additional cost.
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That coolant pressure test system, a professional one that will last pressure test and not fall apart after three uses will cost about 360.00, guess who has to buy it, the tech.

And now your asking him to work for 10-15. An hour if you factor his hourly rate spread over the free diag time.
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And, therefore, what the Nissan tech should have written was that "there is a coolant leak that requires further diagnosis" in the area that I've shown in the initial photos. Period. I would then have taken note of it and probably proceeded as I stated in my last comment rather then being led astray, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darwins Child (Post 3525186)

You are correct and that is what should have been done just usually after a tech says there is a coolant (or other fluid leak) the dealers allways follow up with well what's leaking? I need to know what to sell the customer etc ect and always push for free anweres because they want great customer reviews and not get comments of OMG they charged me $$$ never go here again they are a rip off. So after years and years of fighting for every penny trying to get time to do things the right way, techs just break down and go it's probably just this and shotgun parts at cars. It isn't right, it is a screwed up situation all around.

The "diagnosis" of the leakage is complete. In short, the Nissan tech's statement on the pre-purchase inspection that the rad cap was leaking was incorrect. The small OEM clamp closest to the cap was what was leaking.

How do I know? Because I drove the Z for 3 hours on Sunday during 27C weather. Also got in a little bit of 120-mph "track time" on a remote "raceway". Checked for coolant leakage before, during and after this driving experience and there was absolutely none.

Likely the original cap was also not leaking, but because I had to return the cap to Nissan in order to get the replacement cap under warranty, I can't re-install it to determine absolutely that it was also not leaking.

Good to hear man. :tup:

Figured that would do it. And your correct that previous cap probably never leaked at all. Especially since it isn't even a real rad cap, it's just a seal.