Radiator problem
 

Greetings. I am new to this forum. I recently purchased a 2012 370Z Nismo. I have had it about 5 months, and enjoy it very much. Driving a few days ago it quickly overheated. I discovered the radiator was empty. I filled it and drove home only to find it leaking badly. I cant see exactly where it is leaking but looking in from the front, I can see it dripping quite rapidly from the passenger side corner of the radiator. I suspect it has cracked a seam. I am pretty sure it has an aftermarket CSI radiator in it. My question to this forum is: how big of a job is it to remove and replace the radiator from this car? Reading the service manual-it sounds to be a big job-probably more than I would want to get into. The service manual says some of the AC system must be removed, and it must be evacuated and refilled? Is this correct?
Thanks for any advice/information.
Fullminator.

Yeah, the condenser and radiator have to be removed as a unit so you have to refill the refrigerant . It's a pain in the ***, but you can DIY if you're reasonably handy. There's just a lot of stuff that has to come out to get the radiator out.

Watch the Mishimoto rad install for reference. Just don't buy the M-sh!tz.

YzGyz

Thanks for the replies. I guess I know how I will be spending my weekend.
Fullminator

Well it could be loose drain plug, it is located on the pass side too.

As for A/C, you can let the freon out in to the atmosphere, and tape the connectors so that moisture does not get in, then install new radiator/condenser, rent a vacuum pump(make sure that you have the right connections) and vacuum the system, then grab a can of 410a and a set of manifolds, let in to the system about 45psi of 410a, then start the car and turn on A/C, while everything is connected grab a Freon chart for superheat that you will measure with a thermometer right be4 the pump to fill the system properly.....or just give it to a tech to do the job right the first time.

^^^thats what I was thinking. Check the drain plug first ;)

After much work, I finally have the radiator/AC condenser out of the car. I have a nice pile of parts and nuts and bolts to go back. Found the radiator to be an aftermarket CSF brand, triple bypass whizbang unit. Took it to a local radiator shop. They leak tested it for free. It has failed all along the passenger side. I also found out it isn't even two years old. I cant get anyone at CSF to talk to me. They insist I go to the dealer where it was purchased. Unfortunately I didn't buy it, the previous owner did. New radiator is in the $500-600 range. I don't have a lot of confidence in the after market/high performance diatribe. I also understand the original radiator/cooling system was not really up to the job either. What's a poor sap to do?
Fullminator

Can that shop fix it?

Great just what I want to buy.

(Posted in another thread)

Anyone tried this from HPI Japan 50mm core?

RHDJapan : HPI Radiator Evolve & Radiator Rescue Set M/T - Z34 Fairlady Z

rhdjapan.com regularly have 8-10% off deals every week plus $100 discount for newbie's

Cant find much info about it though

They also have a pretty neat oil cooler for Z's albeit a little pricey
http://www.hpi.co.jp/evolve_z/index.html?no=05

Thoughts?

Did you pick up this car in Houston?

The car, as far as I know, did not come from Houston.
The shop that did the leak test, said the radiator was unrepairable. In other words they said it was a throw away type. It sure doesn't have a throw away price!
I have decided to purchase another CSF. It seems to be the only viable option. An original is poor, and the Mishimoto is crap according to many posts I have read.
Fullminator.

There is nothing wrong with a stock radiator. NOTHING.

Good luck and do keep aside some money for labor charges to replace the radiator each time it fails and starts leaking. Csf might keep sending you a new one but they need to address the root cause if the leaks and fix it.

Pics? No ones listed a cause or reason. Just says it leaks. If we keep track of these things it'll be better to track and stuff for the community.

Why is the stock radiator not up to task?