Radiator problem

Fullminator · 10-31-2016, 11:14 AM

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.

Chuck33079 · 10-31-2016, 11:19 AM

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.

YzGyz · 10-31-2016, 01:37 PM

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

YzGyz

Fullminator · 11-01-2016, 01:34 PM

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

DOOMMONKEY777 · 11-11-2016, 11:39 PM

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.

synolimit · 11-12-2016, 06:15 AM

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

Fullminator · 11-14-2016, 06:47 PM

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

Rusty · 11-14-2016, 09:29 PM

Can that shop fix it?

synolimit · 11-14-2016, 10:30 PM

Great just what I want to buy.

JJ's370z · 11-15-2016, 07:21 AM

(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

Thoughts?

theDreamer · 11-15-2016, 09:07 AM

Did you pick up this car in Houston?

Fullminator · 11-15-2016, 10:55 AM

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.

Spooler · 11-15-2016, 01:47 PM

There is nothing wrong with a stock radiator. NOTHING.

Presto · 11-15-2016, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fullminator

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.

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.

synolimit · 11-16-2016, 04:24 AM

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.

10-31-2016, 11:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Fullminator Base Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Draper, Utah Posts: 4 Drives: 2012 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 9	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.

10-31-2016, 11:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	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. SouthArk370Z and gomer_110 like this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

10-31-2016, 01:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
YzGyz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 1,449 Drives: 2010 Nismo Rep Power: 63	Watch the Mishimoto rad install for reference. Just don't buy the M-sh!tz. YzGyz __________________ http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...gyzs-turn.html YzGyz

11-11-2016, 11:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
DOOMMONKEY777 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Crooklyn Posts: 1,008 Drives: 370Z 6psd-sport-pkg Rep Power: 21	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. __________________ Kids don't do Drugs, Drugs are bad, so let the professional druggies do Drugs for you. 537whp/496lb/tq@8-9PSI 93 octane

11-12-2016, 06:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
synolimit A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2013 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 5,051 Drives: 2013 Silver 370z Rep Power: 3389	^^^thats what I was thinking. Check the drain plug first __________________ 13 370z-

11-01-2016, 01:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
Fullminator Base Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Draper, Utah Posts: 4 Drives: 2012 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 9	Thanks for the replies. I guess I know how I will be spending my weekend. Fullminator

11-14-2016, 06:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
Fullminator Base Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Draper, Utah Posts: 4 Drives: 2012 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 9	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

11-14-2016, 09:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rusty Ronin Samurai - Assassin Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fayettenam,Pennsyltucky Age: 68 Posts: 35,180 Drives: 2011 Nismo GM 6M Rep Power: 2684437	Can that shop fix it? __________________ 浪人 - 殺し屋 "The Difficult Anytime, The Impossible By Appointment Only" http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...o-journal.html

11-14-2016, 10:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
synolimit A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2013 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 5,051 Drives: 2013 Silver 370z Rep Power: 3389	Great just what I want to buy. __________________ 13 370z- Last edited by synolimit; 11-16-2016 at 04:22 AM.

11-15-2016, 09:07 AM	#11 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	Did you pick up this car in Houston? __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

11-15-2016, 10:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
Fullminator Base Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Draper, Utah Posts: 4 Drives: 2012 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 9	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.

11-15-2016, 01:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
Spooler A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ga Posts: 13,797 Drives: 2013 Nismo 370z Rep Power: 2684392	There is nothing wrong with a stock radiator. NOTHING. Z-Girl 12 and Smashley like this.

11-16-2016, 04:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
synolimit A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2013 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 5,051 Drives: 2013 Silver 370z Rep Power: 3389	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. __________________ 13 370z-

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