Cooling System Service

ByThaBay · 10-17-2012, 01:41 PM

Hello all,

I have been trying to figure out what exactly Nissan is thinking between the different models in terms of cooling system service. For the G37, the FSM clearly states that there should be an air relief plug on the driver's side heater hose. Some have it, and some don't. I checked the 370z FSM and apparently all 370z models don't have this heater hose bleeder screw. The procedure for both the 370z and g37 is apparently the same - my question for you guys is this:

when you change the coolant in your 370z, how do you bleed all the air out? For the nissan altima, there is a special tool available to ensure all the air has been removed, and keep in mind this is no "spill free funnel."

You can look at some FSM screen shots I have posted in the other thread here:

No air relief plug on heater hose - can't bleed cooling system - MyG37

Any input would be appreciated.

jcosta79 · 10-17-2012, 02:17 PM

Can it be done the old fashioned way? Run the car with the radiator cap off and slowly fill as air bubble come to the surface. Replace the cap, run for a while, let it cool, pop the cap and refill if necessary.

ByThaBay · 10-17-2012, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcosta79

Can it be done the old fashioned way? Run the car with the radiator cap off and slowly fill as air bubble come to the surface. Replace the cap, run for a while, let it cool, pop the cap and refill if necessary.

Apparently not - there is a high probability of undetected engine overheating leading to cracked heads, etc.

kenny's 370z · 10-17-2012, 03:01 PM

there is a bleeder screw on the drivers side radiator at the top backside.youll have to take the intake out to see it.

edit nvmd,i seE you have a G37

ByThaBay · 10-17-2012, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny's 370z

there is a bleeder screw on the drivers side radiator at the top backside.youll have to take the intake out to see it.

edit nvmd,i seE you have a G37

The one on the radiator is there, but this thread isn't about the one in the radiator - it is about the heater hose air relief plug (see photo)

DIGItonium · 10-17-2012, 04:35 PM

I still hear bubbling sounds in the heater core, and the only bleeding procedure I saw was lifting the front end of the car with the radiator cap off.

If there's a bleeder deal, I'd like to know so I can try to get more air bubbles out. My car is more likely to start heating up when ambient temps are 100F and beyond.

ByThaBay · 10-17-2012, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIGItonium

I still hear bubbling sounds in the heater core, and the only bleeding procedure I saw was lifting the front end of the car with the radiator cap off.

If there's a bleeder deal, I'd like to know so I can try to get more air bubbles out. My car is more likely to start heating up when ambient temps are 100F and beyond.

The best, and proper way (apparently), is to use an airlift tool to create a vacuum in the system, and then allow it to fill up with coolant - be as in previous models, this shouldn't be mandated but should be an option. Now with no bleeder screw, it's going to be necessary to resort to more extravagant coolant replacement techniques.

FLUJOKE · 06-06-2016, 12:49 AM

Is there a bleeder for the 2013+ models. We can't find it!?!

ByThaBay · 06-06-2016, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLUJOKE

Is there a bleeder for the 2013+ models. We can't find it!?!

No, unfortunately they took the bleeders out. I recommend only vacuum filling the system.

PongSanity · 06-06-2016, 03:43 PM

Order this funnel or chk your local parts store for it. fill your radiator with this funnel funnel fastned, turn car on, turn heater on high, add more water/coolant to funnel, go have a few beers, and voila. you're done.

Amazon.com: Lisle 24680 Spill-Free Funnel: Automotive

ByThaBay · 06-06-2016, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PongSanity

Order this funnel or chk your local parts store for it. fill your radiator with this funnel funnel fastned, turn car on, turn heater on high, add more water/coolant to funnel, go have a few beers, and voila. you're done.

Amazon.com: Lisle 24680 Spill-Free Funnel: Automotive

I've actually found that with that unit alone, you still get a lot of trapped air in the system. One car actually had the engine block crack with this approach and no apparent overheating. just fyi..

PongSanity · 06-06-2016, 08:40 PM

I did it with my Car on ramps for about an hour. Revving occasionally and ever since then I haven't had a problem with coolant temps since.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jsolo · 06-06-2016, 08:54 PM

Vacuum filing takes all of 5 minutes to do and you're done. No need to waste time/gas burping the system and/or hoping it doesn't overheat.

http://www.amazon.com/UView-550000-A.../dp/B0002SRH5G

old guy · 06-06-2016, 09:16 PM

Good post, great info. Guys!
Thank you!

JARblue · 06-07-2016, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsolo

Vacuum filing takes all of 5 minutes to do and you're done. No need to waste time/gas burping the system and/or hoping it doesn't overheat.

http://www.amazon.com/UView-550000-A.../dp/B0002SRH5G

Any idea if that's something you can rent at a local auto parts store?

If I did more work on cars, that's probably a nice tool to have. But $130 for something that I will use every 5-7 years to save 30-45 minutes of time and and $5 in gas isn't really worth it IMO. Maybe Harbor Freight has a similar product for less money. Or it's probably worth asking around to see if a friend or shop has one I could borrow for a few beers.

10-17-2012, 01:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
ByThaBay Base Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 239 Drives: 2015 370z Rep Power: 10080	Cooling System Service Hello all, I have been trying to figure out what exactly Nissan is thinking between the different models in terms of cooling system service. For the G37, the FSM clearly states that there should be an air relief plug on the driver's side heater hose. Some have it, and some don't. I checked the 370z FSM and apparently all 370z models don't have this heater hose bleeder screw. The procedure for both the 370z and g37 is apparently the same - my question for you guys is this: when you change the coolant in your 370z, how do you bleed all the air out? For the nissan altima, there is a special tool available to ensure all the air has been removed, and keep in mind this is no "spill free funnel." You can look at some FSM screen shots I have posted in the other thread here: No air relief plug on heater hose - can't bleed cooling system - MyG37 Any input would be appreciated.

10-17-2012, 02:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
jcosta79 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: N/A Posts: 1,430 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 15	Can it be done the old fashioned way? Run the car with the radiator cap off and slowly fill as air bubble come to the surface. Replace the cap, run for a while, let it cool, pop the cap and refill if necessary. __________________ 2012 PW NISMO #0559 - GT Spec Brace Kit - Swift Springs - ARK TP & Invidia CBE K&N Intake - UpRev Tune - 15mm Z1 Spacers & Studs - StopTech Slotted Rotors & SS Lines - ZSpeed CMAK with Stage 2 Clutch and Lightweight Flywheel

10-17-2012, 04:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 43	I still hear bubbling sounds in the heater core, and the only bleeding procedure I saw was lifting the front end of the car with the radiator cap off. If there's a bleeder deal, I'd like to know so I can try to get more air bubbles out. My car is more likely to start heating up when ambient temps are 100F and beyond. __________________

06-06-2016, 08:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jsolo Track Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: chicago Posts: 783 Drives: '12 G37 6MT Rep Power: 15	Vacuum filing takes all of 5 minutes to do and you're done. No need to waste time/gas burping the system and/or hoping it doesn't overheat. http://www.amazon.com/UView-550000-A.../dp/B0002SRH5G __________________ G37S Sedan 6MT, Eibach swaybars, Invidia Exhaust, Weaker Clutch Pedal Spring For sale links

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10-17-2012, 03:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
kenny's 370z Base Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: TN Age: 58 Posts: 243 Drives: 2012 frontier sv v6 Rep Power: 13	there is a bleeder screw on the drivers side radiator at the top backside.youll have to take the intake out to see it. edit nvmd,i seE you have a G37

06-06-2016, 12:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
FLUJOKE Track Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: earth Posts: 770 Drives: car Rep Power: 2067	Is there a bleeder for the 2013+ models. We can't find it!?!

06-06-2016, 03:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
PongSanity Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Virgin Islands Posts: 261 Drives: '09 G37s KH3 6MT Rep Power: 11	Order this funnel or chk your local parts store for it. fill your radiator with this funnel funnel fastned, turn car on, turn heater on high, add more water/coolant to funnel, go have a few beers, and voila. you're done. Amazon.com: Lisle 24680 Spill-Free Funnel: Automotive

06-06-2016, 08:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
PongSanity Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Virgin Islands Posts: 261 Drives: '09 G37s KH3 6MT Rep Power: 11	I did it with my Car on ramps for about an hour. Revving occasionally and ever since then I haven't had a problem with coolant temps since. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

06-06-2016, 09:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
old guy A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: S.E. Michigan Age: 68 Posts: 2,711 Drives: 13 magma touring Rep Power: 2684369	Good post, great info. Guys! Thank you!