06 MO heating problem

[gotbst05]

Unfortunately, it's New Year's and no dealers/service departments are not open, so obviously i can't call them. Anyway, here's my issue... with the car completely warm and has been driven for 20 plus minutes, it only puts out semi hot air when the engine is under load. when i come to a stop and the engine is at idle, the air get cooler. what i'm thinking is that my heater core is clogged with either trash or radiator leak stop. i bought the car used, so it's very possible. i am going to run the car for a bit today and touch the heater core lines (with care) to see if they're hot. that should definitely tell me if it's clogged. any one else have any thoughts to what it could be? thanks.

[BBISHOPPCM]

I wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet; clogged heater cores are not common on a vehicle that new, and if it were the cause, it would be a VERY expensive repair. Stop Leak should NEVER be used in a vehicle that new either, (it's really just a "last resort" solution for a vehicle not worth fixing). I believe your problem is a stuck thermostat, air pocket, or low coolant. Check your coolant level first by not only checking the coolant level in the bottle, but remove the radiator cap on the engine when cold (you'll have to remove the plastic cover that sits over the cap first). In all instances, it would be unwise to take this car on any long trips until the cause can be determined. Best of luck!!

[gotbst05]

well, it's still under warranty, so it wouldn't cost me anything. it could be a clogged heater core if the previous owner put some sort of leak stop in it. my coolant level is good. either way, i'm still looking at taking it to the dealership for the repair seeing that it's under warranty. also, i am smelling coolant, but not seeing any leak. i wasn't able to take a look at it today due to it being really cold today. however, i'll be going to the dealer in the morning. i'll be sure to repost when they say what the issue is.

[gotbst05]

so... i found where other people are having the same problem, but on different types of nissans or makes all together. what they did was "burp" the coolant system to release any air and it solved the problem. any idea of where to "burp" an 06 MO? I'd rather not have to remove the rad cap will revving the motor (the "burping" solution many have done) because of the mess and most importantly, the hazard.

[BBISHOPPCM]

I've done this on vehicles with traditional mechanical throttles (just open the cap while it's warm, rev the engine to "suck" the coolant into the system, top off as needed). The system won't boil over unless it's at operating temperature. Good thing it's not caused by stop leak, as that would void your warranty.

[Murdered_T]

no, its not anything you can do really, the run the waterpump off the timing chain in those cars, so at idle, its slow, the coolant doesn't pump, you just kinda gotta live with it...

[gotbst05]

took it in this morning and the dealership said it was air in the line. i should be getting the phone call to pick it up soon.

[gotbst05]

everything is good to go

[gotbst05]

it looks as if i spoke too soon. it worked great yesterday and this morning, it was acting as before. it never reaches 90F as it should and hot air only blows out when the car is in motion. as soon as i come to a stop, it blows cold air. i took it to the dealer i bought it from (a chevy one), so i'm thinking i'll call a nissan place to inquiry this issue. as anyone else had this issue or anything similar to it?

Murdered_T, i found a diagram that has the layout of the water pump and you're exactly right, it's attached to timing chain. design flaw? it really sucks that it's 15F here and my MO doesn't stay hot while sitting at idle. there has to be something to it. i'm going to rent a rad pressure tester and see what i get. the service manual calls for 23psi. it should hold at 23 and if not, well then, there's a leak in the system which is causing the air pockets. i was thinking about replacing the thermostat, but that appears to be a pain in the a**.

i'm taking the advice of Bishop and changing out the thermostat tomorrow. it sucks that it cost over $50 because it's the thermostat and housing together, but it should a fairly easy and messy job. according to service manual, i have to drain the radiator completely sucks, but it'll be an experience that i may be able to share with others that may have the same problem in the future.
Modified by gotbst05 at 4:06 PM 1/3/2010

[BBISHOPPCM]

I know from experience that the timing chain-driven water pump is not a "design flaw," and does not lead to poor heat at idle (my '06 is identical and does not have heat issues, at idle, or in motion). Before you change the thermostat, I would suggest chasing that air pocket or taking it to someone who knows this engine a bit better, I still believe you have an air bubble. A faulty thermostat can cause this, but is unlikely, in my opinion. How does your temperature gauge read? Are you usually on the "high" side? Does it jump from one extreme to the other rapidly?

[gotbst05]

well, it seem to have been the thermostat. after letting it adjust and getting what air that was in the system out of it, the heat works perfect. thanks to all that had suggestions
Modified by gotbst05 at 11:26 AM 1/17/2010