1995 Maxima: Changing Coolant

[mymaxima99]

I've never changed the coolant myself on my 1995 Maxima.....could anyone tell me the easiest way to get access to the valve on the bottom of the radiator? I tried to get my hand between the engine and fans to get to it without success. Should I take off the splash protector under the engine bay to get to it from the bottom? (or try to reach it from above again?)

Also the coolant is very dirty and I was going to drain it, fill it with water/cleaner and take a few around-town drives, and repeat the process several times until I'm sure the old coolant is gone. Should I be concerned about short drives with mostly water in the engine instead of coolant? (I thought perhaps running the engine for short trips with only water might damage the water pump). Thanks for any suggestions, they're much appreciated!

[Towncivilian]

See page MA-10 of the factory service manual for instructions. Skip opening the engine block drain plugs.

I think you'll be fine with running plain water (use distilled or demineralized water only!) for a couple drive cycles. Be sure you get the coolant ratio proper (50/50 ideal) after the process.

Inspect your radiator cap according to this TSB and replace with a new OEM one if required.

[mymaxima99]

Thank you very much for all the helpful information and links!!!

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Actually I have just used straight antifreeze in mine-kind of going against what is told
to do but I have never had a problem with overheating.

You should be able to see the drain plug through the hole of the splash guard on the drivers
side. Be sure to use a good phillips head screwdriver to get it off-the drain plug is made of plastic.
I have had to drill it out before. If it comes off ok be sure to use some antisieze and
teflon tape on the threads and put in back it. Be sure it doesn't leak after reinstalling.

When running the engine after you have refilled with antifreeze squeeze the upper and lower
radiator hoses to get out more air probably trapped during the refill. Be careful not to get
yourself injured by moving parts (fan) or hot parts. Watch the temperature gauge closely
to be aware of stuck closed thermostats.

BTW I never have had a thermostat problem on my 95 or 98

If the hoses have never been changed I recommend doing so when you have some downtime
available. I have put double clamps on most of them especially under the throttle body
(for the idle air control valve coolant hose I think-kind of small hose)

I would just buy a new radiator cap

I am not too crazy about running the car on pure water to long as this might stress the o rings on the
water pump-just personal feeling here

Good luck