2002 Heater issue, did the burping, but keeps coming back

[shynepo3]

So I have a 2002 Nissan Altima. I have the same heater issue everyone has, with the sloshing of the coolant behind the dash, as well as no heat when idle. I even get VERY little heat when applying gas. I tried doing the burp procedure - i'm not anywhere near a mechanic, so it was very difficult for me, but the heat did come back - ONLY for a day (few hours). I tried changing the rad cap, got a coolant flush at Nissan, but same problem. The heat worked for a few hours after the coolant flush, but it came back.

So what could it be? My thinking says that the supposed air is still getting in the radiator...and could be the hoses need replacing? Or maybe the whole radiator? The Nissan dealership, I showed them the TSB where it had the burp procedure, and the service guy was like "that's just a coolant flush". So he tells me that if it doesnt fix it, I'm out the 120 they charge for a coolant change. He says for them to diagnose, it's going to cost me (unless i pay for the repair they recommend).

Winter is right around the corner, and I'm getting desperate. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have another mechanic who's fair priced, but he pretty much will do what i tell him to do - meaning he doesnt have the time to keep trying diff things, etc.

Thanks so much for anyone's help....

[QR25DE]

Honestly, I would just pay Nissan to go over it and resolve it. It seems like it is wasting your time. Fill the coolant and run the car on a flat surface for 10 minutes with card board under the car. Anything leaking onto the card board? If so, look up where it is leaking and fix the leak. This should resolve the issue.

If air is getting in, it's most likely leaking at the same spot, and from what you describe, I'm surprised you have not seen any coolant leak.

[shynepo3]

well, i haven't really noticed...but if it was leaking, wouldn't my car eventually be overheating? i never seem to be low in the coolant reservoir.