'92 Q45: sloshing noise from transmission tunnel on acceleration from a stop

[kdkrone]

When I start up from an idle, and the longer I stay idling, the more pronounced it is (to a point), there is a noise that appears to be coming from the transmission tunnel that sounds like water sloshing. It lasts a second or two. Nothing else. If I stop and continue quickly, like at a stop sign, I don't hear the noise.

Before I start looking more carefully, if anyone has any suggestions, I would be grateful.

ThanksKen K

[Q451990]

I'm going to guess you're low on coolant. I would check/top that off first. It always sounds like it's coming from the dash to me...

Heath

[kdkrone]

Silly me. Home run for you.

Now, I have to figure out where my coolant went. I am at 136K (4k since my last oil change, at which time I do not know if the coolant was topped off--I usually change oil at 3k, so I am a bit late).

I will top off with green coolant--I usually use 50-50 mix (I live where the lowest temp is 35F degrees one day a year, so that is overkill). But I have always wondered why not use 100% coolant?

(also, out of curiosity, how long does the radiator usually last in a moderate climate?)

ThanksKen K

[3Q Jay]

you really, really don't want to run 100% coolant. this is due to the heat transfer properties. water plain water is a very effective medium for heat transfer. coolant raises the boiling point of the liquid above 212F, but will essentially cause the engine to run hotter, as it keeps taking on heat up until the boiling piont. said a different way, assuming that the liquid medium has perfect heat transfer the engine with 100% coolant, or even 50/50 will run hotter than the same engine with 100% water there are 2 reasons why not use 100% water.1) you need the rust and corrosion inhibitor additives.2) keep from freezing in cold climates (not a big deal perhaps in your case)

most here recommend a 30/70 mix of AF to water. distilled water is best.

you are on borrowed time if your '92 radiator is the factory original.

i have had the best success with the plastic/aluminum radiators: OEM nissan is of course best in terms of quality control, but is pricey at ~$500 this went into the princess (94 active).i have a koyo (japanese spec product, built in indonesia) in the 97.i also experimented with a 2-row copper/brass in the 95 active, but i'm not as impressed.i recommend against CSF products, they have poor build quality.
Modified by 3Q Jay at 3:40 PM 1/10/2010

[qship96]

I have been using a CSF radiator for almost 3 years now with no issues- others have also used them in g50 without problems- what makes you say they have "poor build quality" ?

I researched radiators before I bought and CSF seemed like a high quality product, made in an ISO 9000 certified plant and over 40 years in business including supplying OE radiators to many European car manufacturers as well as the aftermarket. Time will tell I guess, but for the $$$ and 3 years use so far,looks like a good value?
Modified by qship96 at 7:14 PM 1/10/2010

[Q451990]

(also, out of curiosity, how long does the radiator usually last in a moderate climate?)

Probably depends more on the chemical climate inside of the radiator. With regular flushes using distilled water, they should last a very long time. Mine is the original - going on 20 years sometime this month - living in San Jose and then here in SC.

Heath