Attempting to replace radiator. Hmmm....

[100Dollar240]

Finally the weather has let me attempt to begin resurrecting the '93 hunnert dollar special. With the front end up on ramps, I removed the fiberboard pan to inspect the radiator mountings & locate the drain valve. Uh...I don't see any drain valve. This is the original radiator. Did Nissan save 3 yen, & not provide a valve? OK - I'll just have to pull the lower hose & drench everything. I take a good look at the internet special replacement radiator. IT has a drain valve. All brass! Made in Malaysia! Gotta' be first class. I actually measured the top of the thing when I got it a month ago to be sure its dimensions were the same. They were. I double check the tabs & pins on the new radiator bottom to be sure they line up with all the existing receptacles. Yup - looks good. Then something catches my attention. What are these little metal tubes for? About 12" apart, & welded perpendicular to the radiator base are two quarter inch by one plus inch long tubes. They're flared on the end as if they're intended to be connected to small hoses. But the existing radiator doesn't have these tubes! However, it DOES have two embossed circleson the plastic EXACTLY where the new radiator has the tubes. Does any one know what the tubes are/were for? Since they're obviously not used, at least on this car, should they be cut off & crimped or plugged? They would also be in the way if I wanted to slide the radiator straight down from the top. Any enlightenment greatly appreciated.

Ron.

[mandoz85]

those two tubes are for the automatic transmision fluid. The auto and manual radiators are differnt.

[C-Kwik]

The Auto radiator should work though. I would plug the holes though. Just in case for whatever reason the transmission line inside develops a leak it's better the fluid gets trapped inside rather than flowing out of the two holes.

[100Dollar240]

Thanks, guys - I didn't know a transmission cooler was built in - guess I'll just plug 'em up to keep the spiders out.

Regards, Ron.