Changing radiatorcoolant

[Black94Jay]

I want to change out the radiator coolant in my '94 J30t. I can't seem to locate the drain plug on the radiator. Do I need to remove the plastic shroud protecting the bottom of the engine to access? Where is it located and how much anti-freeze do I need to add to the distilled water? I live in Florida so protection from extreme cold is not a concern. Just wanted to be sure there was adequate anti-freeze to prevent corrosion and proper pump lubrication. Any other plugs to open when flushing?:help

[PalmerWMD]

In Florida:

70% distilled water 30% coolant ( Nissan green or orangemake sure no mixing of orange with any left over green at all if you switch), 1 bottle redline wetter water.

The rest of the questions I leave up to the J30 guys.

Fred..

[elwesso]

I dont have my J30 FSMs with me on my laptop, but on the Q on the passenger side of the radiator, theres a drain **** hanging down, and you twist the valve and it comes out that....

Its possibe the little hose is gone and you just need to pull the plug, and be ready for the floodgates to be unleashed!!!!!

I will check my J30 FSM for you tomorrow to verify.

[Black94Jay]

Snipes:

Appreciate the information. Will look around some more and wait to hear from you tomorrow.

PalmerWMD:

Thanks for the %mix of distilled/anti-freeze. It is appreciated.

[VimyJ]

I want to change out the radiator coolant in my '94 J30t. I can't seem to locate the drain plug on the radiator. Do I need to remove the plastic shroud protecting the bottom of the engine to access? Where is it located and how much anti-freeze do I need to add to the distilled water? I live in Florida so protection from extreme cold is not a concern. Just wanted to be sure there was adequate anti-freeze to prevent corrosion and proper pump lubrication. Any other plugs to open when flushing?:help

Are you planning on just doing the radiator or the whole system? The owner's manual (not to be confused with the service manual) lays out the procedure pretty well. There are drain ****s (that'll be "starred out" rhymes with docks) located on the block. I found these difficult to get at and when I could put a socket on them they wouldn't budge. I was afraid of breaking something so I left them alone and flushed the entire system through the radiator drain which ended up being an all day affair. I could tell how complete the flush was because I had poured some cooling system cleaner in the radiator and it took many flushings to get the water to run clean. I went 50/50 because I live up north. The next one will be this spring when I do only the rad and go 60/40.

BTW, the techs who did my hoses during the timing belt job felt the Nissan coolant was harsh on the hoses. I switched to the orange stuff. No problems so far.

[elwesso]

Mike.... I think Fred has said that 70/30 is sufficient for indiana/chicago winters.... Thats what Im running in my Q

FYI

[PalmerWMD]

southern indina maybe but not chicago.I really hope i never said that.In Chicago; Sufficient in winters-yes, safe- no

If you see temps colder than -20 and you dont drive everyday (keeps engine block warm(er) thru the nights) 70/30 wont be safe.

Fred..

[elwesso]

Maybe I misunderstood....

I think I recall my shop adding some antifreeze in there when it was in for an oil chage......

[VimyJ]

50/50 for me during the winter. I take no chances.

[PalmerWMD]

50/50 in the north in winter is the right mix.

Fred...

[Black94Jay]

How many quarts or gallons of anti-freeze represent 50% of the total capacity? Appreciate all the information that is being provided.

[VA99Q45]

I have 50/50 on my car, and 1 gallon is enough.