When draining the coolant by only opening the radiator (not the block plugs), how much coolant drains out? I'm wondering how much is left in the block/heater core. I am considering using the Zerex Asian coolant, but that is pre-mixed, and I don't want to end up too low percent coolant (will flush with distilled water before adding coolant).
2001 QX4.
-Gary
How much coolant comes out?
Re: How much coolant comes out?
Not all that much will stay in.
If coolant is changed on schedule, removing the drain plugs usually isn't necessary and a PITA sometimes.
I just mix my own distilled water and a good (factory) coolant, add them together and have a perfect 50/50 mix.
Unless you live where its very cold, any distilled water left in may raise the freezing point a bit but it will be fine.
PS- The big funnels that screw on in place of the rad cap work really well.
If coolant is changed on schedule, removing the drain plugs usually isn't necessary and a PITA sometimes.
I just mix my own distilled water and a good (factory) coolant, add them together and have a perfect 50/50 mix.
Unless you live where its very cold, any distilled water left in may raise the freezing point a bit but it will be fine.
PS- The big funnels that screw on in place of the rad cap work really well.
Re: How much coolant comes out?
Thanks for the reply. I found another post (think is wasn't a qx4/pathy though, maybe a Murano) where someone drained about 6.5 quarts out the radiator/overflow tank, of about 9.5 total. I'll just do a few distilled water flushes, then add ~5qts of concentrate from Nissan and top off with distilled water.
This was precipitated by a radiator leak I had, between the aluminum fins and the bottom plastic piece. I crimped down the tabs holding them together, and the (small) leak may have gone away, at least for now. With the time I've spend researching (radiators, hoses, coolant, procedures), I sorta wish it would just leak, so I could get done with it!
This was precipitated by a radiator leak I had, between the aluminum fins and the bottom plastic piece. I crimped down the tabs holding them together, and the (small) leak may have gone away, at least for now. With the time I've spend researching (radiators, hoses, coolant, procedures), I sorta wish it would just leak, so I could get done with it!
Re: How much coolant comes out?
If the bottom tank (the plastic part) or seam is leaking, even at all, you are postponing the inevitable.
Install a new radiator and refill the system with a 50/50 distilled water/coolant mixture. Keep what's left for topping off.
Don't just fill with the concentrate, and top with water. It will be too rich and heat transfer will actually be reduced.
Install a new radiator and refill the system with a 50/50 distilled water/coolant mixture. Keep what's left for topping off.
Don't just fill with the concentrate, and top with water. It will be too rich and heat transfer will actually be reduced.