Hey guys, I'm new to this site, and I'm by no means a mechanic, but I am pretty good at teaching myself to do things..... anyway, sob story aside, I need some help regarding my radiator in my 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S. I bought this car brand new in 09, and about 3 years ago I hit a bobcat or a florida panther one late night on my way home from work. The radiator was indented quite a bit, but nothing ever happened as far as mechanical issues are concerned. I replaced my bumper and I drove my car fine for an additional 3 years, even on cross-country trips without issue. Well last weekend, I noticed my engine temp was getting above normal, so I pulled off the interstate and by the time I was at the gas station, the temperature was almost to the "H". After popping the hood, I noticed my coolant was practically empty. So I purchased 50/50 at the gas station and topped it off, waited about an hour and then drove home just fine. Well two days later before I leave my house, I checked my fluids and sure enough the coolant was empty once again. So obviously there is an issue. My first thought (without considering the prior mishap) is the water pump went bad. Im at 96k miles and have yet to replace it. However, today I removed my bumper and the cooling manifold thing (I think that's what it is) and from I examined I think my radiator finally gave. There is no residue near the water pump or any of the belts, so I think the water pump is fine. The residue is all on the bottom of the radiator, so I think the leak is within the radiator, and given it's condition it seems the most likely.
Well anyway, today I go and pick up a new radiator from Advance, but it does not look the same, it looks as if I only half the radiator. My car seems to have 2 separate radiator grills, which doesn't seem normal from what I see online. All the diagrams I see online show only the single radiator grill. Can someone explain to me what it is I'm looking at, or did I get some different model car then the standard?
Also, if anyone thinks it's not the radiator, please tell me what to check to be sure im replacing what I need to replace. I have been flushing the coolant for the past hour or so getting it sparkling clean before changing the radiator, but now im worried I don't have all the parts I need.
I will try to attach pictures so you can see what Im talking about.
