Swapping out Cooling System, have ?'s

[onecrazyfoo4u]

So I have a redtop, been having overheating issues so I'm replacing everything....just want to double check that I have everything:

-New aluminum 3-row radiator-New s13 water pump-Both sr20 hoses-Using the stock sr20 shroud and clutch fan-new thermostat

How much coolant do the big 3-rows hold compared to stock? Should I get just 1 gal. of coolant or 2? I only use about 30% coolant anyways, the rest is distilled water and a bottle of water wetter.

Any tips for the thermostat and water pump replacements? Are those the only 2 areas that need sealed using a gasket sealer? What sealant should I use? Also, how long do you guys wait for it to dry before refilling with coolant? Thanks in advance!

[Emperor_Tha]

since i work at mitsu i just use mitsu gasket maker. i just fill its up afterward. you can use RTV grey or black, works the same.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Cool, I think I figured out what sealant to use. Are the thermostat and water pump the only places that need the sealant on there?

How much coolant does the bigger 3 row radiators take? Any tips for the install?

[johngriff]

Drill a 1/8t inch hole in the body of the thermostat. Install with the hole facing Up. This will help the system balance pressure and bleed air.

Amount of water is so temperamental. Catch all the coolant you loose. Match the amount you loose in your chosen ratio of 30/70+12oz divided by 3.5gallons.

After doing this, warm the car completely up, really really hot. Turn on the heater. Jack up the front nose of the car. Unthread the bleed screw a few turns (located on the hot/top hose fitting to the cyl head) until you see water and air come out. Do not completely unthread. Watch this bleeding process until only coolant is coming out.

[S14-KOUKI-MONSTER]

Since you live in Az, wouldn't hurt to get a nismo thermostat too.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

I didn't know that about the bleeder screw, I've always taken the hole screw out until a steady flow of water came out. And I probably will end up getting a nismo thermostat, just to finish everything off.

Is there any specific hardware that was supposed to come with the water pump then? Or do I just reuse all the bolts for the water pump and fan? Thanks.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

My water pump didn't come with new studs like it should have. Do I need a set of 4 new studs in order to complete the install? Anybody have any advice on what else I'll need to put in the new water pump?

[schanne]

can i really drill a hole in my thermostat to help air pressure? I live in fl and my blacktop loves to heat up.

[jr_ss]

My Koyo took roughly a gallon more coolant to fill than the OEM radiator did. This was on an S14 and they have larger than S13 radiators..