Engine Cooling System: Other Nissan Altima L31

PRECAUTIONS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER

The Supplemental Restraint System such as AIR BAG and SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER, used along with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of collision. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SRS and SB section of this article.

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1. After removing the mounting bolts and nuts, disconnect and remove the RTV Silicone Sealant using a seal cutter. CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the mating surfaces.
2. In areas where the cutter is difficult to use, use a plastic hammer to lightly tap the mating surfaces. CAUTION: If for some unavoidable reason a tool such as a flat-blade screwdriver is used, be careful not to damage the mating surfaces.

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1. Using a scraper, remove the old sealant adhering to the RTV Silicone Sealant application surface and the mating surface. Remove the RTV Silicone Sealant completely from the groove of the gasket application surface, mounting bolts, and bolt holes.
2. Thoroughly clean the sealant application surface, and the mating surface removing all of the adhering moisture, grease and foreign material.
3. Attach the RTV Silicone Sealant tube into the tube presser. Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant, or equivalent. Refer to «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-177331-S01572020272005052600000) .
4. Apply the RTV Silicone Sealant without breaks to the specified location with the specified dimensions. If there is a groove for the RTV Silicone Sealant application, apply the gasket to the groove. As for the bolt holes, normally apply the gasket inside the holes. If specified, it should be applied outside the holes. Make sure to read the instructions in this manual. Within five minutes of sealant application, install the mating component. If the sealant protrudes, wipe it off immediately. Do not retighten the nuts and bolts after installation. After 30 minutes or more have passed from the installation, fill the engine with the proper oil and coolant. Refer to RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS . CAUTION: If there are instructions in this manual, observe them.

SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS

The actual shape of the Kent-Moore tools may differ from those tools illustrated here.

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Preparation For Changing Engine Coolant

Prepare an empty one gallon bottle, such as used for windshield washer fluid. Obtain a 1,371mm (54 in) length of hose with the same inner diameter as the coolant reservoir hose. Modify the one gallon bottle by making a hole at the bottom slightly smaller than the hose outer diameter to seal against leaks when the bottle is full of fluid.

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1. Insert the hose in the bottom of the bottle.
2. Seal the hose to the bottle so it will not leak.

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1. Check if the reservoir tank coolant level is within the MIN to MAX range when the engine is cool, before starting it.
2. Adjust coolant level as necessary.

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1. To check for leakage, apply pressure to the cooling system with a tester. Testing pressure: 157 kPa (1.57 bar, 1.6 kg/cm 2 , 23 psi) WARNING: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high pressure coolant escaping from the radiator. CAUTION: Higher pressure than specified may cause radiator damage.

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT

Note. Refer to PREPARATION FOR CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT .

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1. Remove engine undercover, using power tools.
2. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator, and remove radiator filler cap when draining all the coolant in the system. Be careful not to allow coolant to contact drive belts.
3. Follow this step for heater core removal/replacement only. Disconnect the upper heater hose at the engine side and apply moderate air pressure [103.46 kPa (15 psi, 1.055 kg/cm 2 ) maximum] into the hose for 30 seconds to blow out excess coolant from the heater core.
4. Remove the reservoir tank, drain the coolant and then clean the tank before installing.
5. When draining all of the coolant in the system for engine removal or repair, open the drain plug on the cylinder block.
6. Check drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration. If contaminated, flush engine cooling system. Refer to «FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM»(ref-183495-S24947875682005081400000) .

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1. Install reservoir tank and radiator drain plug (install cylinder block drain plug if removed for engine removal or repair). Apply sealant to the threads of the cylinder block drain plugs. Use Genuine High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-177331-S01572020272005052600000) . Radiator drain plug: 7.8 - 11.8 N.m (0.8 - 1.2 kg-m, 69 - 104 in-lb) Cylinder block drain plug: 34 - 44 N.m (3.5 - 4.5 kg-m, 25 - 33 ft-lb)
2. If disconnected, reattach the upper radiator hose at the engine side.
3. Slowly fill the radiator and reservoir tank to the specified level. Pour coolant through coolant filler neck slowly, at less than 3 l (3 1/8 qt.) per minute, to allow air in the cooling system to escape. Use Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze Coolant or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water or demineralized water. Refer to RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS . Engine coolant capacity (without reservoir tank): 7.5 l (7 7/8 qt.) Reservoir tank: 0.7 l (3/4 qt.)
4. Pour more coolant mixture into radiator while gently squeezing the upper radiator hose. Slowly fill the radiator until the coolant level no longer lowers in the radiator filler neck.
5. Install a wire under the radiator cap pressure valve to allow air and coolant to flow through freely.
6. Install the modified radiator cap.
7. Disconnect the coolant reservoir hose from the radiator filler neck overflow port.
8. Connect a hose to the radiator overflow port and to the modified one gallon container. Fill the container with the specified coolant mixture and hang it from the hood striker as shown.
9. For manual climate control equipped vehicles, set the heater controls to full warm and Floor/Defrost mode. For automatic climate control system equipped vehicles, set the heater controls to 90°F (30°C) and the fan speed to high.
10. Run the engine at 1,500 rpm until the engine cooling fan turns on (approximately 20-25 minutes). Watch the coolant temperature gauge so as not to overheat the engine.
11. Stop the engine and allow it to cool down to less than approximately 50°C (122°F). Cool down using a fan to reduce the time. If necessary, refill radiator up to filler neck with coolant.
12. Crimp the hose from the suspended container and remove the container and hose from the radiator. Remove the radiator cap.
13. Install the reservoir hose to the radiator and refill the reservoir tank to the MAX level line with coolant. Install the reservoir cap.
14. Fill the radiator with the coolant mixture to the top of the filler neck.
15. Remove the wire from the radiator cap.
16. Install the radiator cap, making sure it is turned to the full lock position.
17. Run the engine and check the cooling system for leaks.

1. Clean excess coolant from the engine and engine compartment.

Checking Radiator

Check radiator for mud or clogging. If necessary, clean radiator as follows.

1. Be careful not to bend or damage the radiator fins.
2. When radiator is cleaned without removal, remove all surrounding parts such as cooling fan, radiator shroud and horns. Then tape the harness and electrical connectors to prevent water from entering.

1. Apply water by hose to the back side of the radiator core, point the hose vertically downward.
2. Apply water again to all radiator core surfaces once per minute.
3. Stop washing when no more dirt flows off the radiator.
4. Blow air into the back side of radiator core, point the air hose vertically downward. Use compressed air lower than 490 kPa (5 kg/cm 2 , 71 psi) and keep distance more than 30 cm (11.8 in).
5. Blow air again into all the radiator core surfaces once per minute until no water sprays out.

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THERMOSTAT

Thermostat Service Data & Specifications

WATER CONTROL VALVE

Water Control Valve Service Data & Specifications

RADIATOR

Radiator Service Data & Specifications

The Supplemental Restraint System such as AIR BAG and SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER, used along with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of collision. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SRS and SB section of this article.

Scheme 69

1. After removing the mounting bolts and nuts, disconnect and remove the RTV Silicone Sealant using a seal cutter. CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the mating surfaces.
2. In areas where the cutter is difficult to use, use a plastic hammer to lightly tap the area where the RTV Silicone Sealant is applied.

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1. Using a scraper, remove the old RTV Silicone Sealant adhering to the gasket application surface and the mating surface. Remove the RTV Silicone Sealant completely from the groove of the gasket application surface, mounting bolts, and bolt holes.
2. Thoroughly clean the gasket application surface and the mating surface and remove all adhering moisture, grease and foreign material.
3. Attach the RTV Silicone Sealant tube to the tube presser. Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant, or equivalent. Refer to «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-177331-S01572020272005052600000) .
4. Apply the RTV Silicone Sealant without breaks to the specified location with the specified dimensions. If there is a groove for the RTV Silicone Sealant application, apply the sealant to the groove. As for the bolt holes, normally apply the Sealant inside the holes. If specified in the procedure, it should also be applied outside the holes. Within five minutes of sealant application, install the mating component. If the RTV Silicone Sealant protrudes, wipe it off immediately. Do not retighten after the installation. After 30 minutes or more have passed from the installation, fill the engine with the specified oil and coolant. Refer to RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS .

The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may from those of special service tools illustrated here.

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Prepare an empty one gallon bottle, such as used for windshield washer fluid. Obtain a 1,371 mm (54 in) length of hose with the same inner diameter as the coolant reservoir hose. Modify the one gallon bottle by making a hole at the bottom slightly smaller than the hose outer diameter to seal against leaks when the bottle is full of fluid.

Scheme 75

1. Insert the hose in the bottom of the bottle.
2. Seal the hose to the bottle so it will not leak.

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1. Check if the reservoir tank coolant level is within the MIN to MAX range when the engine is cool.
2. Adjust the coolant level as necessary.

Scheme 80

1. To check for leaks, apply pressure to the cooling system with the Tool. Testing pressure: 157 kPa (1.6 kg/cm 2 , 23 psi) WARNING: Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high pressure coolant escaping from the radiator. CAUTION: Higher test pressure than specified may cause radiator damage.

Scheme 81

1. Remove engine undercover, using power tools.
2. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator and remove the radiator filler cap.
3. If removing the heater core, remove the upper heater hose from the engine coolant outlet and apply moderate air pressure of 15 psi (103.46 kPa, 1.055 kg/cm 2 ) maximum for 30 seconds into the hose to blow out excess coolant from the core.
4. Remove the reservoir tank, drain the coolant and clean the tank before installing. Be careful not to allow coolant to contact the drive belts.
5. When draining all of the coolant for engine removal or repair, open the drain plugs on the engine-front side and engine-right side.
6. Check drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration. If contaminated, flush the engine cooling system. Refer to «Changing Engine Coolant»(ref-183495-S21164635392005081400000) .

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1. Install the reservoir tank and radiator drain plug (install cylinder block drain plugs if removed for engine removal or repair). Apply sealant to the threads of the cylinder block drain plugs. Use Genuine High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-177331-S01572020272005052600000) . Radiator drain plug: 7.8 - 11.8 N.m (0.8 - 1.2 kg-m, 69 - 104 in-lb) Engine-front drain plug: 8 - 11 N.m (0.8 - 1.2 kg-m, 70 - 104 in-lb) Engine-right side drain plug: 18 - 21 N.m (1.8 - 2.2 kg-m, 13 - 15 ft-lb)
2. If necessary, connect the upper heater hose to the engine coolant outlet.
3. Slowly fill the radiator with the proper mixture of coolant and water, at a speed of less than 3 l (3 1/8 qt.) per minute. Poor the coolant through the filler neck slowly to allow air to escape from the system. Continue to fill until the coolant stays at the top. Use Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze Coolant or equivalent mixed 50/50 with distilled water or demineralized water. Refer to RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS . Engine coolant capacity (without reservoir tank): 8.1 l (8 5/8 qt.) Reservoir tank: 0.7 l (3/4 qt.)
4. Pour the coolant mixture into radiator while gently squeezing the upper radiator hose. Slowly fill the radiator until coolant level no longer lowers in the radiator filler neck.
5. Install a wire under the radiator cap pressure valve to allow air and coolant to flow through freely at any pressure.
6. Install the modified radiator cap.
7. Disconnect the coolant reservoir hose from the radiator filler neck overflow port.
8. Connect a hose to the radiator overflow port from the modified one gallon container. Fill the container with the specified coolant mixture and hang it from the hood striker.
9. For manual climate control equipped vehicles, set the heater controls to full warm and Floor/Defrost mode. For automatic climate control system equipped vehicles, set the heater controls to 90°F (30°C) and the fan speed to high.
10. Run the engine at 1,500 rpm until the engine cooling fan turns on (approximately 20 - 25 minutes). Watch coolant temperature gauge so as not to overheat the engine.
11. Stop the engine and allow it to cool down to less than approximately 50°C (122°F). Cool down using a fan to reduce the time. If necessary, refill radiator up to filler neck with coolant.
12. Crimp the hose from the suspended modified one gallon container and remove the container and hose from the radiator. Remove the radiator cap.
13. Install the reservoir hose to the radiator and refill reservoir tank to MAX level line with coolant. Install the reservoir cap.
14. Fill the radiator with the coolant mixture to the top of the filler neck.
15. Remove the wire from the radiator cap.
16. Install the radiator cap, making sure it is turned to the full lock position.
17. Run the engine and check the cooling system for leaks. Clean excess coolant from the engine and engine compartment.

Check radiator for mud or clogging. If necessary, clean radiator as follows.

1. Be careful not to bend or damage the radiator fins.
2. When radiator is cleaned without removal, remove all surrounding parts such as cooling fan shroud and horns. Then tape the harness and electrical connectors to prevent water from entering.

1. Apply water by hose to the back side of the radiator core, with the air hose pointed vertically downward.
2. Apply water again to all radiator core surfaces once per minute.
3. Stop washing if any stains no longer flow out from the radiator.
4. Blow air into the back side of radiator core, with the air hose pointed vertically downward. Use compressed air lower than 490 kPa (5 kg/cm 2 , 71 psi) and keep distance more than 30 cm (11.8 in).
5. Blow air again into all the radiator core surfaces once per minute until no water sprays out.

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1. Attach the spacer to the tip of the radiator plate pliers A. Spacer specification: 1.5 mm (0.059 in) thick x 18 mm (0.71 in) wide x 8.5 mm (0.335 in) long.
2. Make sure that when radiator plate pliers A are closed dimension H is approx. 7.6 mm (0.299 in).
3. Adjust dimension H with the spacer, if necessary.

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1. Remove the tank with Tool. Grip the crimped edge and bend it upwards so that Tool slips off. Do not bend excessively. In areas where Tool cannot be used, use a screwdriver to bend the edge up. Be careful not to damage tank.
2. Make sure the edge stands straight up.
3. Remove oil cooler from tank (A/T model only).

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1. Install the oil cooler (A/T model only). Pay attention to direction of conical washer.
2. Clean the contact portion of the tank.
3. Install sealing rubber. Push it in with fingers. Be careful not to twist sealing rubber.
4. Caulk tank in specified sequence with Tool. Use pliers in the locations where Tool cannot be used.
5. Make sure that the rim is completely crimped down. Standard height H: 8.0 - 8.4 mm (0.315 - 0.331 in)
6. Confirm that there is no leakage. Refer to «INSPECTION»(ref-183495-S36187948032005081400000) .

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1. Apply pressure with Tool. Specified pressure value: 157 kPa (1.57 bar, 1.6 kg/cm 2 , 23 psi) WARNING: To prevent the risk of the hose coming undone while under pressure, securely fasten it down with a hose clamp. Attach a hose to the oil cooler as well (A/T model only).
2. Check for leakage.

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Thermostat Service Data & Specifications

Radiator Service Data & Specifications