CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT Nissan Altima L31

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.