Engine Cooling System: Other Nissan Maxima A33

SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS

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

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SYSTEM CHECK

CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM HOSES

Check hoses for improper attachment, leaks, cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing and deterioration.

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 connectors to prevent water from entering.

1. Apply water by hose to the back side of the radiator core 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 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.

CHECKING RADIATOR CAP

To check radiator cap, apply pressure to cap with a tester.

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1. Radiator cap relief pressure: Standard 78 - 98 kPa (0.8 - 1.0 kg/cm 2 , 11 - 14 psi) Limit 59 kPa (0.6 kg/cm 2 , 9 psi)

Pull the negative pressure valve to open it. Check that it closes completely when released.

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CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS

To check for leakage, apply pressure to the cooling system with a tester.

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1. Testing pressure: 157 kPa (1.6 kg/cm 2 , 23 psi)

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1. Drain coolant from drain plugs on radiator and right side of cylinder block. Refer to «DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT»(ref-185439-S19455547252005082900000) .
2. Remove right side engine mounting, mounting bracket and nuts.
3. Remove drive belts and idler pulley bracket.
4. Remove water pump drain plug.
5. Remove chain tensioner cover and water pump cover.
6. Pull lever down, and release plunger stopper tab. Plunger stopper tab can be pushed up to release (coaxial structure with lever).
7. Insert stopper pin into tensioner body hole to fix lever, and keep the tab released.
8. Insert plunger into tensioner body by pressing slack guide.
9. Keep slack guide pressed, and fix it by pushing stopper pin through lever hole and body hole.
10. Turn crankshaft pulley approx. 20° clockwise so that the timing chain on the chain tensioner side is loose.
11. Remove chain tensioner. CAUTION: Be careful not to drop mounting bolts inside chain case.
12. Remove the 3 water pump fixing bolts. Secure a gap between water pump gear and timing chain, by turning crankshaft pulley 20° backwards.
13. Put M8 bolts to two M8-threaded holes out of 3 water pump fixing bolt holes.
14. Tighten M8 bolts by turning half turn alternately until they reach timing chain rear case. In order to prevent damages to water pump or timing chain rear case, do not tighten one bolt continuously. Always turn each bolt half turn each time.
15. Lift up water pump and remove it. When lifting up water pump, do not allow water pump gear to hit timing chain.

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1. Check for badly rusted or corroded body assembly.
2. Check for rough operation due to excessive end play.

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1. Apply engine oil and coolant to O-rings as shown in the figure.
2. Install water pump. Do not allow cylinder block to nip O-rings when installing water pump.
3. Before installing, remove all traces of liquid gasket from mating surface of water pump cover and chain tensioner cover using a scraper. Also remove traces of liquid gasket from mating surface of front cover.
4. Apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to mating surface of chain tensioner cover and water pump cover.
5. Return the crankshaft pulley to its original position by turning it 20° forward.
6. Install timing chain tensioner, then remove the stopper pin. When installing the timing chain tensioner, engine oil should be applied to the oil hole and tensioner. After starting engine, let idle for three minutes, then rev engine up to 3,000 rpm under no load to purge air from the high-pressure chamber of the chain tensioners. The engine may produce a rattling noise. This indicates that air still remains in the chamber and is not a matter of concern.
7. Install drain plug on cylinder block.
8. Reinstall any parts removed in reverse order of removal.

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1. Drain coolant from drain plugs on radiator and both sides of cylinder block.
2. Remove drive belts and idler pulley bracket.
3. Remove water pump drain plug on pump side of cylinder block.
4. Remove lower radiator hose.
5. Remove water inlet and thermostat assembly. Do not disassemble water inlet and thermostat. Replace them as a unit, if necessary.
6. Install thermostat with jiggle valve facing upward. After installation, run engine for a few minutes, and check for leaks. Be careful not to spill coolant over engine compartment. Use a rag to absorb coolant.

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1. Check valve seating condition at ordinary room temperatures. It should seat tightly.
2. Check valve opening temperature and maximum valve lift.
3. Then check if valve closes at 5°C (9°F) below valve opening
4. temperature

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1. Drain coolant from drain plugs on radiator and both sides of cylinder block.
2. Remove water connector, heater pipe and water bypass pipe.
3. Install in the reverse order of removal. After installation, run engine for a few minutes, and check for leaks. Be careful not to spill coolant over engine compartment. Use a rag to absorb coolant.

COOLING FAN CONTROL SYSTEM

Cooling fans are controlled by ECM. For details, refer to DTC P1217: ENGINE OVER TEMPERATURE .

THERMOSTAT

Thermostat Service Data & Specifications

RADIATOR

Radiator Service Data & Specifications