I have a 1995 Nissan Altima. The radiator bust and I had it replaced, but now it doesn't hold coolent. The mechanic where I had the radiator replaced said it needs a new engine, but I don't think so the car runs like there is nothing wrong, no skipping or back firing, the coolent just runs out if you try to drive it. Could this be the thermostat or a water pump? I'm sure it doesn't need a new engine. What do you think? Please help.

Ladee

I think that there is a serious problem here. Serious in that you want
it fixed and the 'mechanic" wants more of your money for not doing a
good job in the first place when he replaced your radiator.

But I don't know a lot of facts so I might be wrong.

A few questions.

Why was the radiator replaced?

Is this a radiator shop where you had it replaced?
What does the local Better business Bureau think of this place
and/or do they have any past complaints about them?

Does the coolant come out after car is stopped and engine turned off?

Have you had someone else look at car (friend, relative, another
shop)?

When the radiator was replaced, did the guy get all the air out of the
system? (this involves opening a air bleed port in cooling system
while filling and running engine (at the right time and sequence). If
not done right, it can
cause problems.

I suspect that possibly there is a bad hose or a clamp that was not
installed
correctly or it could be as bad as a leaking new radiator or even a
faulty or wrong radiator cap installed (this happened to one of my
friends. When he had a
new hose installed, the guy put some other cars cap on by mistake).

You need to watch the temp. guage constantly until you get this
repaired.
Also, have you had your oil level checked lately? I check mine at
least once a week and change my oil and filter every 3 thousand miles.
But then I'm kinda
anal about things.

Here is some light reading on the subject.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/cooling-system.htm

Papa Ray

Papa Ray

Thanks for responding to my question. The car was taken to
the dealer to get the radiator fixed. The radiator bust while
I was driving. The coolant only comes out if the car is running
for a while or you are driving it. When it's running you can see the coolant bubbling in the over flow container. We were thinking maybe a hose is clogged. Could this be possible? Also there is no heat in the car.

Ladee

Have it pressure tested by someone else and take the radiator guy the
results. Sounds like a bad radiator to me if it runs fine other than
coolant loss.

"ladee" <mommy91162 (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

said it needs a new engine, but I don't think so the car runs like there is
nothing wrong, no skipping or back firing, the coolent just runs out if you
try to drive it. Could this be the thermostat or a water pump? I'm sure it
doesn't need a new engine. What do you think? Please help.