Why change the radiator?
A defective radiator will no longer cool your engine properly, and in the best case, your engine will simply overheat. In the worst case, your engine will break down. For the sake of your car and your wallet, it's best to avoid this situation.
A coolant radiator should be replaced when it has one or more leaks, which can be easily identified by the white spots left on the radiator when the coolant evaporates. If you spot a leak early enough and it's not a major one, you can repair it with a radiator anti-leak.
It's also possible for the radiator's pipes to become blocked. This often happens if you're using a poor-quality coolant or if you haven't changed the coolant. The pipes can also be deformed as a result of a head-on collision. If you have any crumpled metal, check the condition of your radiator and replace it if necessary.
Symptoms that should alert you to a possible damaged radiator are engine overheating or a radiator that is cold on one side and hot on the other.
In this article, we explain step-by-step how to change the radiator and thermostat on your vehicle.
We chose to change the radiator and thermostat on a Nissan Patrol Y60.
This tutorial is valid for a number of 4x4 models.
TOOLS REQUIRED
To change the radiator and thermostat on your 4x4, you need :
. A flathead screwdriver
. A Phillips screwdriver
. Ratchet spanner + sockets
. Coolant tank
. A funnel
. 10 litres of coolant
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
To give you an idea of the level of difficulty of our tutorials, we've graded them from 1 to 5.
Changing the radiator and thermostat on a 4x4 is level 3.
WORKSHOP
PARTS
Find the radiator and thermostat to suit your vehicle:
Contribute to 4X4XPERT!
Euro4x4parts features over a hundred mechanical tutorials on 4X4XPERT, designed to get you started and help you maintain and repair your 4x4. These tutorials, illustrated by photos and videos, have been created by us and by some of our customers who are keen to share their knowledge and experience.
Tutorial created with the help of Laura & Erwan - On The Road Mitsu
Do it yourself, you'll be even prouder! To help you out, Euro4x4parts shares its know-how and expertise in mechanics through 4X4XPERT: new products, technical sheets, and personalized tutorials... You've got the keys!
And because we also learn from your experiences, your feedback is essential. Let us know your thoughts and suggestions by email: 4x4xpert@euro4x4parts.com
Check out our complete catalogue of 4x4 parts and accessories!
All the photos in our articles are taken on authorized roads or tracks, private land, or during supervised competitions. Let's all do our part to preserve the environment!
Please note: Euro4x4parts publishes this information to help its customers, but cannot be held responsible for the advice given here and their consequences when used.