weird issue after replacing radiator hoses

SouthArk370Z · 10-01-2014, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomboom

I drove it for 15min then checked and the level in the tank did go up a little. Im gonna drive it longer now to see how bad it gets. If the level goes up even a little does this mean its a head gasket?

As onzedge says, it's normal for it to rise/fall a bit as the engine heats/cools.

Since you haven't reported any drips on the driveway, I'd say that it's just some spillage from the hose change. It's all but impossible to avoid spilling some a/f when you pull a hose.

Just keep a close eye on it for a few weeks, in case it is a leak of some sort. Might help with the smell to rinse the area and the tray with plenty of water.

1slow370 · 10-01-2014, 05:13 PM

The other thing to do after a fresh fill is in the morning pop the cap on the coolant neck off and make sure the level in the motor hasn't dropped and an air bubble formed in the neck.

onzedge · 10-01-2014, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1slow370

The other thing to do after a fresh fill is in the morning pop the cap on the coolant neck off and make sure the level in the motor hasn't dropped and an air bubble formed in the neck.

I also, for good measure, appease the gods by sacrificing a chicken (ore is it a goat?) prior to checking my fluid levels to help assure a correct reading.

1slow370 · 10-01-2014, 06:23 PM

I always preferred a human sacrifice on the Z, the coolant systems on our cars need that like extra divine help to work properly.

SouthArk370Z · 10-01-2014, 06:29 PM

Take a look at the CO (Engine Cooling System) section of the FSM for more info on what is supposed to be going on. Link in my sig.

juld0zer · 10-01-2014, 06:59 PM

as others mentioned, it's most likely spilt coolant during the replacement process. they shouldve hosed down the engine bay afterwards to remove all thd spilt, sticky smelly mess - because it's coolant it wont evaporate like plain water so it just has to be washed off.

could be a chance some coolant is leaking in your heatercore? can you put the cabin air intake to recirc and see if the smell subsides?

1slow370 · 10-01-2014, 07:02 PM

It is probably nothing but I'm jus letting you know what it could be.

boomboom · 10-02-2014, 04:59 AM

Thanks guys for the posts. I drove it pretty hard tonight and when I pulled it into the garage there was no smell. Very weird cause thats the 1st time in 3 weeks it hasent smelled. The resovoir tank was at the same level as before so it didnt drop or rise at all. I will take off the under tray and clean it just to make sure and il clean the engine as I always do each month anyway. Im a freak about the engine bay being clean. I will keep this post updated.

boomboom · 10-02-2014, 09:04 AM

When they put the new coolant in was it supposed to be 100% fluid or was there supposed to be water mixed in also?

SouthArk370Z · 10-02-2014, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomboom

When they put the new coolant in was it supposed to be 100% fluid or was there supposed to be water mixed in also?

Can't tell from here. Many antifreezes, including the stuff from Nissan, come pre-mixed nowadays.

If you are seeing two liquids that aren't mixing, one of the fluids may be oil. If so, you need to track down the source.

onzedge · 10-02-2014, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomboom

When they put the new coolant in was it supposed to be 100% fluid or was there supposed to be water mixed in also?

Some come premixed and some are full strength and require a 50% dilution with DISTILLED water. Check the bottle.

I use the Nissan "long life" blue stuff which comes pre-diluted.

boomboom · 10-02-2014, 03:32 PM

Il have to ask the dealer what they used. I dont see 2 liquids I just noticed its very bright green and seems to smell stronger than the stuff that was in the car when I 1st baught it.

SouthArk370Z · 10-02-2014, 05:28 PM

You can get an antifreeze hydrometer at most auto parts stores. WalMart has one for $2.54.

boomboom · 10-06-2014, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

You can get an antifreeze hydrometer at most auto parts stores. WalMart has one for $2.54.

Thank u I will definitely pick one up. I drove the z on a road trip this weekend and noticed each time the temp git above 200degrees I could smell the coolant strong. Under 200 degrees no smell?? Thats strange and its making me crazy cause it was perfect until I had nissan drain the old fluid and put new stuff in.

SouthArk370Z · 10-06-2014, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomboom

Thank u I will definitely pick one up. I drove the z on a road trip this weekend and noticed each time the temp git above 200degrees I could smell the coolant strong. Under 200 degrees no smell?? Thats strange and its making me crazy cause it was perfect until I had nissan drain the old fluid and put new stuff in.

Only smelling it when the engine is warm is normal. Assuming it's just a spill, it should clean up with some water. Pull the tray and rinse it off then take a hose to the engine compartment.

10-01-2014, 05:13 PM	#17 (permalink)
1slow370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: In the D Posts: 3,732 Drives: v8 74 260z ;) Rep Power: 7250	The other thing to do after a fresh fill is in the morning pop the cap on the coolant neck off and make sure the level in the motor hasn't dropped and an air bubble formed in the neck. SouthArk370Z likes this. __________________ ANSWER PRICE LIST Answers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $0.75 Answers (requiring thought) - - - - $1.25 Answers (correct) - - - - - - - - - - $12.50

10-01-2014, 06:23 PM	#19 (permalink)
1slow370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: In the D Posts: 3,732 Drives: v8 74 260z ;) Rep Power: 7250	I always preferred a human sacrifice on the Z, the coolant systems on our cars need that like extra divine help to work properly. onzedge likes this. __________________ ANSWER PRICE LIST Answers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $0.75 Answers (requiring thought) - - - - $1.25 Answers (correct) - - - - - - - - - - $12.50

10-01-2014, 06:29 PM	#20 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	Take a look at the CO (Engine Cooling System) section of the FSM for more info on what is supposed to be going on. Link in my sig. onzedge likes this. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

10-01-2014, 07:02 PM	#22 (permalink)
1slow370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: In the D Posts: 3,732 Drives: v8 74 260z ;) Rep Power: 7250	It is probably nothing but I'm jus letting you know what it could be. __________________ ANSWER PRICE LIST Answers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $0.75 Answers (requiring thought) - - - - $1.25 Answers (correct) - - - - - - - - - - $12.50

10-02-2014, 04:59 AM	#23 (permalink)
boomboom Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: WI Posts: 438 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 15	Thanks guys for the posts. I drove it pretty hard tonight and when I pulled it into the garage there was no smell. Very weird cause thats the 1st time in 3 weeks it hasent smelled. The resovoir tank was at the same level as before so it didnt drop or rise at all. I will take off the under tray and clean it just to make sure and il clean the engine as I always do each month anyway. Im a freak about the engine bay being clean. I will keep this post updated. onzedge likes this.

10-01-2014, 06:59 PM	#21 (permalink)
juld0zer Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Sydney Posts: 428 Drives: 11 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 138	as others mentioned, it's most likely spilt coolant during the replacement process. they shouldve hosed down the engine bay afterwards to remove all thd spilt, sticky smelly mess - because it's coolant it wont evaporate like plain water so it just has to be washed off. could be a chance some coolant is leaking in your heatercore? can you put the cabin air intake to recirc and see if the smell subsides?

10-02-2014, 09:04 AM	#24 (permalink)
boomboom Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: WI Posts: 438 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 15	When they put the new coolant in was it supposed to be 100% fluid or was there supposed to be water mixed in also?

10-02-2014, 03:32 PM	#27 (permalink)
boomboom Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: WI Posts: 438 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 15	Il have to ask the dealer what they used. I dont see 2 liquids I just noticed its very bright green and seems to smell stronger than the stuff that was in the car when I 1st baught it.

10-02-2014, 05:28 PM	#28 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324197	You can get an antifreeze hydrometer at most auto parts stores. WalMart has one for $2.54. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
eBay Radiator hoses, any luck?	DEpointfive0	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	19	08-19-2013 09:17 AM
Radiator hoses...	ezred	DIY Section (Do-It-Yourself)	3	06-01-2012 10:06 AM
[FOR SALE] Z1 radiator hoses (red)	98intrigue	Parts for sale (Private Classifieds)	15	09-18-2011 10:23 PM
Radiator hoses??	Greddy370z	New Forum Member	1	06-22-2011 08:24 PM