Factory Defect
 

So in checking my new engine, I noticed that the left side of the radiator rattles. I went to the dealer right away to get it checked.

They called the mechanic and he said that he did not touch the radiator. I kindly suggested that we check another Z in the showroom. Would you believe that it is the same issue?!!!!

Anyway check yours! Grab the hose that is attached to the left side of the radiato and shake it. If the engine is cold the clicking should be very noticeable. Visually you should also see the radiator move.

Another test is to grab the left plastic scew with your fingers and attempt to remove it. Try the same test with the right plastic screw. You will notice that the right is super tight.

Anyway I, being anal, have asked for a new top rubber mount. Unfortunately I do not think this will solve the problem. I will be buying a a super thin plastic washer to supplement the existing engineering problem to totally eliminate the looseness.

Perhaps yours is diferent but what are the chances of my car having the same issue as a showroom car? If yours has this, fix it right away as vibration in the long run could start some chipping away of parts. Or better yet something else

cheers!



p.s.,

The thread title should have been "Factory Defect?" (i.e., a question). Without the question mark, it sounds more like a fact.

I can't seem to change the thread title.

No issues here. It's tight.

Pictures? I think a lot of us would really like to see the visual aids. :)

:iagree:

X3

It is looser on the left than the right, but look at how the radiator is held in place. It's in a rubber grommet which allows for a little play, which I'm sure is for a reason. Most Nisans are like that.

The left one clicks and rattles. Rubber grommets are meant to absorb shocks and vibrations while keeping a tight fit. I am no engineer but I believe the left should be as tight as the right.

This thread is by no means a "the sky is falling thread.". It is meant to inform others.

You may opt to not do anything. But me....i already bought the necessary washer and I should have the rattle gone by tomorrow.

the connection between the upper hose on the passenger side of the car moves very slightly. they must have designed it this way to allow for more flexibility. the radiator is all metal, which is good, but the connection to the radiator is plastic. btw, when referring to sides of the car, they are from the perspective of a person sitting in the driver seat. left - driver side, right - passenger side. most people make the mistake of standing in front of the car and using left or right, which is opposite of the standard used in the automotive industry. you said you grabbed a hose, so i assume you grabbed the upper hose, which when standing in front of the car would be on the left, but is actually the right or passenger side (for left hand drive anyway). best thing to do is skip the left/right part and just use driver/passenger instead.

I hate using left and right when talking about a car because it's confusing. You are correct, but the person you're talking to never knows!

LOL. I didn't think about that, but you are correct.

yeah, just using passenger side and driver side is best and easiest to not getting confused.

... for us "left hand drive" US members, now our UK members like Chubbs might have an issue :roflpuke2:

true, hehe!

No issues here.

Ever hear of thermal expansion?