How to replace a radiator on a 2001 nissan sentra?

1. The radiator cap if working correctly it will release pressure in the system provided the cap you have is the correct pressure setting. If you are having a problem with pressure then replace the cap with a new radiator cap with the correct pressure setting. Do not use a cap with a pressure setting other than the original equipment pressure spec. So you do not go to the parts store and buy any radiator cap on the shelf that fits because they come with different pressure ratings and some of these will be totally unsuitable for your car.

2. If the pressure valve is stuck in the "old" cap the pressure release system will not work.

3. Overheating
Air pockets in the cooling system can definitely cause overheating and can retard coolant flow through the system. If you are draining the radiator to replace the coolant or replacing the radiator you need to follow the correct procedures for bleeding air out of the system for that particular engine after coolant refilling. Some engines have bleeder screws on the cooling system to assist in the air bleeding procedure and some don't.

There are various causes for overheating so don't assume it will necessarily be solved by bleeding any remaining air from the cooling system and replacing the radiator cap with one that works.

Other causes can be...........
1. Faulty cooling system thermostat. (Replace the Thermostat)
2. Faulty water pump, especially if the impellers have corroded away or have disintegrated in the case of those design genius water pumps with plastic impellers. (Replace the water pump)

3. Cooling fans not working and if so the cause needs to be tracked. Check that your fans are kicking in. If the engine is overheating the fans should be running because they will switch on when the coolant reaches a specific temp and well before the coolant gets excessively hot.

4. A partial blockage in the coolant passages inside the engine but not in the radiator if you have a new one. If the coolant is not changed at the required intervals(frequently the case with many owners) or is over diluted with water you can get a build up of debris. If products like stop leak have been used in the system this can create similar problems with partial blockages inside the engine coolant passages.

5. A compression leak into the cooling system.
If you have bled air from the system and have continuous air bubbles in the cooling system I would suspect a compression leak. In that event a basic leak down test will show if you have compression gasses leaking into the cooling system and from which cylinder(s). The spark plug is removed and compressed air is forced into the cylinder via the spark plug fitting and air bubbles will show up in the coolant of there is a leak into the cooling system.
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Have the problem with overheating addressed immediately. Running the engine with an overheat condition will cause expensive engine damage many times the cost of fixing the overheating issue.

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Verify the sending unit is correct. Verify it is overheating. Sometimes the sending unit and/or gauge is bad.

looks like the fan switch which is either installed on to the radiator side or on the engine thermostat housing is not working.

Be careful and find the Cause.

A Steaming Engine Compartment is more than likely
a. Bad Hose
b. Hole in the Radiator
c. Bad Thermostat
d. Bad Radiator Cap

1) Drain engine coolant. 2) Remove all cowling under the centre of the dash for access to the matrix.3) Remove two water pipes from matrix.4) Disconnect heater matrix valve cable.5) Remove matrix being careful not to spill water over the ECU.
Reverse instructions for refit.
6) With heater turned to maximum heat, top up cooling system with 50/50 anti freeze/water ratio.
Run vehicle and check that the radiator is free of all air and that the radiator fan cuts in when hot.
Run the car and recheck coolant level over the next few days of running in case of leaks.
Check under dash in case of leaks.

Two up front near the radiator support and two inside the car on the panels below the dash. The crash may not have generated enough force to set the system off, it takes at least 3 times the force of gravity, that is about a 7 MPH crash.

As the plastic gets old, it weakens and degrades. Eventually, it cannot hold the pressure, and it will split. You simply have to replace the radiator with a new one.

It could be just air in the system, or it could be the heater matrix just by your feet, fitted central dash, check to see if the two water pipes that go into the car from the engine compartment are hot if there is only one that is then thats your problem, but if they are both cold the problem is more to do with where the water is coming from, please let me know how you get on

WARNING Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high pressure coolant escaping from the radiator.
To remove and install thermostat, refer to illustration and water pump procedure.




Fig. Exploded view of water pump and thermostat components-1.6L engine



Fig. Exploded view of thermostat and components-1.8L engine




Fig. Exploded view of thermostat and components-2.0L engine


Removal & Install

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Drain the cooling system.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove the lower radiator hose.
5. Remove the water inlet and take out the thermostat.
6. To install perform the following:
   Install gum ring to thermostat Install thermostat with jiggle valve or air bleeder at upper side
   
7. To complete installation, reverse remaining removal procedure.
8. Fill the cooling system.
9. After installation, run engine for a few minutes and check for leaks.

Hope helped with this (remember rated this) Good luck.

Hi! yeah this might help... but your radiator does'nt dissolved much water because of formed scale deposits.... try to drain or maybe check for leaks before changing the thermostat... Thermostat don't easily broken....