2001 Nissan Xterra Repair Question
Mileage: 150,000 miles.
Overheating problem
Asked by rusty64Answer
I have come across these cars with radiator problems, being residue casting sand blocking the cores, you still appear to have reasonable flow, but the blockage is enough to cause problems, i would still get the radiator removed and flow tested, start here.
This is a problem with inefficient cooling and the most likely cause is a partially clogged radiator. 2 years is a long time for sludged build-up, especially if no coolant had been used or they had been mixed with different brands.
thanks for your info..i installed a new radiator as you suggested went on a roadtrip same hill same heating problem,boil all the water out..no problem around town as i stated..anyother ideas..thanks for you time
You have done almost everything except the water pump. Have it checked to see if the impellers are worn.
i replaced the waterpump along with the headgaskets in november..
When did this overheating started? Was any repairs done prior to this ocurring?
Have you checked the radiator cooling fins for external clogging ?
Have you re checked for an ongoing head problem? don't discount this just because the heads have been done earlier.
as i stated i did the head gaskets in nov 2011 had no problem until june 2012 when car overheated on a grade.since then i've done a thermostat,fan clutch,and radiator.the water pump was replaced with the head gaskets in nov.I drove this same grade a few days ago and this vehicle overheated again,at that time i stopped and did a block check with the correct equip and it didn't show a head gasket problem.as i said no problem around town town with only on grade...
What was the average engine rpm when climbing the grade and what was the driving time?
not sure about the grade but it last for about a mile,someone suggested the trans converter was heating the fluid while on a grade.since the fluild runs through radiator i added a ext cooler an deleted the one in the radiator.well the vehicle still overheated on the hill.the rpm was probably in the 4000rpm range.