Coolant leak

HAZELEYEDONE1

MEMBER
2006 NISSAN XTERRA
3.6L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
108,000 MILES

My 2006 Nissan Xterra is leaking antifreeze from bottom of flywheel where it connects to internal frame ( no doubt ) I've put water in radiator and get under it in time to see ( EXACTLY WHERE)and it's the plastic bottom side of flywheel. It has pulled away enough to ( release coolant from radiator. I have pushed it together and it looks like that will solve problem. Here's the real problem I'm in a PARKING LOT ON A SUNDAY 45 MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE! PLEASE HELP ME PLEASE, Eric Wilkening. Thanks

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,407 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2carpros.com

I'm not completely sure I understand. Are you referring to the bottom plastic tank on the radiator or do you see coolant leaking in the rear bottom of the engine where the transmission and engine connect. That is where the flywheel is located.

If it is the radiator, the plastic tank is crimped on to the actual radiator (metal part) and usually not repairable. If it is the radiator, here are the directions for replacement. I realize you are in an area you can't replace it in, but I'm adding them in case you replace it at home. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

Here is a link that shows how in general one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle.

RADIATOR

pic 1

WARNING: Do not remove radiator cap when engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high-pressure engine coolant escaping from radiator. Wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn it a quarter of a turn to release built-up pressure. Carefully remove radiator cap by turning it all the way.

REMOVAL
1. Remove engine cover with power tool.
2. Drain engine coolant from radiator.

CAUTION:
Perform this step when engine is cold.
Do not spill engine coolant on drive belts.

3. Remove air duct and air cleaner case assembly.
4. Remove reservoir tank hose.
5. Removal radiator hoses (upper and lower) and reservoir tank hose.

CAUTION: Be careful not to allow engine coolant to contact drive belts.

6. Remove radiator cooling fan assembly.
7. Disconnect A/T fluid cooler hoses. (A/T models)
Install blind plug to avoid leakage of A/T fluid.

pic 2

8. Remove the upper mount bracket bolts.

pic 3

9. Remove the two A/C condenser bolts.
10. Remove radiator as follows:

CAUTION: Do not damage or scratch A/C condenser and radiator core when removing.

pic 4

a. With lifting and pulling radiator in a rear direction, disassemble lower mount from radiator core support center.

CAUTION: Because A/C condenser is onto the front-lower portion of radiator, moving to rear direction should be at minimum.

pic 5

b. Lift A/C condenser up and remove radiator after disengaging the fitting as front-bottom surface.

CAUTION: Lifting A/C condenser should be minimum to prevent a load to A/C piping.

c. After removing radiator, put A/C condenser on radiator core support center to prevent a load to A/C piping, and temporarily fix it with rope or similar means.

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
Check for leaks of engine coolant using tool.
Start and warm up engine. Visually check there are no leaks of engine coolant and A/T fluid.

_____________________________________

Let me know if the radiator is the problem or if it is something different. Also, if you replace the radiator, it is a good idea to replace the radiator hoses if they are old.
Regardless, I hope this helps.

Take care,
Joe

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