Circulation problem

Tiny
THOMAS KNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 NISSAN FRONTIER
  • 50 MILES
Truck gets hot very fast, thought it was the water pump. Figured I'd take car of two issues. So I did the thermostat as well. Still overheating. Figured out there's no circulation. I've been through three water pumps and two thermostats. Still having the same issue. Has a new motor because I warped the head on the old one and at 197,000 mains there was no point in trying to save it just not cost attractive or worth it. Still having the same issue. Bypassed the heater core tested thermostat. Everything seems to be functioning but still no circulation. I'm stumped. I'm mechanically inclined, swapped the motors myself so I feel stupid having to even ask what could possibly be going on
Sunday, May 5th, 2019 AT 7:37 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

You could have a plugged radiator or a serious restriction in the cooling system somewhere impeding the flow of the coolant. You might want to try doing a flush and fill on your cooling system and see if that helps. I have included a link for you to go to down below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Please go through this guide and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Sunday, May 5th, 2019 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
THOMAS KNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Radiator was flushed. Is it possible that the wax pellet on the intake manifold is bad and causing airlock? I've honestly done my homework and am mechanically inclined but I generally drive Chevrolet and never dealt with a Nissan. I know to elevate the front end and get the air out of the system and can generally diagnose these type of problems, cooling systems aren't really to difficult which is why I'm stumped. There's the normal run through diagnosis and trouble shooting, which is what you're suggesting I do, and have already done so is there something more creative than the basics that can cause lost of circulation.
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Sunday, May 5th, 2019 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

You're right. Cooling systems aren't that complex and are usually easy to figure out. I've double checked to see if there was a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) or anything out of the ordinary with this cooling system and have nothing special about it. I've included everything that I could find in either of our resources that might be helpful in the diagrams down below. Save that, an air pocket that is impeding coolant flow would be my guess. I hope this information helps.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Monday, May 6th, 2019 AT 2:26 AM
Tiny
THOMAS KNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ah but an air pocket it is not, I assure you. I've had that issue in the past so made sure I hour all the air out when I filled the system. Front end elevated all that good stuff. I thought I might be missing something so I already have the diagrams etc, but thank you. Here's a stumper, when I replaced the thermostat I was getting everything cleaned up and ready to reassemble when I noticed that the couple drops off antifreeze the were left sitting in the thermostat housing had almost solidified, it turned into a gel, similar to the gel in a cold compress medical pack.
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Monday, May 6th, 2019 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Okay, are you talking about electrolysis?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Monday, May 6th, 2019 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
THOMAS KNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
So replaced the radiator flushed the heel out of my system and I think I found my issue. I believe it's my cluster panel. It went crazy I started it and I know I had half a tank of gas but it read at empty, the tachometer was red lined and when I drove it the speedometer wouldn't get over 10 mph. The temperature gauge maxed out, dropped to below operating temperature then back to hot then down to operating temperature then bounced around a bit. Now they're normal again except the temperature gauge. It starts out cold the gradually moves up to behind overt heating. I popped the radiator cap and to my surprise the ease 0 expansion with the fluid so I stick my finger in it and it was Luke warm but the gauge was reading well over 210.
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Tuesday, May 7th, 2019 AT 10:16 PM
Tiny
THOMAS KNAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Good news is that if anything, I have a new cooling system and a bad cluster panel. Oh and the check engine light came on the transmission's speed sensor, which is another sign, along with the other issues, that the cluster panel went south.
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Tuesday, May 7th, 2019 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Check out ground #200 and #203. They are by the left and right kick panels respectfully. I have included the ground distribution wiring diagram for your vehicle in the diagrams down below.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 AT 1:09 AM

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