OK, my V6 lost about one quart of coolant on the way home last night from shopping. I immediately filled with distilled water and monitored the coolant temperature via open SID (very useful). Fortunately, there was no overheating and the car made it home without losing much coolant (the coolant level stayed roughly the same though there was a bit dripping as I backed into the garage). So I took a look at the potential culprits and found the coolant seeping out from the passenger side where the metal line connects with the plastic part of the radiator (lower radiator hose?).
A bit of search found that this is actually a fairly common problem with the V6. So I will replace the radiator but here are a few questions:
1. How many hours shall I budget if DIY? I've done the oil cooler job but I have to admit it took me a whole day...
2. Is the job done from above? Is it necessary to jack up the car?
3. Can I use hose clamps instead of draining coolant? How many clamps do I need?
4. I see that someone mentioned it's necessary to replace the four transmission cooler line washers. Is it true?
5. Anything else to replace while there?
6. Is Nissens an ok brand to use for V6 radiator? It seems it's the only available and affordable brand at the moment.
Thanks for your help!
A bit of search found that this is actually a fairly common problem with the V6. So I will replace the radiator but here are a few questions:
1. How many hours shall I budget if DIY? I've done the oil cooler job but I have to admit it took me a whole day...
2. Is the job done from above? Is it necessary to jack up the car?
3. Can I use hose clamps instead of draining coolant? How many clamps do I need?
4. I see that someone mentioned it's necessary to replace the four transmission cooler line washers. Is it true?
5. Anything else to replace while there?
6. Is Nissens an ok brand to use for V6 radiator? It seems it's the only available and affordable brand at the moment.
Thanks for your help!