How to Remove the Radiator in an Infiniti J30

Road debris, corrosion and rust can easily ruin the radiator in your Infiniti J30. In turn, a leaking or clogged radiator will fail to provide the engine with an adequate flow of lower temperature coolant and may cause it to overheat, leaving the engine at high risk of serious damage. Before it is too late, prevent expensive repairs to your J30 by removing the radiator for servicing. You can perform this job in your own driveway at home using a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack
• Jack stands (2)
• Drain pan
• Ratchet
• Ratchet extension
• Socket
• Rib joint pliers
• Distilled water (optional)
• Coolant (optional)

Instructions

Removing the Old Radiator

1. Park your Infiniti on a level surface and wait for the engine to cool down to avoid hot coolant from spraying out of the radiator while draining.

2. Raise the front end of your vehicle using a floor jack and support it on two jack stands.

3. Place a drain pan under the radiator in the direction of the drain plug. Loosen the plug and remove the radiator cap by hand. Allow the coolant to drain completely, tighten the drain plug then remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.

4. Store the drain pan in a safe place with a cover if you plan to reuse the coolant.

5. Remove the engine undercover using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

6. Detach the upper, lower and overflow radiator hoses. Use a pair of rib joint pliers to remove the clamps from the hoses at the radiator fittings, then twist and pull the hoses off the radiator.

7. Unscrew the lower radiator shroud using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

8. Unscrew the radiator mounting brackets using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

9. Remove the radiator from the engine compartment.

Installing the New Radiator

1. Set the radiator in place inside the engine compartment.

2. Tighten the radiator mounting brackets using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

3. Install the lower radiator shroud using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

4. Attach the upper, lower and overflow radiator hoses by hand. Then use the pair of rib joint pliers to secure the hoses with the clamps.

5. Replace the engine undercover using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

6. Lower your vehicle using the floor jack.

7. Refill the radiator with coolant. If you are replacing the old coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and antifreeze.

8. Check the radiator for leaks.

References

• "Chilton's Import Car Repair Manual, 1989-1993;" Kerry Freeman; 1992