How to Check for Cooling System Leaks in a Nissan Sentra

Iskandar Blogger 6:03 PM

Keeping the cooling system of your Nissan Sentra in top working order requires periodic maintenance checks. Inspecting the area beneath your normal parking place is a simple way to check for cooling system leaks and may help you discover leakage that could cause permanent damage to your engine. However, this is just a start, further scrutiny is necessary.

Instructions

    1

    Prop open the hood of the Nissan Sentra, grab a flashlight and check all the visible areas of the radiator for leaks. Look for fresh coolant, discoloration or corrosion on the radiator, which indicate there's a leak. Inspect the underside of the radiator as well, as rock and road debris can damage the radiator.

    2

    Check the hoses and clamps that connect to the radiator, engine block and heater core for any signs of leakage. These hoses can become loose due to engine vibration. Damaged hoses will have bulges, cracks or splits; however, there can be pinhole and pinch leaks that only surface just after cooling system use. Again, look for any fresh coolant, corrosion or discoloration that indicates a coolant leak.

    3

    Inspect the water pump and gasket seal for any possible leaks. The water pump is between the engine and the radiator, but behind the engine fan. The gasket seal secures the connection between the engine block and water pump. Once again, examine these parts for corrosion, fresh coolant or discoloration due to cooling system leaks in the Nissan Sentra.

    4

    Open the radiator and fill it to within an inch of overflowing with fresh coolant. Be certain the radiator is cool to the touch before opening it. Opening a radiator is very dangerous, as the internal pressure can cause an eruption and burn anyone in the area. Remove the cap very cautiously by turning it one full revolution, stepping away, waiting a minute, and then removing the cap completely.

    5

    Turn on the engine of the Nissan Sentra with the heater set to high. Allow it to run for about 15 minutes. Shut the engine off and inspect the hoses, water pump, gasket seal and radiator one more time. If the leak is still not evident, take the Sentra to a cooling system specialist for further diagnostics.