Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: Thermostat and thermostat housing
Removal and Installation
- Gasket
- Thermostat assembly (water inlet)
WARNING: Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high pressure engine coolant escaping from the radiator. Wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap. Slowly turn it a quarter of a turn to release built-up pressure. Carefully remove radiator cap by turning it all the way.
CAUTION: Perform when engine is cool.
NOTE: When removing components such as hoses, tubes/lines, etc., cap or plug openings to prevent fluid from spilling.
REMOVAL
- Drain coolant from radiator. Refer to CO-11, "Changing Engine Coolant".
- Disconnect reservoir hose and remove reservoir tank.
- Disconnect the harness connector from the VTC solenoid (LH).
- Disconnect lower radiator hose from thermostat assembly.
- Remove thermostat assembly (water inlet).
CAUTION: Do not disassemble thermostat assembly (water inlet).
Replace them as a unit, if necessary.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
- Place a thread so that it is caught in the valves of the thermostat.
Immerse fully in a container filled with water. Heat while stirring.
- The valve opening temperature is the temperature at which the valve opens and the thermostat falls from the thread.
- Continue heating. Check the full-open lift amount. NOTE: The full-open lift amount standard temperature for the thermostat is the reference value.
- After checking the full-open lift amount, lower the water temperature and check the valve closing temperature.
- If valve seating at measured values are out of standard range, replace water inlet and thermostat assembly.
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
- Install thermostat with jiggle valve facing upward.
- After installation refill engine coolant and check for leaks. Refer to CO-11, "Changing Engine Coolant" and CO-10, "System Inspection".
CAUTION: Do not spill coolant in engine compartment. Use a shop cloth to absorb coolant.
