The fan in front of the radiator (i.e. front of car between small cooler (oil cooler ?) and first big radiator (intercooler??)). Is that supposed to be on all the time ? Just noticed while I was looking for the radiator leak, that only the back one (nearest engine) is spinning. I'm wondering if it's this that has caused the overheating/boiling of water and pressure increase that has caused the radiator leak in the first place ?

 

Again, I seem to have a relay for it, but can't see a fuse.

 

 

The big fan (behind the radiator and nearest to the engine) should always be spinning.

the small one in front of the radiator (the one you can't see directly) should spin only when it's overheating.

 

If the small one is blowing constantly then you have a dodgy coolant sensor/connector

 

Since you suspect you have a coolant leak, I would have it checked out though !

Since Z's are running very hot, very quick and if you have a serious leak it takes very little to do some serious engine-damage

 

-Eric

 

thanks. yeh figured as much. Probably as per my 1/2/3 thing. Reckon that front fan wasn't coming on at all. I would hardly even notice as I'm never in traffic, but yesterday was stuck in it for 40 mins or so, not moving. Combination of that, and a faulty radiator cap has blown the rad. I reckon. When I got back to the house the car was making weird ticking noises, the temp gauge was high (in top quarter) and I could hear water boiling. I left the fan running (engine off) to let it cool, but it is at that stage that the pressure should have been release by the cap I know realise. It started leaking about then. I don't think the engine is damaged. I got back before it actually overheated.. but it was close.

 

As you say, I'm taking care. I have another car, so it's not over being used. I'll just top the rad. up and take it round to nissan on tuesday. That's the 3rd time I've had coolant problems.... first the water pump went, then a coolant hose went (400 quid as they had to remove gearbox/turbos to get to it) and now this....

 

stu