I recently replaced the head gaskets on my 04 G35x. I got the car running and driving but I'm buttoning things up little by little. One of the things I haven't done is install the lower engine shield. I've noticed that my lower radiator hose is hot after driving on the highway as if my radiator is NOT providing adequate cooling. I'm not overheating and the fans aren't running but the cooling system is running at "capacity" in cool 70 degree weather.

What I want to know if anyone has any experience with the lower engine shield making a difference on cooling. If you have, please do reply and tell me in your experience what difference it has made or not.

Thanks in advance.

 

Your lower radiator hose is supposed to be hot after the car is warmed up / driving for a while. All that is telling you is that the thermostat has opened up and is letting coolant flow from the radiator back into the block. If that hose were cold after driving for a while then you'd have a problem. I think you're fine.

Btw, kudos on the DIY headgasket install

 

Engine shield is to protect you engine vitals from being damaged plus it keeps your engine clean...er! What's 70 degree weather in July like?
Gary

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, the lower shield does aid in air flow allowing your radiator to work optimally. Without it, air coming in through the bumper openings can escape below the radiator instead of flowing through it. It's not just there to keep your engine clean as some people seem to believe (although it is a side effect).

Here's an article testing out cooling upgrades on a different Nissan engine, it's mainly about different radiators and clutch vs e-fans. However one fact they found is very relevant to your question: "Proper ducting of the air entering the radiator can instantly drop the radiator temperatures 20-25 ºF."

http://www.enginebasics.com/Advanced...omparison.html

 

I'm having trouble installing mine after an oil change. The front lines up fine but the back with metal section is giving me trouble. It's the stock one.

Can anyone help me? Thanks.

Not my pic.

 

I personally wouldn't worry about it. The hose is going to be hot with 200* F coolant flowing through it.

If it concerns you, get a code scanner than can read live data and hook it up. See what you are getting on the coolant sensor. Usually mine is around 200*F all the time

 

I have live streamed the coolant temp. My car likes to run at 187 if it can help it. Around 205 or so, the second stage fans come on so my car has never exceeded that temp. Depending on the weather, it's around 190 something..

I usually drive a truck and I know the cooling systems on trucks are much more "robust" lol but my lower coolant hose never gets hot so when I was checking the G I was surprised how easily the cooling system heats up.

The car was designed to be driven with the lower engine cover in place. Without it, the air can easily escape under the car without going through the radiator. I have a feeling once I install the engine cover, I will notice a SLIGHT decrease in temp. The reason I haven't installed it is because I wanted to drive around for a bit and make sure there were no leaks. The engine cover is a pain to get on and off especially when you are working under just a pair of ramps.

Thanks again for the help!!!!

 

I dont drive in traffic or city, all highway commute. I havent had mine n for several years due to being damaged. I have never overheated or had a code thrown. 191k and going strong.

 

I've driven without one for years both N/A and boosted, and haven't noticed a difference in cooling with it on or off. I currently have an aluminum one installed for 2 reasons: it helps keep the engine bay somewhat clean and it helps support the front bumper, especially useful since the bumper scrapes all the time.