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Today at Atelier Kaz - Private NSX Enthusiast, ex-Honda R&D engineer with F1, Indy/CART background

Eng Refresh, Health Check, etc 01

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Started to work on another NSX from last week.
The service menu is to carry out the Eng Refresh, Health Check, Cooling Sys OH, etc.


As I have never serviced this NSX, started with the Health Check or I should say I already spotted big issue on arrival.
When the owner arrived at my place (eng still hot), the coolant level was already below MIN.





After cooled the engine down, the coolant level went down further to this level.

The owner told me that he checked the level before leaving but noticed the smell of coolant on several occasions so seemed like leaking slowly in the past.




Once again, it was leaking from the radiator.......
Unlike most of the leakage, this one looked to be leaking from around front centre bottom side of the radiator so possibly something hit the plastic tank through the front opening???
Having said this, this NSX is the face lifted model so it has meshed barrier at the lower end of the front opening so very unlikely for something to be able to damage the bottom tank.....


Any way, another good example.
Please have your radiator checked and replaced before it fails.

If you think you are still fine because you own face lifted models (2002 – 2005), think twice.
This NSX is the face lifted model.



Making paddle on my garage floor....


I only placed the order for the Koyo Racing radiator a few weeks ago and now I need another one very soon so contacted the same vendor in US.
The shop told me that it is on back order at Koyo USA with unknown lead time....


There are several vendors selling the same V2032 Koyo radiator in stock in US but I have no experience with them and after discussing this with the owner, we decided to buy it through 'drmikey' as he can get one for us. Just waiting for the delivery.

Thank you for the prompt support drmikey, and as I dealt with him on several occasions, the owner was also happy knowing that I had good experience with his company.





The seal at the header tank cap was also dead. The owner already had new one bought through me so it will be replaced.



As I didn't know whether the air managed to get inside the cooling system or not, checked all four bleeder points and fortunately, there was no air at all so that was a relief.




As a precaution, carried out Eng Block test as well. Before/after the test, the fluid stayed blue with no hint of yellow tone so no exhaust in the coolant and happy with the head gasket.
(Should have used the same lighting before taking the photo.....)


As I'll be draining the coolant for the Eng Refresh, just topped it up with soft water in preparation for the test driving session before the Health Check.

Comments

  1. PeterW's Avatar
    Hi Kaz, I also recently tried to order a radiator from the supplier you previously used and they were out of stock. I bought one instead from Mueller Motorwerks on Amazon and it worked out fine. They were slightly more expensive .... $20 or so from memory, but they had the rad in stock.

    Peter
  2. Kaz-kzukNA1's Avatar
    Hi, PeterW. Thank you for the information.
    It would be nice if you can share extra info such as;
    Which courier company did they use and how long did it take to arrive at your place?
    Did amazon (or the seller) allow you to pay the UK Customs fee to at the time of order or did you pay it once the pakcage landed in UK?
    Any extra info will be appreciated as I have a feeling that I'll need to order several radiators in the future.

    Kaz
  3. PeterW's Avatar
    Hi Kaz,

    I had the radiator delivered to the home address of a colleague in the US and then I brought it back as a piece of hold baggage when returning from a business trip. You don't have to pay UK tax or duty on items you carry with you up to a value of £390. The rad worked out at £243 including US federal and state tax.
    So I'm afraid I can't answer most of your questions, but at least I can say the transaction with Mueller Motorwerks was satisfactory.

    Peter
  4. Kaz-kzukNA1's Avatar
    Thank you for the feedback, PeterW. Still, very useful to know.
    Amazon and ebay offer the delivery with Customs charge pre-paid depending on the item/vendor so will see what's available across the pond.
    I just found that Koyo Japan lists NSX radiator with completely different parts no but still at 36mm thickness that is the same as V2032 from Koyo USA.
    With current exchange rate, it may turn out better to get it from Japan although I have never bought one from there......

    Another owner just spotted coolant dripping on the floor and in hunt for the radiator so I'm quite sure this info will help.

    Once again, thank you.

    Regards,
    Kaz