Nissan Pulsar Engine Problems

THE factory radiator is the way to go. They can be had for about $180, which is cheap, and they're the best. Nissan service specialist Jerry Newman says electrolysis is usually caused by a stray electric current, probably as a result of a bad earth somewhere in the car. But he says it rarely occurs if you use the correct coolant at the correct level.

I WOULD have no concern about running your car on E5, or E10 for that matter. The amount of ethanol is so small it won't cause you any trouble. Nissan is being cautious. It doesn't want to open itself to claims later if owners have a problem.

COOLANT contains an antifreeze which protects the engine at low temperatures by preventing the coolant from freezing. It also raises the boiling point, giving you a little more safety at higher temperatures. Coolant contains a rust inhibitor which prevents corrosion on the cooling system. It's particularly important in alloy engines. Few engines, even older ones, had just water in the cooling system. They start out from the factory with a mix of water and a rust inhibitor. The only reason there might be straight water is if it has been topped up with water without any inhibitor. Regularly flush the cooling system and refill it with fresh coolant.

THE Avalon is successfully running on LPG in taxis, and Toyota offers a dual-fuel system as a dealer-fit option. The system is an Apollo Gas Products development, so contact Apollo for its recommended installer. The Pulsar is a little different. It can be converted, but finding a kit is a problem. We checked with Victorian Autogas Supplies, which is working on systems for cars such as the Pulsar. It can't say when it may have one.

I WOULD recommend using a fuel additive such as Valvemaster or Flashlube. They are available at your local servo and are easy to add to the fuel whenever you fill up.