I have been struggling with an overheating problem with my 96 Sentra
with 1.6 liter engine.  It has 120 k miles and has been a reliable and
well running automobile, until this problem.

I have been doing quite a few things to isolate the problem including
having radiator checked out at a shop, changing the thermostat,
checking the operation of the electric fans (they both work), and
changing out the water pump.   Today I checked out the lower hose from
the radiator and after removing it I noticed that it was not
reinforced.   I bought this car used so some things were installed by
the previous owner.   I know that because the lower hose is the
suction side of the water pump, it should be reinforced.   Could this
be the source of my problem?

I noticed that the pipe feeding the water pump (to which the lower
radiator hose was attached) had rusty colored water in it (as did the
exit part of the lower radiator hose).   Would this indicate a reduced
flow of radiator fluid?   I would appreciate thoughts on this matter.

Al Kondo