My 97 SE(258,000 miles) has developed a very slight coolant leak. It drops about a dime size of coolant a day on the garage floor. I'm taking it to the dealer late next week. Anybody have any guesses as to what it might be? Still has the orginal water pump in it, do you think it could be that?

 

With 258,000 miles, you are lucky to be only a drop of coolant. Where is it leaking from. It could be the water pump, at which point it would leak from the timing chain cover.

 

I had a leak like this one, but it only leaked a lil for that one day. For some reason it stopped, coolant level is normal and my hoses look good. I check my coolant level everyday now to b on the safe side. My leak was between the AC compressor and the oil pan.

 

I assume you've checked the easy stuff, like the radiator hoses?

 

I have not checked anything yet. I am not mechanically inclined so I leave that stuff to the Nissan Dealer. Just trying to guage the depth of problem and how bad they are going to stick it to me.

 

Do you hold the record for the most miles on a 4th gen Maxima? 258,000 miles You've driven around the world 10 times

DW

 

"Do you hold the record for the most miles on a 4th gen Maxima? 258,000 miles "

I don't think I hold the record but let's just say I've never come across anybody with more.

 

It's good to hear that with all that mileage, all you have is minor issues, like this coolant problem.

If your water pump is indeed going, your car should be overheating as well, or getting warmer than normal. The water pump sits in the timing chain cover. one side of the water pump has its gears drivien by the timing chain. That same side is immersed in motor oil. The other side is the impeller shoving the coolant around. When the water pump goes, the seal that keeps these 2 areas separate starts to break down, and motor oil starts to mix with coolant and vice versa. I find it an incredible piece of engineering that the water pump sits between two hot liquidy areas and keeps both sides completely isolated during its service life.

DW

 

"It's good to hear that with all that mileage, all you have is minor issues, like this coolant problem. "

Thank you for your help. I have to admit though that the above qoute would not be entirely honest if I confirmed it. I have had this car since new and I have an attachment to it. It was very reliable for the first 175,000 miles. Since then I have replaced most major components including transmission.

Grand total of service receipts since new(all services performed at factory Nissan dealer) exceeds $10,000 including Mobile 1 oil changes since day one. Crazy what you will spend on things you enjoy.