JeremiahMaximaSE

Hey guys,
My car has been sitting in my garage for the past 2 months and has not been driven at all. I opened up my garage today and noticed coolant leaking onto the floor of the garage. Before I bring this to the mechanic what should I be informed about or be looking for? My coolant level is about halfway in my tank and the color seems to be normal enough. It appears it is leaking about 18 inches or so from underneath the front of the car. Thanks in advance!
-Jeremiah
1995 Nissan Maxima SE

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

try to locate where its leaking from, that will help identify the amount of work that might be needed, or if its something you could repair yourself.

JeremiahMaximaSE

Thanks for the reply bro. It's really difficult to get underneath my car without investing in some jacks. I probably should finally do so, so I can have a better look. One of my buddies said that this can be expected during the cold weather and that something happens with the coolant hose expanding. I still think if that were the case...I might have to replace the hose?
-Jeremiah
1995 Nissan Maxima SE

Gismo-T

iTrader: (38)

From where your saying it's leaking, it's possible that the water pump is leaking through the weep hole. Mine was leaking when it was cold, but now has stopped.

Before next winter I'll replace both water pump & timing chain.

MaxiiMa

mine was leaking from the weep hole too, topped it up about 2 days ago, haven't leaked yet... but i've bought cooling system stop leak from canadiantire it seals minor leaks and if it does nothing than u need repairs. i've bought it just in case if it leaks again, than i'll throw in the stop leak and if the problem still presists than it'll go to the garage. but i think the o ring for water pump is a common problem. and most ppl dont complain in the summer.

konak85

iTrader: (10)

it could be something simple like a cracked hose or thermostat. Theres a good possibility that the water pump needs to be replaced, which is something a mechanoc should do. If it is water pump, tell the mech to check the timing chain guide and tensioner, these are known to go bad on high mileage VQs.

JeremiahMaximaSE

Thanks again guys. Connecticut just got hit with a major snowstorm. As soon as the roads clear and dry up I'll have my mechanic just take a look at it. I appreciate all the feeback!! Have a good weekend!!
-Jeremiah
1995 Nissan Maxima SE

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

change your water pump, thermostat, timing chain, valve covers, radiator, rear 2 tires and the upper portion of your back seat. (Just following the redicuous suggestions already made based on not even seeing the vehicle)

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

oh, and dont forget your radio antenna. that could be the problem too.

Gismo-T

iTrader: (38)

From what he's saying & a known problem with Maxima's, it's most likely the waterpump! I'f that is the problem, it's a good idea to take care of the timing chain also while the pump is removed, since they stretch with over 100 k.

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

a stretched chain (made of metal).....a water pump failing that hasn't been spinning (must have an expiration date like milk).

Gismo-T

iTrader: (38)

His car beeing a 95, your saying the waterpump is still good?
Yes, the chain does s***ch w/ over 150k & the tensioner does get weaker!

BTW: It's just a suggestion, not saying that's his problem.
Everything has an exp. time, not date!!!

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

From what he said he came out and saw coolant on the floor. he said nothing else. and from that you get the water pump? the car wasnt even moving. and tensioners go bad. not chains. you can fk up your chain by not having enough oil but thats about it. and yes after 150k his waterpump could be fine.

Gismo-T

iTrader: (38)

It could be that from day 1 after parking the vehicle it could have leaked, and he just noticed after moving it out of the garage. Excuse me
Mr. Goodwrench , the tensioner goes bad. Like I said before, it's just a suggestion to look at the pump & while he's there replace the TENSIONER

I'm done here!

RBpoweredS14

I own several Nissans, and have never replaced a chain... Just the tensioners... Recently replaced the water pump, thermostat, and tensioners on my 96 Max SE 200,800 miles. So I agree with 2da mizzax chains DONT stretch, tensioners go bad.

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

Mechanic: What can I do for you today?

JeremiahMaximaSE: Yeah I need my water pump changed and my timing chain changed.

Mechanic: Okay. That'll be $800 labor + parts.

JeremiahMaximaSE: Damn I guess it has to get done.

Mechanic's Inner Soul: I should tell him its nothing more than a leaky hose, but if he is dumb enough to tell me he needs his water pump and timing chain changed, I'm smart enough to take the money.

JeremiahMaximaSE: Thanks Gismo-T

Gismo-T

iTrader: (38)

Hey boy, he asked what he should be looking for? From where he say's the leak may be, I suggested the waterpump! If that is the problem, then it's a good idea to change the Tensioner while he's there, so It doesn't need to be taken apart a second time!

JeremiahMaximaSE

I think I have enough information to go on. I'll post the results as to what the problem was for future reference for other people to view in the same event! Thanks again to all who commented, much appreciated.
-Jeremiah
1995 Nissan MaximaSE

MaxiiMa

some one could've just spilled some antifreeze under his car... mayb just for fun...
to check the waterpump was a suggestion, to replace the timing belt which might as well be done because there is no extra labor because you're already there when doing the pump is a good idea. timing chain is about $74. the labor to do it again after not doing it when u did the pump is around or over $150 easily.

and ofcourse you will check the waterpump after you are done checking the hoses and rad, hoping that its not your waterpump.

my car is over 300000km's and the waterpump is still fine. it leaks. but its good. a crappy tire rad stop leak formula stopped the leak.