sicivic89

iTrader: (58)

Earlier today I started up my 1995 Maxima and while it was warming up I got under the car just to look around to look for leaks. I noticed a small coolant leak. It was a small drip coming down the block and onto the right front corner of the oil pan, the corner near the right front head light. It was a small drip and I looked around the whole engine compartment but couldn't find where the leak was coming from. I drove the car for five minutes and it got up to operating temp. With the car still running i checked again and the leak had stopped. Any ideas where this could be coming from?

I checked the coolant hoses that go into the side of the block and they do not seem to be leaking.

CRiME

iTrader: (21)

that leak is indicative of failed water pump seals. it's best to just replace the pump itself, because an oem pump is just about $75. you can do it yourself, but it is kind of involved. I had mine installed for $375. mine leaked in the same manner, sometimes it would drip, mostly when the car was just started or when i'd shut it off. i'd also see a small puddle under the car in the mornings. there is a replacement writeup in the how-to stickies.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (10)

Yep, water pump, did mine last week. If you want to do it yourself, it's a minor headache even if you have mechanical experience. If you've never done more than an oil change you'll probably be better off paying a shop. Because you have a 95, you may want to buy the updated timing chain tensioner kit. Use the new tensioner but not the new guide.

Dave

sicivic89

iTrader: (58)

I just read the stickies on the water pump. So the water pump can leak coolant even though its behind the timing chain cover? Wouldn't the water leak into the oil then? Or does the water pump leak from in between the block and timing chain cover?

Anyone have an explored view of the VQ30 engine? Maybe that would explain it

dgeesaman

iTrader: (10)

The water pump has 2 o-rings between the timing chain (oil) and coolant passages (water).

The region in between the o-rings is normally dry. There is an escape passage to drain that area to the outside. What you're seeing is a leaking inner o-ring that's draining a little coolant.

sicivic89

iTrader: (58)

Ok, thats explains it. Thanks!