Where's the Coolant Coming From?
 

I was crawling around under my '97 Maxima this morning and noticed some drips on the bottom of the oilpan (forward edge). At first I thought it was oil, but upon closer inspection it was coolant.

I couldn't see where it was coming from, but I suspect the water pump. At 215,000 miles, it's never been changed. The last couple of oil changes, I've noticed the need to add a few ounces of coolant.

Any other likely places where the coolant could be coming from?

This is the VQ30DE engine with the timing chain-driven water pump. Wouldn't a leak from the water pump end up in the crankcase in this situation? Or is there some way it leaks to the outside?

It sounds like a bear to change a water pump on this engine. Is this something I should just take to the dealer? I'm pretty handy with a wrench, but some jobs just aren't worth the aggravation. Is this one of those?

Thanks.

The timing cover and water pump are designed such that leaks exit at the bottom of the front cover, by the oil pan.

If it's leaking there, then most likely it is indeed your water pump. It's not a hard job, per se, it's more so the available space (or lack thereof) in which you have.

Thank you! :thumbsup: