ISSUE:

1. Radiator fluid leaking through what appears to be around the rear timing chain cover area near the upper oil pan cover.

Video 1 of 2


Video 2 of 2


Oil pan diagram from the 1995 Nissan Maxima FSM


Fixed the mysterious radiator fluid leak. There was a bolt that is somewhat hidden and was causing the leak. I put a 14mm bolt to stop the radiator fluid from leaking.


FACTS:

1. To start I just finished doing a valve job on my car.
2. While removing the rear timing chain cover I broke the upper oil pan cover. I got a replacement upper chain cover from the junk yard and installed the replacement upper oil pan cover.
3. I installed a new water pump along with the water pump oil rings.

QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS:

1. Where is this radiator fluid leaking from?
2. I currently have Royal Purple motor oil in my car and have not made any attempt to turn on the car. Can I recycle my motor oil or is it no good?
3. Should I start by removing the lower oil pan cover and see if I can fix it there? Maybe I forgot a bolt that goes from the inside of the lower oil pan cover up to the rear timing chain cover?

Thanks

EDIT 01: Added Oil pan diagram from the 1995 Nissan Maxima FSM

 

water pump...there are no hoses there from what i remember. The upper water inlet/thermostat housing can leak, but if its behinde the cover its wp. I see the red rtv, could have possibly pintched the o-ring for the pump.

 

How should I fix this? I am going to remove the little water pump window and see if I can see anything.


Thank you both for your speedy replies/feedback.

 

deleted first post because after watching the second video it appears it is originating from somewhere near the water pump. Hard to tell. If it was the hose I was talking about it would be leaking and dripping behind the engine not near the WP

 

Is my motor oil toast?

How is the water leaking though? I swear I put RTV between everything. Is there a special little gap that is designed to let water out without crossing it with the motor oil?

 

likely you didn't RTV right. Did you re-use gaskets? Probably going to have to re-do the job unfortunately and double check everything

 

No way to actually tell, let it sit over night, And then drain the oil, IF water comes out first then youll have your answer.But chances are, yes

 

I did not reuse any gaskets. Do you think the issue is with the RTV from the rear timing chain cover or the front timing chain cover?

Thanks

 

The RTV doesnt matter in this case because, the water is leaking at the actual o rings for the pump, Your going to have to either take it back apart if you want to actually see the problem or you could back the tensioner and chain off and pull the pump out, re-ring it or get a new one.

 

I was able to fix the leaking radiator fluid. It turned out to be a bolt which is hidden. Please see the following video which gives more details:



Thanks everyone for the help.


For those interested in a closer look of the hidden bolt here is this video: