Oil Leak Pictures
 

175k miles I think alternator went bad and when I removed it the thing had oil all over it. I have never replaced any gaskets and would like input on where you guys think I'm leaking from, it looks like the sources are near the crank pulley and directly above the alternator

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....1793fdcab2.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....d7d7b19d25.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....e4eed141cd.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....e4e52cc91c.jpg

You should replace both valve cover gaskets and camshaft position sensor gasket.

thanks, I'm still fairly new to car maintenance and what are my options for getting those locally? or in general I know there are people on the org that are part suppliers do you know of any that are still active?

Get the camshaft position sensor gasket OEM from a dealer or online OEM so you get the exact size (will be ~$6). For the valve cover gaskets, Felpro works well...This is what I used a couple years ago:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/f...e+cover+gasket

Edit:
You may have other leaks as well, but these two are obvious.

I'm calling cam/valve cover gasket(s) and likely the upper oil pan gasket.

There may be others but due to the mess one can't really tell.

This is one of those classic situations wherein a clean engine bay can be exceedingly helpful.

My advice would be to start with the cam/valve cover gaskets. Once those are replaced, clean the sh*t out of that motor then keep an eye on things.

1st pic looks like potential for front crank seal needing to be replaced. I had a similar condition where the crank sensor kept getting covered with oil and road grim, and therefore impacting starting. Unfortunately, to replace the front crank seal, the flywheel pulley needs to come off.
If you remove the flywheel pulley, check the rubber between the two pulleys for deterioration, and replace if needed.

Does it smell like fuel? Sometime injectors can leak and dump fuel into the cylinder and it winds up mixing into the oil somehow thinning it and eating at the sealant.

I just pulled that rusted coolant pipe from my 5th gen and it was seized into the fitting. Mine both have to be replAced completely!

When I do a mid-life refresh, I refinish the coolant pipes using VHT header primer and paint so they won't corrode or rust years later.

Here's a thread about it below.

https://maxima.org/forums/4th-genera...ter-pipes.html

https://maxima.org/forums/4th-genera...ml#post9130500

Three years later..

Attachment 12086

Thanks for the links! I cut the ends off of them and now running 3/4" hose from the ends across the front over the exhaust to the heater core/water control regulator.
I gotta buy a T for the return from the throttle coolant. They apparently have 3/4" stainless steel flex pipe too