1998 maxima oil on the engine issue
#1
1998 maxima oil on the engine issue
My mechanic told me that I have a number of leaks in the engine...they ran a dye test and discovered that. Other than that the engine is fine and the car runs fine...its not leaking oil to the ground. But when the engine gets hot it starts to smoke a bit and you can see some it coming from under the hood you can also smell burnt oil.
My mechanic said it would cost about 2k to replace the points where the leaks are coming from...so far I've been just living with it since i can't afford that but is there some kind of sealant or something I could use? anyone else have this issue?
My mechanic said it would cost about 2k to replace the points where the leaks are coming from...so far I've been just living with it since i can't afford that but is there some kind of sealant or something I could use? anyone else have this issue?
#3
The oil isn't hitting the ground because it's hitting the hot exhaust components which is causing the burning/smoking. More than likely it's your valve covers. Start there. Can easily be replaced in 4 hours time if you're mechanically inclined and have the basic set of metric sockets. Cost of valve cover gaskets will be under $40. Just be sure to follow the Factory Service Manual (FSM) for the torque sequence and torque spec (in-lbs, not ft lbs) as those bolts break easy.
FSM in signature.
FSM in signature.
#4
The oil isn't hitting the ground because it's hitting the hot exhaust components which is causing the burning/smoking. More than likely it's your valve covers. Start there. Can easily be replaced in 4 hours time if you're mechanically inclined and have the basic set of metric sockets. Cost of valve cover gaskets will be under $40. Just be sure to follow the Factory Service Manual (FSM) for the torque sequence and torque spec (in-lbs, not ft lbs) as those bolts break easy.
FSM in signature.
FSM in signature.
#7
thats EXACTLY WHAT HE SAID. The valve covers... and no unfortunately I'm not mechanically inclined and the 4 hour time frame seems to justify the high price of fixing it for a mechanic.... is there an alternative..some kind of stop leak fluid for the engine? you know something dummies can do.
There is no magic stop leak solution that's proven to work. Time to shop around for a more honest mechanic.
#9
So reading your thread and i see you have a big oil leak from what it sounds like you might have oil leaking on the exhaust smoke coming up. Oil leaking out of the engine valve covers and your now smoking up everywhere. Holy mother of gods this job that's gonna cost you 2k. This is a total rip off. Rear valve cover job can start from 280-350$ it also depends each mechanic will vary with the price. The front valve covers 150-180$ varys on shop and mechanics but $2k that's a highway robbery. If you were here in the dmv i would do it for a reasonable price.
Last edited by vqmaxman; 06-29-2017 at 05:41 PM.
#12
Haha $2k for valve cover replacement is a mechanic's ripoff dream. (might as well replace the whole engine for $2k with new seals and whatnot if that's the case)
Replace both valve covers and it'll run you $350-no more than $550 for sure.
Replace both valve covers and it'll run you $350-no more than $550 for sure.
#15
Where your arrow is pointing Nissan requires RTV to be placed (in the corner of the valve cover), so I'm not surprised that it's leaking there. Once you review the FSM and take it apart, it will all make sense.
#16
#17
Since your gonna get some work done to your car. If it's you or whomever make sure you take the car to the wash and get it cleaned up back there and check for anything else like powersteering pump leaks ect. Goodluck on the job.
#18
Also if I get the valve cover replaced would that do something about the check engine light?? I've had the EGR valve replaced and a few other repairs but the light is still on.
#21
#22
Just how do you think the rest of us started working on cars? We were not born with a wrench in our hand, and the knowledge of how to do it.
We started by reading about how to do things, tgen trying them. All the knowledge you will need is right here on this forum.
You tube has many car repair clips. Including 4th gen maximas. Watch someone fix your issue, then do it your self. All you need is a smart phone or laptop with wifi.
We started by reading about how to do things, tgen trying them. All the knowledge you will need is right here on this forum.
You tube has many car repair clips. Including 4th gen maximas. Watch someone fix your issue, then do it your self. All you need is a smart phone or laptop with wifi.