5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Where is this oil coming from?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 10, 2013 | 10:42 AM
  #1  
joneill1975's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13
Where is this oil coming from?

I noticed that oil is leaking on the left side (radiator side) of my 2002 with the 3.5L engine. It is not coming from the valve cover gaskets as they have been replaced and show no evidence, but there is oil on the block below there. See the pics below.

This is the rear (furthest away from the belts) of the engine looking below the valve cover.
http://flic.kr/p/eaeSPn
http://flic.kr/p/eaeSNg

Here are some other shots.
http://flic.kr/p/eaeSMZ
http://flic.kr/p/eakxyL

Any ideas on where it is coming from?
Old Apr 10, 2013 | 11:04 AM
  #2  
MrEous's Avatar
^ Jeff™
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,776
From: Garland (DFW), TX
Looks like the valve cover seal...but the pics you posted are too up close. Is that the side next to the upper radiator hose?
Old Apr 10, 2013 | 11:05 AM
  #3  
NmexMAX's Avatar
dot dot dot ...
iTrader: (22)
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 34,576
From: Santa Fe, NM
How does it look from under there?

That's not from the old VC gaskets or during the swap is it?
Old Apr 10, 2013 | 11:16 AM
  #4  
MrEous's Avatar
^ Jeff™
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,776
From: Garland (DFW), TX
Sorry I said gasket because of other pics in OP's Flickr...with that said though, there aren't any connections on that side of the block below the VCs are there?
Old Apr 10, 2013 | 11:38 AM
  #5  
joneill1975's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13
Yes, that is the right side(driver's side or rear since it is transversely mounted) and you are seeing the upper radiator hose.

The gaskets were changed out about a year ago, so the oil is not from the swap out and it looks fresh (first pics) and not just residue as in the later pics.

I have not looked from the underside yet.

I didn't think there were any connections on that side of the block below the VC, so I was confused on where the oil could be coming from. The VC gasket needs to be replaced on the right VC (rear closest to cabin), but I didn't think the oil would be making it up to the front like this.
Old Apr 11, 2013 | 02:46 PM
  #6  
joneill1975's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13
Bump
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kjlouis
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
12
Oct 3, 2015 05:29 AM
dcam0326
General Maxima Discussion
4
Sep 8, 2015 11:02 PM
lux97Max
4th Generation Classifieds (1995-1999)
1
Sep 4, 2015 05:42 PM
sdotcarter
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
2
Sep 2, 2015 09:53 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:24 PM.