2001 maxima with oil in the coolant (radiator), but no coolant mixing with oil in the engine. Car doesn't over heat and the heat is working fine. Runs great..only issue is oil going into the coolant. Is the water pump the culprit here?

 

Did you mean no coolant in the engine oil?

 

Yea, thanks for the correction.

 

I would imagine the water pump could be an easier place to start it's not hard to do, just be patient with the bolts

 

These cars hardly ever have hg problems.

Check to see if you are leaking coolant under the right front of the car. There is a weep hole in the pump that is designed to direct coolant out of the pump when the gasket goes. That's the certain way to identify the pump as the culprit.

I'd start with the pump before hg. Not a cheap job if you take it to the shop. 450 or so.