I noticed that my Maxima left a little tinkle in the garage the other day. The leak drips from the center-right side near the front axle and beads up around the three large bolts and drips off. It looks like engine oil but I'm not sure. The leak is minor and stops after the car has been sitting cold for a while. I checked the dipstick and the oil level is fine.

Is this where the engine oil would drip from? Could it be anything else? I hope its just a loose bolt and not an expensive fix

 

I have the same problem

 

nvm mis-read

 

It should be easily identifiable as motor oil. It's going to be that or power steering fluid/ATF (whichever you're using).

Touch it to a white piece of paper, see what color it is.

Anyway, could be leaking PS components, or the OPS or something that's blowing back to the LCA mount.

 

I did a search and I sure hope its not the TC cover... sounds expensive to fix. I'll have my friend look under the leaky area while I rev it to 3,000 rpm to see if the leak worsens. And I'll get a pic of the leaking fluid on a sheet of white paper.

 

Oil Pressure Switch or timing chain cover. That was the issue on mine. Cheap parts to repair but costly labor

 

Oil pressure switch is very easy, the TC cover is a nice big job.

 

If it is the TC cover save up your pennies, drop the motor, replace the chain and tensioners and put it all back. Good for another 200K. The 4th Gen chains are near bullet proof, but you wouldn't like what it could do to your valve train if it goes or skips a sprocket.

 

I sure hope its just the OPS. I'll take some detailed pics soon and check it out.

All the seals and rubber on my car are in great shape (no other leaks) so I'm hoping that the TC cover isn't the culprit. My dad has a mechanic friend who could probably fix it for cheap (less than $500 or so). Any more than that and I'd have a hard time stomaching the cost...

 

There is an oil pressure switch near the back of the motor that might need replacing. Look at the top of the back of your engine and you'll see/feel an oil sensor. The oil could possibly be leaking out of there causing the problem. If that's wet, replace it.

 

if it stops like that, check to see if your rear valve cover gasket isn't leaking. It might be hard to see.

I doubt it's the oil pressur sensor from your description.

 

Hey guys found this while searching and I thought I'd ask. Mines leaking from the same spot only a lot worse. Started the other day when I noticed a real small puddle under the car. Checked the level it was fine. On my way to work I was smoking (from the leak hitting the exhaust). Before clocking in I check under the car while it was running and it was leaking but slowely. then stoped after it cooled down. Checked the level and it probably needed a quart or so. Its jacked up now here at home, but (had to drive it home ddin't want to but...) on the way home it wasn't smoking or leaking, so it only leaks when its full? I've been searching and haven't read anything like that but from everything else, it pretty much looks like the oil pressure switch or the VCG. I ruled the TC out because I'm vq35 swapped and already sealed that up once again after not doing it right the first time.