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

Coolant leaking at oil pan

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Old Jun 15, 2017 | 03:36 PM
  #1  
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Coolant leaking at oil pan

Flushed cooling system now leak new green coolant behind compressor.
I checked everything and Traced this to an unknown location behind compressor.
I thought refrigerant oil leak from compressor. Ruled that out.
I thought BHG coolant in oil but checked dipstick and level is fine.
After searching the world wide web im thinking water pump seal?
Replace pump or just seal?

Last edited by maximatech12; Jun 15, 2017 at 06:48 PM.
Old Jun 15, 2017 | 04:41 PM
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If you're going to be removing the W/P to replace the seal, just replace the pump with an OE one to avoid future issues.
Old Jun 15, 2017 | 05:00 PM
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Ok

​​​​​
Old Jun 15, 2017 | 06:12 PM
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Check the oil cooler hose
https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...ain-cover.html
Old Jun 15, 2017 | 07:01 PM
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I'm not seeing an oil cooler here! That may just be the 3.5L.
It leaks to the right behind compressor.

Last edited by maximatech12; Jun 15, 2017 at 07:03 PM.
Old Jun 15, 2017 | 08:01 PM
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The only possible leak aside from Water pump, have you look at the thermostat housing?
Old Jun 15, 2017 | 09:47 PM
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IIRC, there is a freeze plug in the block behind the a/c compressor that could be leaking.
Old Jun 16, 2017 | 07:06 AM
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He does not have oil cooler, lucky one.
Fram filter - uh-oh! Never use that crap!
Old Jun 16, 2017 | 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Tarzan
He does not have oil cooler, lucky one.
Fram filter - uh-oh! Never use that crap!
what's wrong with Fram? Never had any problem with it. however I would never use STP filter. I have seen STP filter failed and blew off separating the crimp around the housing.
Old Jun 16, 2017 | 09:05 AM
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STP, Fram and Champion do not make their own stuff - they scavenge factory seconds and re-label.
Old Jun 16, 2017 | 10:54 AM
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Would Purolator would be better?
I can get Nissan filters but I wouldn't think theyd be any better.

Here's a link to a You Tube video and the tech here says he's never seen an OEM pump go bad and the seals only need replacing.
https://youtu.be/ibfs1Zu9h4o
Old Jun 23, 2017 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by FanaticMadMax
The only possible leak aside from Water pump, have you look at the thermostat housing?
Make a long story short i have a mechanics mirror and the Thermostat housing is bone dry!
Old Jun 23, 2017 | 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by maximatech12
Would Purolator would be better?
I can get Nissan filters but I wouldn't think theyd be any better.

Here's a link to a You Tube video and the tech here says he's never seen an OEM pump go bad and the seals only need replacing.
https://youtu.be/ibfs1Zu9h4o
Not everyone who calls themselves a "tech" knows what they're talking about.
Old Jun 23, 2017 | 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Derrick2k2SE
Not everyone who calls themselves a "tech" knows what they're talking about.
Prime example would be OP himself.
Old Jun 23, 2017 | 04:15 PM
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water pump
Old Jun 26, 2017 | 04:49 AM
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Originally Posted by DennisMik
IIRC, there is a freeze plug in the block behind the a/c compressor that could be leaking.
freeze plug? Could you be more specific?
Im seeing a drain plug but not a freeze plug.
You know what size belt to bypass compressor?
Old Jun 27, 2017 | 03:03 PM
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OK i removed the compressor and the anti-freeze appears to be leaking from behind the top of the compressor bracket.
I have not removed the alternator yet but is there a freeze plug there?
I was under the impression that this is where the water pump leaks from.
Old Jul 6, 2017 | 10:06 AM
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01 Nissan Maxima(coolant leaking)
i did snap an image of the area that has coolant leaking.
Old Jul 9, 2017 | 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by DennisMik
IIRC, there is a freeze plug in the block behind the a/c compressor that could be leaking.
is this the freeze plug you were referring to?
This is behind the alternator.
5th gen (coolant leak)
Old Jul 9, 2017 | 01:51 PM
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That is not what I was thinking of. The freeze plugs I am thinking of are about 1.25 to 1.5 inches in diameter. I don't know what that is. It has been a long time since I looked at a bare block.
Old Jul 9, 2017 | 01:59 PM
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O rings on water pump, I'm sure. Decent amount of work to replace them.

Could rig it lol

Yes, use purolator. PL10193 or PL14459

Last edited by Child_uv_KoRn; Jul 9, 2017 at 02:02 PM.
Old Jul 10, 2017 | 09:54 AM
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Replace it asap that coolant is getting into your oil and putting extra wear on your engine.
I'm not bullsh!ting. I had the same thing and sent the oil to blackstone and there was a ton more wear going on because of the coolant.

It's been a month since you posted or noticed it. How long has it been like that?
fix it.
Old Jul 23, 2017 | 11:28 AM
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It just began after flushing the Prestone out with Distilled water. I was running Prestone(any make/model) through it and replaced with Nissan Green.
I was concerned that the Prestone was corroding the system and not cooling properly. I basically ran water through it for a week or two draining then refilling about 8 times until it came out clear.
If you get Prestone i'd go for the the Prestone "PRIME" low silicate formula!

Last edited by maximatech12; Jul 23, 2017 at 11:31 AM.
Old Jul 23, 2017 | 04:34 PM
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Replaced today!


01 Nissan Max OEM water pump



Last edited by maximatech12; Aug 8, 2017 at 08:56 PM.
Old Jul 23, 2017 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Donkeypunch
Replace it asap that coolant is getting into your oil and putting extra wear on your engine.
I'm not bullsh!ting. I had the same thing and sent the oil to blackstone and there was a ton more wear going on because of the coolant.

It's been a month since you posted or noticed it. How long has it been like that?
fix it.
Would a Cloyes tensioner work OK? I may just go with replacing the chain tensioner too.

Last edited by maximatech12; Jul 23, 2017 at 06:00 PM.
Old Jul 23, 2017 | 10:56 PM
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idk i didn't replace it.Still worked fine.
Old Aug 2, 2017 | 03:24 AM
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i think the pump is fine and the O-rings failed.
I just got a closer look at the old pump and beginning to realize its silicone twisted around the rotary shaft.
I couldve just slipped new O-rings on it and re-installed?
Old Aug 2, 2017 | 06:34 AM
  #28  
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How much are you saving doing that and how long do you want to keep the car?
IMO if your pump is 10+ years old and already out of the engine, replace it anyway.
Old Aug 30, 2017 | 08:17 AM
  #29  
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As I did this it ocurred to me that the easiest way to remove the tensioner is to

#1 remove the cover plate

#2 break the two bolts loosen them until they are just about 1/2 dozen threads to coming out

#3 walk the tensioner out using the bolts still screwed in as a guide.

#4 bent the tip of a cheap freebie screwdriver with pliers place folded cardboard along access cover for leverage

#5.Pried the piston in with screwdriver carefully then installing grenade pin.

VQ30 chain tensioner removal

Old Aug 30, 2017 | 09:41 AM
  #30  
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Now this is what I call brain surgery!
Old Sep 9, 2017 | 06:18 PM
  #31  
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I was unaware that the tensioner had a gasket behind it!
If I hadnt been careful that thing couldve fallen out into the chain case!
Old Jan 16, 2019 | 06:49 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by Tarzan
He does not have oil cooler, lucky one.
Fram filter - uh-oh! Never use that crap!
Heres video that details what filters are good and whats not.
thanks for the heads up since I've switched to Purolator.
https://youtu.be/iTNJLEV8CG8
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