Update on my 86 Maxima

[maximase86]

Hey everyone,

Here is the scoop. I have the car going to my friend's shop on
Dec 16th. Basically, I'm going to have the following done, rear
engine mount, accessories belt, cooling system pressure test and
inspection of the water pump, and location of an oil leak. This is
what I have found. I have to replace the rear engine mount, the one
Q gave me, my mechanic won't put in. (Q, if you like, I can send
that mount back to you so you can use it.) So I'm looking for a used
one, but if I can't locate one by the 13th, I'll just buy a new one.
Next, my belts have been getting very squeaky, and I think it's
effecting the charging system, though it's not a big problem, I'll
just get it done. Next, the pressure test and inspection of the
water pump, now this is very strange. My car will drip maybe 5-6
drops of coolant and then stop. Though I was wondering if it was a
water pump seal, it doesn't make sense. What I think it could be is
the radiator hose that goes from the thermostat to the bottom
radiator. I'm wondering if the hose connected to the thermostat is
going bad, or if the clamp is loose. If I run the engine a little
bit, with letting it warm up, it leaks, but if the engine warms up,
then it doesn't leak. Maybe because of the expansion and contraction
of the hose. I have been checking the coolant level, and it has
stayed the same. So I'm not loosing really much at all. The last is
the oil leak. So far, I know where it's dropping from. It's coming
from the transmission side of the exhaust, near the driver side
bracket near the shift linkage. Though I can't really tell if its
engine oil or tranny oil, but from the burning smell that I get, I'm
guessing it may be engine oil. I haven't ruled out power steering
fluid, but it could be. I will let you know. If you guys have any ideas, that would nice.

Sarin

[max95q]

Originally posted by maximase86
Hey everyone,

Here is the scoop. I have the car going to my friend's shop on
Dec 16th. Basically, I'm going to have the following done, rear
engine mount, accessories belt, cooling system pressure test and
inspection of the water pump, and location of an oil leak. This is
what I have found. I have to replace the rear engine mount, the one
Q gave me, my mechanic won't put in. (Q, if you like, I can send
that mount back to you so you can use it.) So I'm looking for a used
one, but if I can't locate one by the 13th, I'll just buy a new one.
Next, my belts have been getting very squeaky, and I think it's
effecting the charging system, though it's not a big problem, I'll
just get it done. Next, the pressure test and inspection of the
water pump, now this is very strange. My car will drip maybe 5-6
drops of coolant and then stop. Though I was wondering if it was a
water pump seal, it doesn't make sense. What I think it could be is
the radiator hose that goes from the thermostat to the bottom
radiator. I'm wondering if the hose connected to the thermostat is
going bad, or if the clamp is loose. If I run the engine a little
bit, with letting it warm up, it leaks, but if the engine warms up,
then it doesn't leak. Maybe because of the expansion and contraction
of the hose. I have been checking the coolant level, and it has
stayed the same. So I'm not loosing really much at all. The last is
the oil leak. So far, I know where it's dropping from. It's coming
from the transmission side of the exhaust, near the driver side
bracket near the shift linkage. Though I can't really tell if its
engine oil or tranny oil, but from the burning smell that I get, I'm
guessing it may be engine oil. I haven't ruled out power steering
fluid, but it could be. I will let you know. If you guys have any ideas, that would nice.

Sarin

Nah thats ok I might need it but not now. I dont know why he wont install it. Im sorry about him not installing it then. Good thing I charged you a small fee

[maximase86]

Originally posted by max88q


Nah thats ok I might need it but not now. I dont know why he wont install it. Im sorry about him not installing it then. Good thing I charged you a small fee

I found it kind of wierd that he wouldn't. He said looks fine cosmetically, but he said the little metal piece was sliding in and out, and he was worried because it second hand, he didn't want the liability if something happens.... oh well....well when you do need it, I ship it back to ya for free. I appreciate the help in the first place .

Sarin

[maximase86]

Sheesh,

I swear, someone is playing a bad joke on me. Well I think I
know what oil is leaking. Power Steering. This evening I went to
move my car, started it up. Started backing out and the power
steering starts whining really loud. Well, I checked the level, and
the level was halfway between the minimum mark. I have refilled the
resevoir back up with power steering sealant. I'm gonna see if that
solves the issue. If not, well it looks like a couple things could
happen. The power steering pump is covered with oil, and it looks
fairly fresh. I'm wondering if that is what is causing the burning
smell. The thing is this isn't consistent with where I'm getting the
drop of oils. I looked on the driver side of the rack from above,
and it looks like if has some fresh oil on it too. This is my
theory. Both the pump and the line going to the steering rack is
leaking. The oil that leaks from the pump somehow makes it's way to
the exhaust pipe, and the oil from where the line goes into the
steering rack (this is where the steering wheel is connected at, is
cracked. I would really like to rule out the steering rack. The rack
it self looks like it's in pretty good condition, steering in my car
is excellent, so I'm betting the rack is fine. Now I think part of
my problems may have been caused by the bad engine mount I have.
What do you guys think?

Sarin