JI30

2000 I30 135k miles. I started my car in the morning with the heater on, I saw a constant drip of coolant dripping underneath the car on the passenger side. Its right above the belt, almost in the middle between the belt/water pump and radiator.

I got in the car, turned off the heater and moved it down the driveway. It almost immediately stopped dripping. I let the car idle for a few 3-5 mins and still no leak. I drove to the market, let it sit for about 15 mins and when I came out no leak or drip.

I started my car 6 hours later, no leak or drip.

Seems to be only at cold start up when it hasnt been moved overnight or MAYBE when I leave the a/c on and start it up.

No white smoke or loss of power. I changed the cap.

jasonmax

iTrader: (2)

has the coolant level changed?
I think you have the A/C compressor on, so it's just some water.

Blitzfist

iTrader: (2)

what did the drip look like? could just be the a/c system emitting condensation

JI30

Yes, I top off about 2 cups of 50/50 a month or else it goes to "low"

I thought it was water too but its coolant. A small puddle.

I changed the cap because I saw some coolant on top of the radiator. No more leaks around there.

If it's the water pump weep hole, would it do it constantly?

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

You could try adding some coolant dye to try and find the leak. or take a flashlight and look for an orange corroded streak... yes I've seen water pumps only leak at times..Usually when the coolant is hot and the rpms are high (driving down the road)..But they can also leak only when cold..A seal or something might be heating up and expanding to seal the coolant...If it was the radiator it would most likely leak worse once the cooling system heated up and pressurized.....I've also seen corrossion from coolant build up around the upper radiator hose where it clamps to the thermostat housing cause enough of a gap to cause a small seepage.. It might be worth it to check below the radiator hose where it bolts to the thermostat.

fflint_18

5thgen Max is on the money. Sometimes seals will leak when cold until they heat up and expand. Or vice versa Could be the weep hold from the pump. Could also be at the radiator itself. I've only had my Max for a couple days so I haven't looked hard at the radiator, but some vehicles have metal radiators, but plastic side tanks. That interface can sometimes leak at different times and then stop. It drove me nuts on my Jepp until I finally replaced it.

The key thing is to identify the source. If it's the radiator leaking you have a little time to get money and other things lined up. If it's the water pump I'd get it done ASAP. Weeping usually means the bearing is going bad. If it seizes youare stranded.

JI30

I went underneath the car and its dripping off the passenger side edge of the oil pan.

fflint_18

Even though that sounds like the water pump, it doesn't mean much. It can still be the rad. Leaks will follow the hoses and the tranny lines to the lowest point. So clean it off as best you can. Start at dead cold iron an run it standing still until it comes up to temp.

And then keep looking underneath until the liquid appears.

nismowolfe

iTrader: (11)

It sounds like the waterpump but very well could be something else just have to track it down.

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure where the weep hole is on these nissans. but if it's inside the timing chain area you can check your engine oil to see if there is coolant in there.. Alot of times it's hard to see on the dip stick... Coolant is heavier than oil, so if there is coolant in the oil you can crack open the oil drain plug and let a few drips come out...If there is coolant in the oil the first few drips will usually be orange/green. (color of coolant.)

P. Samson

The coolant pump shaft seal leaking weep hole is on the OUTSIDE, between the rear timing chain case and the front face of the block just above the upper oil pan/block splitline. Historically when it leaks out of the weep hole people very often notice coolant on the AC compressor or in that area. The coolant pump "outer" O ring leaking could dump coolant into the oil, but not the pump shaft seal leaking by itself.

JI30

Did a pressure test, it's the radiator. Started shooting coolant like a sprung leak underneath the plastic intake cover? Funny where it lands since its on the other side. Even though it will be $300 to fix, I'm glad it wasnt the water pump. Thats the second person that checked the pump and said its fine. Thanks for the help.

fflint_18

$300 fix!!!

Oh I guess you are having the guy that pressure tested it do it for you. I guess that's not horrible. I think you can get an OEM one for about $130 and do it yourself, but I guess it's too late for that.

Glad it's not the pump.