| GLPorter |
| Looking up from under the car towards the oil filter mounting surface there is a short 1/2 " diameter rubber hose about 4 inches long with two hose clamps that connects two metal lines- one metal line comes out of the oil filter mounting base and the other runs up vertically into the engine compartment. This line is moist with oil and an occassional drip falls either from this hose or the oil pan edge gasket area. Does anyone know how difficult it is to change the hose and to change the pan gasket? Gp |
|
|
| njjoe |
GLPorter-
Has it been leaking for a while or just since the last oil change? It may be neither the hose nor the pan gasket. I suggest cleaning off the area and then check it after a day or so to see exactly where the oil is coming from. There is a good chance it may be from the filter gasket.
-njjoe |
|
|
| GLPorter |
| I cleaned the area off two days in a row and the oil returns. It is clean oil from the recent oil change but there is none from around the oil filter base. Drips 3 or 4 drops on the floor overnight. Hard to tell where it is coming from since both the hose and the right (passsenger) side of the oil pan along the sealing surface end up moist with oil. Maybe I'll just change the hose first and see if the dripping stops. Gp |
|
|
| freezerlunik |
This is funny, my '03 is having the same problem - the dealer noticed that the oil pan has developed a leak. That was during an oil change in February. I monitored the oil level and it didn't decrease at all in the following months. Today I brought it in to finally get the leak fixed under my SecureDrive (separately purchases commercial/extended warranty).
GET THIS: the dealer now wants to also replace the oil cooler. They are now saying that the cooler is "leaking badly". My hint is that the thing is messy after a recent 360 km road trip that was done at pretty high speed (120-130kph average). They quoted me $550 for the oil cooler and say that the cooler is not covered by the SecureDrive policy. So... i told them to just fix the oil pan and not waste any more of my time and money.
I'll post here about how things will turn out with this. |
|
|
| Eric L. |
| That part is the engine oil cooler, but it is nothing more than an extra metal ring "spacer" between the oil filter mount and the engine, with a tube for coolant to run through it (there are no oil tubes in that area I think). $550 is very steep for that part. |
|
|
| freezerlunik |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
That part is the engine oil cooler, but it is nothing more than an extra metal ring "spacer" between the oil filter mount and the engine, with a tube for coolant to run through it (there are no oil tubes in that area I think). $550 is very steep for that part.
Thanks for describing this for me, Eric! I was picturing the oil cooler as a part that looks like the radiator's little brother :-)
I'll probably get the car on a hoist at a friendly mechanic's garage and see if anything is still leaking. Eric, would this oil cooler be located on the left side of the engine (looking at it standing in front of the open hood)?
A day after the dealer resealed the oil pan, I noticed a very tiny drop on the ground under the left half of the engine compartment, about 8" behind the radiator. The liquid looked kind of like coolant (greenish), but somewhat OILY to the touch. The stain/drop appeared after running the engine on idle for about 10 minutes. I figured this would not be the condensation from the A/C, as that's usually more ample and really is just water? |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by freezerlunik
Thanks for describing this for me, Eric! I was picturing the oil cooler as a part that looks like the radiator's little brother :-)
I'll probably get the car on a hoist at a friendly mechanic's garage and see if anything is still leaking. Eric, would this oil cooler be located on the left side of the engine (looking at it standing in front of the open hood)?
A day after the dealer resealed the oil pan, I noticed a very tiny drop on the ground under the left half of the engine compartment, about 8" behind the radiator. The liquid looked kind of like coolant (greenish), but somewhat OILY to the touch. The stain/drop appeared after running the engine on idle for about 10 minutes. I figured this would not be the condensation from the A/C, as that's usually more ample and really is just water?
The cooler is an additional "ring" between the oil filter and the engine. It might not obvious, but its there. |
|
|
| GLPorter |
| Found the leak. The oil sender unit screwed into the engine above the rubber hose needs replacement. Easy fix through the left wheel well with the plastic shield removed. The oil is dripping onto the top of the rubber hose, which drips onto the right oil pan-engine seam and then to the ground. A $14 part will fix the situation. :-) Gp |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by GLPorter
Found the leak. The oil sender unit screwed into the engine above the rubber hose needs replacement. Easy fix through the left wheel well with the plastic shield removed. The oil is dripping onto the top of the rubber hose, which drips onto the right oil pan-engine seam and then to the ground. A $14 part will fix the situation. :-) Gp
Glad to hear. I had a leaking oil pressure sending unit on my Maxima too, which I had to replace, so I guess its a common problem on Nissans. |
|
|
| ciaka |
quote:
Originally posted by GLPorter
Found the leak. The oil sender unit screwed into the engine above the rubber hose needs replacement. Easy fix through the left wheel well with the plastic shield removed. The oil is dripping onto the top of the rubber hose, which drips onto the right oil pan-engine seam and then to the ground. A $14 part will fix the situation. :-) Gp
you happen to know where you can buy this part? I assume autozone etc will have it. Will appreciate if you can tell how it looks and how you replaced it too.
I just noticed similar thing. After an oil change, oil dripping. wiped pan and oil filter only to find more leak. The rubber hose seems to have oil on it (drips forming on lowest part of it).
You think this is the same problem?
Tx. |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by ciaka
you happen to know where you can buy this part? I assume autozone etc will have it. Will appreciate if you can tell how it looks and how you replaced it too.
I just noticed similar thing. After an oil change, oil dripping. wiped pan and oil filter only to find more leak. The rubber hose seems to have oil on it (drips forming on lowest part of it).
You think this is the same problem?
Tx.
Aha! The oil pressure sending unit. A VERY COMMON part to leak on Nissans - it leaked on both my Murano and Maxima. Yes autozone should have it, but it is not an expensive part. |
|
|
| ciaka |
Great. Will just order it...getting tired of the oil...just had my crappy caravan leaking from all over the place...but kind of expect this from american vans. Never expected MO to do this. will update asap. tx
any instructions on replacement? drain oil?
any seals? anything else? tx |
|
|
| njjoe |
ciaka-
No, the oil does not need to be drained.
Disconnect the harness connector from sensor. Remove the sensor using a deep socket. Clean off the old silicone sealant. Apply new sealant to the mating surfaces. Install new sensor and tighten to 11 foot-pounds. Reconnect connector. Wash hands. Grab beer. Sit back and think about the $300 you saved by not taking it to the dealer.
Good luck.
-njjoe |
|
|
| ciaka |
| btw, is this the unit you guys are talking about? I found this at autozone web site, but they call it oil pressure switch... |
|
|
| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by ciaka
btw, is this the unit you guys are talking about? I found this at autozone web site, but they call it oil pressure switch...
Looks right to me, but you might want to verify it is for the Murano. |
|
|
| ciaka |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
Looks right to me, but you might want to verify it is for the Murano.
pulled the part pic from 2003 MO AWD. Tx |
|
|
| njjoe |
ciaka-
The Nissan service manual also refers to it as the "oil pressure switch".
-njjoe |
|
|
| ciaka |
so this unit leaks during engine operation?
I kind of noticed once I wipe oil off, then wait overnight, didnt see a leak. but after car was driven then parked, that is when I noticed leaks. little more background would be great..tx |
|
|
| njjoe |
ciaka-
The pressure switch detects oil pressure. It is installed in a port downstream of the oil pump. The port is pressurized only when the engine is running.
When you shut down the engine the pressure in the port returns to zero. That is why you don't see any additional oil after you wipe it clean.
I hope this helps.
-njjoe |
|
|
| Corin |
| God I love this forum. Talk about a quick, easy, and cheap fix! Going to keep this in the back of my noodle for the future. Anything to avoid attempting to get the stealer to own up to a warranty repair. |
|
|
| BikerJohn |
quote:
Originally posted by Corin
God I love this forum. Talk about a quick, easy, and cheap fix! Going to keep this in the back of my noodle for the future. Anything to avoid attempting to get the stealer to own up to a warranty repair.
Me too:claphead: I wish I discovered it 4 years ago:D |
|
|
| GLPorter |
| In the "problems" forum there is another source identified in this same area that can cause oil to drip. See oil leak thread.. an o ring behind the oil filter base (which is an oil cooler) can leak. Another easy and cheap fix for the d.i.y. mechanic. Gp |
|
|
| ciaka |
quote:
Originally posted by GLPorter
In the "problems" forum there is another source identified in this same area that can cause oil to drip. See oil leak thread.. an o ring behind the oil filter base (which is an oil cooler) can leak. Another easy and cheap fix for the d.i.y. mechanic. Gp
cool. will do. haven't done the other one yet. tx |
|
|
| ciaka |
| I checked the oil pressure switch today, and although I see moisture, I do not think it is leaking from the switch (dont see trails from there). I am starting to think it is the oil cooler seal. Saw some oil between the oil cooler exterior and the surrounding area. really tight to actually see behind there....used some mirrors. Will have to see. |
|
|
| BikerJohn |
quote:
Originally posted by ciaka
I checked the oil pressure switch today, and although I see moisture, I do not think it is leaking from the switch (dont see trails from there). I am starting to think it is the oil cooler seal. Saw some oil between the oil cooler exterior and the surrounding area. really tight to actually see behind there....used some mirrors. Will have to see.
You can try removing the oil filter and tightening the oil cooler connector bolt to around 37 foot-pounds. |
|
|
| ciaka |
quote:
Originally posted by BikerJohn
You can try removing the oil filter and tightening the oil cooler connector bolt to around 37 foot-pounds.
That was actually my thought on the way from autozone where I tried to buy the seal. Apparently they do not have it. Neither does O'riley's.
Looks like a dealer item, unless you guys know of gen stores that do carry it in TX.
Yes, I will try to tigtern the bolt first, when I get some time tomorrow. Thanks again - love this forum. |
|
|
| Gonzo |
| Can you post a picture of where the switch is located.... |
|
|
| ciaka |
Took the oil filter out and tightened the oil cooler bolt. Will monitor for more leaks. Hope this solved the issue.
Thinking about this, it may be a deficient design to have this bolt hold the oil cooler and the oil filter. Someone losening the oil filter, is at the same time putting pressure to loosen the oil cooler bolt (not reverse threaded). After several changes, it would make sense to have the bolt get looser.
I will update in a few days.
I also took a pic of the location of the oil pressure switch. Will post it when I remember to do it at home.
Basically, if you are under the car, head first, under teh passenger side, you will see the oil pan. If you look at the edge of the oil pan that is furthest away from the front of the car, the pressure switch is located above the pan, maybe half an inch above. There is a wire going into the switch. Hope this helps in the mean time. |
|
|
| njjoe |
ciaka-
You would think Nissan would use "loctite" on that bolt, but nothing is called out in the service manual.
-njjoe |
|
|
|
