Tonight, I noticed a small green puddle accumulating under the oil pan. I crawled under the Pathfinder to investigate. It appears I have anti-freeze leaking from where the head (pass. side) mates with the block (below exhaust header). There is no evidence of dried anti-freeze above noted location.
My question is, what do I need to do to fix it? All input and advice is greatly appreciated.
pressure test the cooling system to be sure where it is coming from. from the way you describe it it sounds like a head gasket.
I am unfamiliar with pressure testing the cooling system. How do I go about performing the aforementioned task?
Also, I am inexperienced with working on engines. With that said, is it unreasonable for me to attempt to replace the head gasket on my own? Or should I leave this task to an experienced automotive tech.
I would hate to start this task and get in over my head.
to pressure test the cooling sys. you will need a pressure tester, can be picked up at any local parts store. it will connect where the radiator cap goes, you pump air into the system then look for your leak. hopefully you have a freeze plug leaking because head gaskets are pretty detailed. if you don't have any mechanical knowledge it is a difficult task, and time consuming. taking to a shop it will be expensive, plus other factors come into play. if the timing belt, if you have a V6, hasn't been replaced in a long while or ever it would be wise to do it. if you are willing to do it yourself and have the time, a repair manual, and someone with more knowledge in mechanics that is will to lend a hand, the satisfaction will be worth it plus you will save 100s in labor.
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Dave
96 4WD XE Reg. Cab ka24e
Calmini 3" SL, Steering, Lock-rite rear, LSD front
to pressure test the cooling sys. you will need a pressure tester, can be picked up at any local parts store. it will connect where the radiator cap goes, you pump air into the system then look for your leak. hopefully you have a freeze plug leaking because head gaskets are pretty detailed. if you don't have any mechanical knowledge it is a difficult task, and time consuming. taking to a shop it will be expensive, plus other factors come into play. if the timing belt, if you have a V6, hasn't been replaced in a long while or ever it would be wise to do it. if you are willing to do it yourself and have the time, a repair manual, and someone with more knowledge in mechanics that is will to lend a hand, the satisfaction will be worth it plus you will save 100s in labor.
I am just short of 78k miles. I was told by the Nissan (Hall) service dept. that my timing belt (or chain, not sure which) didn't need to be replaced until 90k miles. So, in short, it is probably in my best interest to have a shop with a cert. tech do the work. Given that, the pathfinder is my wifes primary means of transportation, and the down time from me working on it, would be of no benefit.
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