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1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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bball_1523
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Jul 23, 2008, 11:24 PM
Post #1 of 24
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1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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Year of vehicle: 1997
Make of vehicle: Nissan
Model of vehicle: Altima
Engine size (2.0/ 5.7) : Not sure, but it's 4-cylinder
Mileage/Kilometers: not sure, I think around 19-20 mpg
Mileage reading: somewhere over 114,000
When I went to get an oil change at Valvoline sometime last week, one mechanic told me that I need to get a radiator hose replaced because they said the radiator was leaking from there. I declined to get it fixed, and took my car to an official Nissan dealer and they diagnosed a slew of problems.
Here is what Nissan says I need to get fixed, and it all adds up to around $2708.90:
1) Intake gaskets leaking
2) radiator leaking: upper radiator, and hose
3) 3 motor mounts broken
4) brake flush
5) power steering fluid flush
6) fuel induction service
7) fuel injector service
I recorded a video of the leak here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwcAQqStPGg
I am wondering if anyone knows what the problem could be? Is Nissan right about getting these 7 things fixed? How long can I keep driving the car for until things start to worsen?
One of my plans is to drive less and raise money for the next 6 months, and then get it all fixed, but I'm worried about the car deteriorating even further and causing more damage.
What do you think I should do?
(This post was edited by bball_1523 on Jul 24, 2008, 1:42 PM)
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jayeffel
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Jul 24, 2008, 3:50 AM
Post #2 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I would change the radiator hose that is leaking; do it yourself. I've never heard of brake or power steering flush -unless there were severe problems that indicate the need. I understand fuel injectors don't need much attention , okay to put fuel injector cleaner in gas tank. Motor mounts broken, you can check them, motor may notably shake when running.
BTW: mileage requested is odometer mileage, gives an indication of wear and tear. Gas mileage can help also. Good luck.
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 24, 2008, 4:12 AM
Post #3 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I’d say that your list is set in the proper order of priority; but without knowing how bad the intake gasket is leaking, maybe have the cooling system leaks fixed first.
The first three being left unattended too will or could cause more damage.
A leaking intake will cause an engine to run lean (to much air compared to fuel ratio); a lean engine runs hot.
A leaking cooling system is more of a problem then just the coolant leaking out. Cooling systems are designed to work under pressure; for every pound of pressure, the boiling point of the coolant rises by 3 degrees. With a cooling system allowed to run in atmospheric pressure, the coolant may begin to boil as it passes through the cylinder heads. Your temperature gauge may show a normal temp but internal engine temperatures are soaring; the coolant comes off of boil after it leaves the cylinder head and passes the temperature sensor.
Broken engine mounts put strain on the drivetrain; axle shafts are forced to run out of their normal plain (angles) causing excessive wear. Also an engine that is allowed to move around under the hood could be the cause of the radiator leaking; the engine maybe pulling on the hoses?
The last 4 items are maintenance issues; yes important but if you have to put something off, it would be them.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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dave284
Enthusiast
/ Moderator
Jul 24, 2008, 8:08 AM
Post #4 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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$2700.00!!!!! Good God, I would get another estimate....sorry for being so blunt but I can't see paying for a repair job that cost as much as a reman engine.
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bball_1523
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Jul 24, 2008, 1:37 PM
Post #5 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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If I were to put off any repairs for 6 months until I tried to raise money for the repairs, do you think my car would survive without any extra major damage or breakdowns?
I am thinking about getting another estimate at a local repair shop.
The first three items would cost me $2255, as they are $900, $575, and $780, in order.
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dave284
Enthusiast
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Jul 25, 2008, 8:03 AM
Post #6 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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If your'er low on funds now....I would certainly take care of that radiator leak first, cause if that motor ever over heats bad enough....its done for.
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bball_1523
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Jul 28, 2008, 11:54 AM
Post #7 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I took my car in to a different shop and they told me to replace the radiator hoses, and that they will check for other problems as well. What do you guys think?
I had my service engine light come on for a while before last week Monday. Last week Monday I took the car in to a Nissan dealer and the turned off the service engine light and it hasn't come on since then. Does this say anything about any problems my car is having?
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bball_1523
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Jul 31, 2008, 2:16 PM
Post #8 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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So I got the radiator hoses replaced at a local shop by someone that I kind of know and was told that the radiator is not leaking.
Other things recommended in order of importance:
1) replace two front tires because of wearing tread
2) front and rear motor mounts need to be attended to within a month
3) brake fluid flush
4) Outer CV boots cracking
5) rear brakes near minimum, check at 119,700 miles (right now I'm somewhere in the 114,000 range)
6) windshield washer reservoir cap
7) clean leaves from cowl
Does anyone have any advice for any of these items? I'm glad to know that the radiator isn't leaking, so I'm wondering why Nissan told me so. Maybe one of them didn't look carefully?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 31, 2008, 10:05 PM
Post #9 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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Comments after ***s
1) replace two front tires because of wearing tread **** if legal can wait
2) front and rear motor mounts need to be attended to within a month ****may save and expensive problem to do now.
3) brake fluid flush ****cheap if bleeders cooperate.
4) Outer CV boots cracking ****entire shafts are cheap enough when they fail vs just removing for the boots.
5) rear brakes near minimum, check at 119,700 miles (right now I'm somewhere in the 114,000 range) ****how do you have less miles now??
6) windshield washer reservoir cap ****free at junkyards or use aluminum foil....Not big bucks anyway new.
7) clean leaves from cowl **** why is that so difficult - just do it!
_________________
T
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Fant
Novice
Aug 1, 2008, 2:16 AM
Post #10 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I tell you what - if you really love your cars you have to spend some time with it  Evrything has to be done by your own hands (IMHO), there will be less problems with it!!!
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bball_1523
User
Aug 4, 2008, 10:07 AM
Post #11 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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What do you mean by the tires being legal? I tried the penny method and it's worn down according to the penny.
For #5, I don't know the exact miles driven so I gave an estimate. In my first post, it shows what the miles were at one point. My car has obviously driven more up to this day.
for #3, what do you mean by "cheap if bleeders cooperate"?
For the CV boots, are you saying that I shouldn't fix them and let them wear out, and my car will be fine?
(This post was edited by bball_1523 on Aug 4, 2008, 10:08 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 4, 2008, 11:03 AM
Post #12 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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Tires legal: There are small triangle arrows indicating the treadwear minimum on the sidewall pointing to raised spots in the tires grooves. If any of those are flush with the tread the tire is no longer legal for street use.
Bleeders: Some will be stuck and may not bleed or remove to clean or replace without breaking off. If that happens it opens up a series of replacing stuff back to where things are not rusted wjere new line can be flared into good line - a nightmare sometimes!
CV boots: I won't do them. They make kits that go around and seal up that are marginal at best. Whole rebuilt driveshafts are available with new boots and checked out or new CV joints for as low as $59 bucks for some cars! Check locally for your car. Why bother if they are that cheap is why I said that. If your are expensive and the joints still good get a price on that part of the job alone,
T
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bball_1523
User
Aug 4, 2008, 7:22 PM
Post #13 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I am still not understanding what you are saying about tires. I measured my tires with a penny and I think it's 2/32" of tread left. (if tread is even the right word). Sorry I'm a rookie at maintaining my car, and I've been driving for over 7 years.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
Post #14 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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There are hidden bumps like shown above that shouldn't be flush with the actual tread left. I'd use the Lincoln's head test on those personally but they are legal till those are flush. There's an arrow on the sidewall at the several points around the tire where the raised parts between treads are. Many tires will look fine on the inside or outside but you go by the worst wear found to rate the legality of the tire.
IMO - tires are your #1 line of defence in safety! No matter what contraptions you design into a car for stopping, traction and handling the tire is the only thing actually touching the road! Being legal is one thing but the truth is tire's traction ability is severely compremised after let's say "half worn" area. That tread is primal for wet roads and your best chance with mud, snow and ice conditions which all vary of course.
Prices vary widely for tires. If costs must be kept low consider inspected, matching used tires if needed.
Exact size and ratings suggested by manufacturer is also paramount. It's engineered into the handling of the vehicle,
T
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bball_1523
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Aug 15, 2008, 11:45 AM
Post #15 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I've been told that my Outer CV Boots are leaking grease. Should I get them fixed?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 15, 2008, 3:20 PM
Post #16 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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Yes, no and maybe?? Why are they leaking grease? If the boots have split shafts need to be removed to install new ones. It can be close to the cost of whole rebuilt replacement 1/2 shafts just to do that.
If a clamp is loose or missing for some reason - yes fix that.
Once water and dirt get into the CV joint it's game over IMO. They might go a long time and still behave before the first symptom shows up. You decide based on how they feel or professional advice on their safety. They usually give fair warning noises when it's time to replace. Not always though - watched a neighbor pull into their driveway and one let go right then and all the balls of the joint rolled down the driveway - funny but not and that one didn't warn them!
What you do about yours right now is a judgment call for you and or with a tech's advice and close inspection,
T
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bball_1523
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Aug 15, 2008, 5:35 PM
Post #17 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I'll have a mechanic check and advise me again.
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Aug 24, 2008, 3:31 PM
Post #18 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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Today I checked under my car and saw the coolant leaking. I think there's another problem with a leak. The leak is under the front passenger side of the hood, underneath the car.
The reservoir tank is also almost empty! I just a 50/50 prediluted fluid for it.
Does anyone know what the issue might be? Do you think the radiator is really dysfunctional?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 25, 2008, 6:59 AM
Post #20 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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Is the reservoir and or hose to it leaking?
T
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bball_1523
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Aug 25, 2008, 9:22 AM
Post #21 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I don't know if the hose is leaking, but I think just the right of the reservoir, underneath the car it is leaking. I can see a small amount of green coolant about to drip hanging on to something under my car.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 25, 2008, 10:30 AM
Post #22 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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When cool - chase it with a paper towel or your finger. More often than not the source of a leak will be the highest and most forward of where evidence is found. Those tanks can crack and hose could be faulty - this is a look and find job now. Some hidden leaks you can use a dental type mirror to look up at the bottom of items,
T
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bball_1523
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Aug 26, 2008, 10:24 AM
Post #23 of 24
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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I took the car back to a shop I have recently been going to and they found that the top of the radiator, where the radiator cap is, is cracked and leaking. I literally could see coolant leaking out from their.
Anyways they are going to fix it this week and I think it may cost at most around $400.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 26, 2008, 10:57 AM
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Re: 1997 Nissan altima radiator leak problem
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he good new is now you know the source! Materials used or where it leak might be able to be properly fixed. Not your average "just goo it up" but a proper fix may be available depending on just what, how and where. A real radiator shop would likely be privy to the latest for the chance of that if the radiator is ok as a whole and might be a practical choice,
T
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