97 Pathfinder coolant leak

[dcorazal]

I changed the timing belt on my 97 Pathfinder last weekend and need to remove the radiator for the service. For the last week since I completed the work I have can smell antifreeze when the vehicle is running (only when the window is rolled down). I followed the procedure for filling the radiator and bleeding the air from the system. I have checked and rechecked all hoses and connections that I had apart and the coolant level doesn’t seem to be going down. There are no leaks or puddles under the vehicle. I’m guessing there must be a very small seeping leak some place on the motor or a hose. Anybody know of any known problems like this?? Intake manifold, Head gasket maybe?Thanks

[NISTECH]

If you didnt do the water pump when you did the belt that would be the first place to look. pull the rock shield under the front off and lok up behing the crank pulley, see if there is a drop of coolant hanging there at the point of the timing cover. This is not all that uncommon when replacing a t-belt without doing the water pump. The problem is ,in order to get the pump off you need to remove the t-belt again.

[NISTECH]

another place to look would be at the base of the elbow hose behind the timing cover next to the distributor.

[tomg]

I am new to this forum and appreciate it already. I have found some very interesting articles.On the topic of 97 Pathfinder Waterpumps; Is there a manual on how to change out the water pump and a timing belt on a 97 Pathfinder SE? How much would should I reasonably expext to pay someone to do this for me including parts and labor?

Thanks for any feedback.

[NISTECH]

Its really hard to put a dollar amount on it for a couple reasons. 1 is rates vary across the country and from independant to dealer. By far the dealer is likely the more experianced place to get it done. factor 2 is once the cover is off will they find more that needs to be addressed, Like cams or crank seals leaking, rough Timing belt tensioner pulley bearing, Bypass hose leaking.There are things not so noticable outside the cover but once in you see them. The thing is the bulk of the price is the T-belt most dealer charge around 4 hrs labor to replace the t-belt, they tack on some time for each additional part I mentioned[ depends what you need] But it is ALWAYS recommended since you are already in there. Replacing a water pump requires the t-belt to be removed, Replacing the cam seals requires the t-belt to be removed, replaceing the crank seal same deal, see where this is going, the additional time and parts now will most definitly save you money down the road. To do just a t-belt we charge 4 hrs on your yr path, we are at $98 an hour so if you add it up you got your base price. Now it could be different where your at, labor rates could be higher or lower.