A leak on the passenger's side

[narlyconan]

Hey Guys,


I am new to the forum. I just got a 1985 300zx on Craiglists on Friday. I love it! It is a great ride, but it began to leak from the passengers side something red. I think that it might be power steering fluid. From what I can tell, the fluid is coming from a hole in a hose that runs across the width of the car. I was hoping that someone could educate me a little bit. Is the part expensive to buy? Is it easy to fix yourself? Thank you for any help in advance.

[Ace2cool]

High pressure hose. Common fail point. Usually happens when someone uses power steering fluid instead of ATF.

Also, the 85 Z is a Z31, not a Z32. Moved to the Z31 section.

[narlyconan]

Hey Thanks man,


Like I said I don't know a ton about the car. Quick follow up. What is ATF? (probably a dumb question, I know), and second the leak seems to be coming from where the pump connects to the hose, is it possible that the O ring is just bad? The leak comes and goes so I thought maybe the fluid would get into the O ring and it could expand and temporarily be stopping the leak? Thoughts?

[evildky]

ATF = Automatic Transmission Fluid. Most nissans and most modern vehicles use ATF for power steering and have for the past 20-30 years. ATF like power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid only thicker and rated for higher temps as demanded by modern cars. Often a small leak becomes a larger leak because someone uses power steering fluid in their power steering not knowing any better and it leaks out even quicker. Where the hose meets the pump is actually a copper washers on a banjo bolt and unfortunately nissan tends to use odd sizes and thickness for their washers, you might luck out a find a parts store washer that'll work but most likely you'll have to order the nissan part. I replaced a hose once with a hose from napa and it came with new copper washers, they weren't quite thick enough and the bolt bottomed out and made the leak even worse.

[narlyconan]

Is it strange that the leak comes and goes? And the fluid is very thin so I am guessing that whoever had the car before me used the wrong fluid. So your recommending buying a Nissan part and not going with a cheapy?

[Ace2cool]

Nissan OEM is recommended. And the easiest way to tell the fluids apart is ATF is [generally] red, and P/S fluid is [usually] clear.

[narlyconan]

Thanks guys. It really helps. Unfortunately I can't fix it until this weekend, but I guess I will survive.

[evildky]

If you can locate a copper washer of the correct ID make sure it's also as thick, or just order the nissan part and know that it'll work.

[narlyconan]

Okay thanks for the tip. I picked up this 300zx last weekend and it had been sitting in a barn for 5 years. I probably need to do some routine maintenance. What should I start with?

[pat_86_300zx]

Start with the basics. (Replace if needed). All fluids&filters, air filter, belts, gaskets, hoses, plug wires, pressure testing is probably necessary. After sitting for five years, there's bound to be some small problems arising soon.
Another thing I would pick up is a Haynes manual, they're pretty inexpensive and will be your best friend when working on your Z.
Here's where I bought mine:
http://www.amazon.com/Nissan-1984-1989- ... 1850105634

[narlyconan]

I have a mechanic friend that is going to give it the once over and let me know what the most important things to fix are right now. I will have to post a picture sometime but there is some cosmetic wear that I will have to get to after the important stuff is fixed.

[evildky]

After sitting for 5 years firs thing I'd do is the timing belt, tensioner and idler, any of those go out and the valves go smash. I'd also flush the cooling system, the low angular mounted radiator on these can hold some sludge and become an issue.

[narlyconan]

Hey guys,

just thought that I would update you. Replace the high pressure hose and the leak stopped! Check oil, replaced Air filter, replacing fuel filter tonight... progress is finally being made! BTW that high pressure hose is a major pain to put back in!!!!!!