Just bought 1996 maxima and need help!

[vest596]

Okay guys so I have a couple questions that would be awesome to get some help with. I just bought a 1996 Maxima with 210k miles on it the engine is strong and the car runs good. But its got a couple problems im trying to diagnose. First off my temperature gauge is acting weird it barley moves above the C sometimes it will get about 1/4 the way up while sitting then drop back down while moving does this mean the sensor is bad or the thermometer is stuck open? also there appears to be a small coolant leak I put some stop leak in it and filled it all the way up i loose about 1/8th an inch out of the resvior when it sits over night? .ext i have a bad knock sensor which i will be replacing but the engine also seems to be making a noise that sounds like it could be spark knock or the timing chain but its not so so bad that it could just be regular engine noise do these cars usually sound like that or is this a major issue. Also when I first start the car when its cold what sounds like the power steering belt squeaks and when I back out of the parking space the power steering will cut in and out but its only when i first start and only that first time cutting the wheel after i get driving its fine is this a major issue? I have to make a 400 mile trip before i can do any repairs and I really want to make sure this car will make it. I have changed the oil, topped off all the fluids, cleaned the fuel system, and changed the filters.

[PalmerWMD]

- You have a coolant leak and there fore obviously air bubbles in your system. Fix the leak then refill the system carefully burping it repeatedly to fill it up completely.
if you cannot fix the leak stop often on your long trip to refill.
Dont burn yourself!!!!
You may have to wait until engine cooldown. Check the hoses for when the system isnt pressurized anymore (by touch). wear gloves+ goggles when you do!

- Likely need to tighten the belts. If you dont know how , spray belt dressing on them . Dont go crazy with too much! Just spray lightly as the belts turn for a half second to a second. Belt dressing can be had at any auto parts store. Also it wont hurt to check the powersteering fluid level and top it off (not past the maximum mark, or at least not by much).

PS: Welcome to the forum

[vest596]

Thank you for the help hopefully nothing major happens im trying to get another 200k out of this baby. The noise i was hearing is less frequent and isn't constant when i come to a stop ill hear it sometimes at a decent sound its like a rattle but it comes and goes what I can describe it best as My friend had a old corolla that leaked oil and whenever it got to low it would make this rattle noise. But i just change my oil and its perfect. Iv put on the belt dressing and it seems to have helped but I haven't had the car long so i cant really tell.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

it might be time to change the timing belt tensioner.

Listen closely to the car upon a cold startup. If the chain rattles upon startup
see if the car quits making that noise when it warms up. it might mean
the tensioner finally received enough oil pressure to extend the tensioner
piston to tighten the slack guide and affect the timing chain. Note the
tensioner also has a spring in it which might be weak or "gummed up" with
old oil.

You can do the tensioner change out (part is about $80) but you have to pay attention. There writeup should be within this maxima forem.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

i said belt i meant chain