Just Noticed a leak...help? 06 M35 Sport 82K

[adr4]

I just noticed a leak in my engine compartment this week. It has been a few days and it doesn't seem to be leaking very much but I am taking the car to the shop this Friday. The leak seems to be coming from a hose connected near the bottom of the radiator area. I had this problem before and they told me it was transmission hose and loose clamp. I checked the fluid and it is definitely not coolant, the consistency and smell leads me to believe it is definitely oil. Seems to be transmission fluid.



I am taking it to the shop regardless but I want to be prepared for any BS the mechanic may throw my way. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[DeanM45]

Transmission cooler line. Stock uses a constant tension clamp (not a worm screw clamp). If I were you I'd drop the engine under cover (10mm bolts) and then inspect/replace the hose and clamp. If you loose that hose you will loose all your trans fluid which can lead to possible transmission damage.

[adr4]

Thanks for the info and quick response.... I am going to take care of it tomorrow. I will report back on how it goes.

[Minus (-)]

i noticed a leak almost similar to that, but more on the left side like under the windshield washer fluid and coolant tank...i was able to get on the floor and stick a paper towel in the hole underneath. It was colorless and odorless. i took it to nissan and they said i had no leaks,scrapes or bumps under. Saw it again next morning but not as much, so i went back and again they say no leaks...My coolant was at MIN and the tech filled it to Max....the tech says sometimes water can sit there...Is that true?? is the bottom of our engine compartments always bone dry??? and if that is transmission fluid in my car, what smell and color fluid should i be looking for??? and to the OP, did you notice any difference in your car to make you check that area in the first place??

08 M35X 75K

[DeanM45]

i noticed a leak almost similar to that, but more on the left side like under the windshield washer fluid and coolant tank...i was able to get on the floor and stick a paper towel in the hole underneath. It was colorless and odorless. i took it to nissan and they said i had no leaks,scrapes or bumps under. Saw it again next morning but not as much, so i went back and again they say no leaks...My coolant was at MIN and the tech filled it to Max....the tech says sometimes water can sit there...Is that true?? is the bottom of our engine compartments always bone dry??? and if that is transmission fluid in my car, what smell and color fluid should i be looking for??? and to the OP, did you notice any difference in your car to make you check that area in the first place??

08 M35X 75K

Water can sit there after rain or washing the car if it is not driven or driven at slow speed.
Transmission fluid will be oily (slippery) and reddish in color.

[Minus (-)]

i noticed a leak almost similar to that, but more on the left side like under the windshield washer fluid and coolant tank...i was able to get on the floor and stick a paper towel in the hole underneath. It was colorless and odorless. i took it to nissan and they said i had no leaks,scrapes or bumps under. Saw it again next morning but not as much, so i went back and again they say no leaks...My coolant was at MIN and the tech filled it to Max....the tech says sometimes water can sit there...Is that true?? is the bottom of our engine compartments always bone dry??? and if that is transmission fluid in my car, what smell and color fluid should i be looking for??? and to the OP, did you notice any difference in your car to make you check that area in the first place??

08 M35X 75K

Water can sit there after rain or washing the car if it is not driven or driven at slow speed.
Transmission fluid will be oily (slippery) and reddish in color.

what a relief!!...Good looking Dean, you always come thru in the clutch!.....i ended up gettin a free coolant fill. I went for an oil change, told them my problems...and i asked them if they fill the coolant when "topping off fluids"...went home and checked and saw the water again....went back to the dealer and they apologized for not topping off..lol

[bicsintegra]

[quote="adr4"]I just noticed a leak in my engine compartment this week. It has been a few days and it doesn't seem to be leaking very much but I am taking the car to the shop this Friday. The leak seems to be coming from a hose connected near the bottom of the radiator area. I had this problem before and they told me it was transmission hose and loose clamp. I checked the fluid and it is definitely not coolant, the consistency and smell leads me to believe it is definitely oil. Seems to be transmission fluid.



I am taking it to the shop regardless but I want to be prepared for any BS the mechanic may throw my way. Any help would be greatly appreciated\


i had this same problem after my radiator was replaced and the shop did not put the correct clamp on the ATF cooler line, eventually i ordered it and changed it myself. Be sure to check the connecting piece from the hose to the radiator it maybe loose also.

[adr4]

Thanks to everyone for the input. To answer a few questions....

@ Minus - I check the engine compartment on a monthly basis, as matter of routine. I have learned from my other high mileage cars that if you stay on top of little issues such as minor leaks you can really keep your car in good shape. I ran a civic for 160k and an Altima for 140k.... I hope to keep this one for as long.

@ bicsintegra - Thanks for the feedback... as I mentioned in my original post, I had the same issue about 4 years ago as well and it was pretty simple fix.

@ Dean M45 - Thanks for the quick feedback... even though I was pretty sure I knew what is was, it was good to have confirmation and details. It really helped!

The total job took me about 2 hours... Most of that was getting the car position in my garage, jacking it up and taking off the engine undercover.... After that it was pretty simple. Parts ran about $40.

As I have always said this is the best forum I have ever had, that includes Honda, Acura and Mercedes forums that I have been a part of... those are horrible. Good looking out!

[cruzad3r]

so it was the transmission cooler line right? if so, where did you get the part? do you have the part number and link if you buy it online? thansk