Losing Coolant in 96 Maxima SE - Is it Head gasket or other hidden leak

[jlarnol1]

My mother now has my 1996 Nissan Maxima with about 105,000 miles on it(out of state). She just replaced the rediator due to coolant leaking. She is still losing coolant (in radiator only - not the overflow tank) and has it back to the shop today. The Nissan dealer offered her $500 for the car - said it needed a new engine. Naturally every one is suspecting one of the head gaskets - but the engine has never over-heated when I had it and she claims no engine light has ever come on. THe engine runs just fine.

Are there any other hard to detect coolant leaks typical for this model car/engine.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Is the cap holding pressure? maybe it is evaporatingif the cap is bad

[maxhopper]

I had a similar problem with losing coolant. It was a small leak going directly into one of the rear cylinders and I could smell it through the exhaust.

In my situation where my chassis was in great condition (even with 170k miles), I elected to put a used motor with 65k miles in the car. It was a hell of a lot cheaper than buying another car.

[jlarnol1]

I just found out from the shop inspection, that it is one of the head gaskets. My mother was quoted $1,700 to replace and repair (mill) the head. I am assuming it is okay to do just the one head which is leaking?

[Beancooker]

In most cases, it is not necessary to mill the head. Usually replacing the head gasket will do just fine. Take it to a trustworth mechanic (not a dealership) and get a quote from them. See what they want. I would guess it to be about $600.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

I agree with bean cooker on the price check. My motherin law had her's done on a Chevrolet and it was about$600

I wouldnt drive the car if there is water in the oil. Youcould blow the engine.

How did they know this? Compression test? Did theyopen the radiator and see bubbles from the enginecompression? Did they see water on the dipstick?What kind of smoke is coming out of the tailight? Whatdo the plugs look like? etc

I hate getting charged for a non critical item

[Sentientbydesign]

For $1700 you could get a low mileage JDM engine and have it installed.

Dealership service departments are lame. $95/hr and when they do the job, they try to cut corners so badly despite charging you full price.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

You shouldnt have to mill the head unless it got so hot it warped it