radiator fluid leak

[kustmhog]

Hello, while I was waiting to pickup my mother-in-law...I was parked, idling, with the air on. When I finally departed...I noticed a SMALL amount of radiator fluid on the ground. I immediately shut the air off and drove directly home. The temp gauge never rose above normal. No abnormal smells, no steam, no nothing bad. When I inspected the engine at home....I noticed trace amounts of radiator fluid expelling from what appears to be the upper rad. hose housing. The point where the hose mounts into the front of the engine block, at this point...I could detect the signature smell associated with over heating. The temp gauge still remained very normal, (basically cause I never allowed things to get too hot ), This is nothing like cars of yester year lol I would prefer to hear it from you all prior to spending BIG BUCKS at my local INFIN DEALER ..ANY and ALL help will be greatly appreciated. Till then.... Oh, it's a '94 PRISTINE 2nd owner J30 with 164k. thanks !!

[driverdriver]

Your rad hose could be cracked at the connection. Its normal for a car this old.

Any competent mechanic is capable of doing an inspection and telling you what's wrong.

[kustmhog]

I appreciate the reply. So...the hose may have failed BEYOND the point it goes into the mount. The fluid appears to be coming from "there" and not from a typical "tear'', "cut" or "rip" one is used to seeing. This is why I'm asking you all for input cause normally I would just simply replace the damaged hose.

[driverdriver]

The rubber parts in a car, especially where you live, with the extremes in summer and winter temperatures have a lifespan of 8-10 years before they start failing.

I believe the rubber radiator parts on the J are common with other Nissan vehicles of that era. You can get it at a reasonable price from a Nissan dealer.