97 SE Oil or Transmission Leak

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

SERider - 17 Oct 2004 19:38 GMT

Recently took my 97 SE(Stick)for an oil change @ Jiffy Lube and notice they
put 4.25 quarts of oil in it. It was approximately 1 month before I noticed
the dipstick was overfilled. When I did I had to drain it twice to get it
near the full level. Normally I change my own oil and 4 quarts fills it
exactly. The thing I fear I believe has happened: I have some type of oil
leak now coming from above the oil pan that leaves a small puddle after
the car has been driven. I can't determine where the leak is eminating
from as I don't have a lift to properly examine it. Is it an oil seal. The
Jiffy lube guys tried to tell me my dipstick was inaccurate. Where does
there computer come up with 4.25 Quarts? when I need only 4. Any advice?
Also I don't notice the oil missing from the dipstick with the leak. Is it
possible it's a transmission leak or something else? Thanks.

Reply to this Message

Steve T - 17 Oct 2004 21:08 GMT

> Recently took my 97 SE(Stick)for an oil change @ Jiffy Lube and notice
> they put 4.25 quarts of oil in it. It was approximately 1 month before I
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> type of oil leak now coming from above the oil pan that leaves a small
> puddle after the car has been driven.

1/4 of a quart isn't going to make something start leaking. A whole quart
over filled isn't going to make anything start leaking.

> I can't determine where the leak is
> eminating from as I don't have a lift to properly examine it. Is it an oil
> seal.

That or the front timing cover, both are comon leak points.

> The Jiffy lube guys tried to tell me my dipstick was inaccurate.
> Where does there computer come up with 4.25 Quarts? when I need only 4.
> Any advice? Also I don't notice the oil missing from the dipstick with the
> leak. Is it possible it's a transmission leak or something else?

Easily could be, or power steering etc etc. BTW it takes a pretty massive
leak to show on the stick over a short period of time.

Signature

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

Reply to this Message

Nirav J. Modi - 18 Oct 2004 17:25 GMT

> Where does
> there computer come up with 4.25 Quarts? when I need only 4. Any advice?

I believe the Maxima owner's manual says to fill 4.25 quarts of oil
when the filter is replaced, and 4 quarts when the filter is not
replaced....

Nirav
96 Max GLE, 110k

Reply to this Message

View from Space - 18 Oct 2004 17:31 GMT

> > Where does
> > there computer come up with 4.25 Quarts? when I need only 4. Any advice?
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> Nirav
> 96 Max GLE, 110k

It has been my finding the first time I took my 89 Maxima to a dealer they put about 5 qts and it caused a problem. So I just
started changing my own oil and filters. My 98 Maxima has the filter behind the right front wheel and requires a little more work
to do the same oil and filter change. But as long as I can crawl around I will never let another dealer or quicklub change my
oil.

Reply to this Message

SERider - 22 Oct 2004 04:40 GMT

Turns out to be an oil pan gasket/oil switch leak. $100 bucks but no more
leak!

Reply to this Message