Engine - Oil Leaks at Front of Engine

Classification:
EM98-001

Reference:
NTB98-033

Date:
April 15, 1998

1993-97 ALTIMA OIL LEAKS AT FRONT OF ENGINE

APPLIED VEHICLE:
1993-97 Altima (U13)

SERVICE INFORMATION

If a 1993-97 Altima leaks oil from the front cover area of the engine, the leak may be from the oil separator assembly located directly above the power steering pump. A countermeasure oil separator is available to repair this incident.

Use this bulletin to carefully diagnose the origin of the leak, and if necessary, replace the oil separator.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Oil Leak Diagnosis

1. Examine the backside of the crankshaft pulley area for evidence of oil slinging. This pattern is typical when a leak in the crankshaft front oil seal seeps onto the backside of the crankshaft pulley, where it is thrown onto surrounding components.

A) If the crankshaft front oil seal is leaking, check for a clogged PCV valve and repair as necessary.

B) If the leak does not exhibit the pattern described above, continue the diagnosis.

2. Clean the front of the engine with a suitable solvent to remove oily deposits which may mask the exact location of the leak.

3. Run the engine for several minutes, then shut the ignition off.

4. Examine the oil pan area and front cover O-ring seal for evidence of leaking.

A) If the oil pan is leaking, refer to the service manual for repair instructions.

B) If the O-ring seal is the origin of the leak, refer to TSB NTB95-058b to repair the leak.

C) If there is no evidence of leaking from the oil pan or the O-ring seal, proceed to the next step.





5. Remove the power steering pump and belt and reposition to allow access to the oil separator (see Figure 1).

6. Run the engine at idle for 1-2 minutes.

CAUTION:
The power steering pump belt also powers the water pump. Do not allow the engine to run longer than 2 minutes or the engine may overheat.

7. With ignition OFF, check the oil separator for leaking. If necessary, follow the service procedure to replace the oil separator assembly with the countermeasure assembly.

Oil Separator Replacement

1. Remove the oil filter for easier access to the PCV and oil separator.

2. With the power steering pump still removed and out of the way, remove the PCV hose at the PCV valve.

3. Remove the three bolts securing the separator to the front cover.

NOTE:
Do not attempt to reseal the flat cover of a leaking separator: it is epoxied into place and is not a serviceable item.

4. While the separator is off, visually inspect the PCV valve for evidence of clogging due to carbon deposits and shake it to verify the valve is not stuck. A rattle will occur if the valve is operating properly.

A) If the valve rattles when shaken, install it to the new separator using a thread sealant.

B) If the valve does not rattle, replace it with a new PCV valve.

5. Install the new separator with the PCV valve to the front cover using liquid gasket. Reinstall the PCV hose to the valve.

6. Reinstall the oil filter.

7. Allow time for the sealant to cure, then start the engine and let it idle for 1-2 minutes maximum. Do not allow the engine to overheat. Shut the engine off and verify that there are no leaks.





8. Reinstall the power steering pump, and adjust the belt tension using the table.





PARTS INFORMATION





CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Failed Part (PP) claim using the claims coding as shown.