Coolant leaks from a small slit between timing chain cover, engine block, oil pan. Do I need to change the water pump or is it something else? I already ordered a water pump, timing chain tensioner, coolant, RTV gasket, and 8mm bolts for DIY.

 

I'd put money on the water pump - could be the T-stat if the gasket was bad as well since both are in that area might as well change together.

 

Water pump. Thats the seep hole

 

I changed the water pump today. I followed the service manual.

Tools)
- 19mm socket (to rotate the crankshaft)
- M8 - 1.25mm pitch - 80mm length bolt, 2EA (to pull out the water pump)
- Sockets, drivers, socket extension, ...

My car just passed 110k miles. Tensioner was in good condition but I replaced it because of chain noise for 0.5~1 sec at cold start in the morning. Water pump was also in excellent condition. The problem was the o-rings.

Timing chain & guide. Wow.


New water pump installed.


New timing chain tensioner installed. (Part#: 13070-EY00A)

 

what was the cost of the tensioner and the pump?

 

I paid $76.xx + tax for the tensioner (OEM) at a local Nissan dealer and $30.xx + tax for the water pump (GMB) at a local part store. I don't trust GMB but couldn't wait for delivery. I would just replace the 2 o-rings ($5.xx) of the water pump. Tensioner part number is 13070-EY00A (TENSION CHAIN) (03~07 G35, 03~06 350Z, 05~ Murano).

New tensioner has different oil holes on the back side. I guess Nissan might have improved something.

 

If you were to do the pump again you would just change the o-rings instead of the pump?

why did you get a tensioner? Could you tell it was going bad or was it preemptive since you were going to be removing the tensioner anyways?

 

Did your water pump ever make any weird noises before it went out bc I hear Rarring noise coming from the exact location of the water pump? I have 116K on my G35 sedan.

 

Old pump didn't make any noise and run smooth. O-rings made trouble.

 

Well... ... I would change the pump... for peace of mind for another 110k miles.

 

Is it quieter at startup now?

 

I had heard chain sound at startup 1~2 times per week but not anymore now.

 

MedianJoe,

I have a problem with what sounds like my timing chain tensioner. I read that you followed the FSM for the replacement of the water pump. Is this the same for the timing chain tensioner?

The timing chain tensioner cover window I'm guessing is made for maintenance, that's why they have that little cover over the tensioner. Did you just remove your two belts, unbolt the timing chain tensioner cover (little cover-identical looking to the waterpump cover), and unbolt the tensioner? or is there more to it?

I don't want to take mine to the dealer for them to do it, they quote way too much money. If you can, tell me in a nutshell what you did, i don't need directions, just what you had to take off to know how you obtained clearance to change this thing! Thank in advanced.

BTW I have 173k+ miles on my G35, that's why I have a feeling I need this replaced, also due to the noise my engine makes.

 

if I were to change the water pump o-rings and o-rings ONLY, do i have to mess with timing and other good stuff? or is it a strict plug-n-play change?

if it's just take off the cover and change the o-ring and put it back on.. i think i can do it at home..

 

Timing chain tensioner has to be removed first.