03 GT with oil leak and low coolant

[tinyfrogs]

Hi folks,

I just spent the afternoon swapping an alternator into my old Nissan truck (which didn't fix the problem, which holds off posting it for sale even more...), only to look over to the parking spot for my 03 GT and see a 2 inch oil puddle on the pavement. Car was almost half a quart low and I couldn't see any oil from above. I checked this forum and went to look for problems at oil pan seal, oil pressure sender (dry, oil light works during ignition), and maybe timing chain tensioner (couldn't find that). The oil pan seal is really wet with oil, but there does seem to be some oil coming down from above on passenger/firewall corner area...even maybe a tiny bit from what looks like the head gasket. I then checked the coolant and its really low in the reservoir but I could see it at the bottom of the neck of the radiator fill area. It doesn't look oily, but not as bright pink as I think it should be?

I got this car a little over a year ago at 96k and quickly ran it up to about 117k now. Aside from oil changes (Mobil 1) and a clutch job right after purchase, I've haven't done much to or for it. It has a few small dings and rough paint, so it's been a fun, cheap workhorse that I've taken a bit for granted. I rarely hit lift but I drive it with gusto.

I think I should pay a shop to reseal oil pan and flush/fill coolant (w the right stuff) ASAP. I need it running well and these jobs are too tight and messy for me to wait to do. I also don't have a lot of time to work on cars and the Nissan needs a lot so I can sell it for a down payment on something much newer. I would be grateful for any advice on what I should do to get this Vibe back in order. Diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, etc. Thanks.

[sideshowalan]

Common problem areas are the timing chain tensioner o-ring and where the timing chain cover bolts up. The tensioner is between the firewall and engine towards the passenger side, has 2 small studs sticking out of it, very small.
Grab a mirror + flashlight and check that area out for leaks.

Here's a good write-up that should at least help you find the tensioner for inspection:
http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Toyo ... air-Guide/

[tinyfrogs]

Indeed, my timing belt tensioner is leaking. I ordered the part and hope that completes the fix. Reselling the oil pan was fun.