2000 Nissan Maxima cold weather bad idle/stall - oil leak?

2000 NISSAN MAXIMA
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DMALJUNK
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Hi, my 2000 Nissan Maxima wigth 75K miles on it does not idle steady and stalls on cold marnings with temp outside below 38F. It sounds like one cylinder misfires. Once the car warms up the symptoms disappear and car runs fine all day. Mechanic noticed oil on one of the spark plugs and suggested that oil is leaking into one of the cylinders. His resolution is to look into leaking valves/seals/rings and replace leaking parts. In best case scenario the repair should relatively inexpensive but in worst case I am better off replacing the car. What part(s) exactly can be leaking and how series is it? There is no suspicious smoke coming out of the tale pipe at any time, smoke color and quantity seem to be normal.
Jan 11, 2006 at 1:52 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Use the owner's reported findings as leads, while confirming whether oil is in a plug well or on the firing end before deciding on internal repairs. Verify any recurring cold-running complaint separately.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: This question and its visible discussion, including any clearly labeled editorial corrections. Owner reports are distinguished from other participants' experiences. Follow-up guidance is not a confirmed diagnosis.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

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DP_MAXIMA03
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Hi!

I've got something similar.

Recently replaced the spark plugs on my Maxima 03. The first three- beautiful; fourth- dripping w/ oil(dark) & I had just changed oil/filter.
That fourth spark plug coil didn't "pop" on of off like the others so I hoped it was not a leaking valve/seal but just not firing.

No smoke, no engine light, idle a little rough, but I've got 75,000 miles on it. (Has never stalled).
Also have to mention- terrible gas milage (15-17per gal)

After calling around for parts & buying a OBD 2 (Scanner for $200+- useless unless you fork over another 200+ online for program installs.)

I've scheduled an appt w/ AAA Care Car for Wed morn. - I'll let you know what they find.
Mar 6, 2006 at 10:42 AM
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DMALJUNK
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My stalling issue was caused by a clogged up EGR Valve tube and this wasn't really related to oil leak. To fix the oil leak, I had to replace the valve cover gasket set, which includes the main oil seal and spark plug tube seals. If it's those spark plug tube seals then you are lucky and the cause of the leak could be a PCV Valve, which is a $10 thing sticking right out of the intake manifold. Valve Cover Gasket set replacement should be $250 from an honest mechanic

If the oil is leaking deeper in the cylinder then it could be rings, pistons, it doesn't matter what exactly it is but if that's the case then you need to sell the car - this repair will cost you thousands.

Why would you look for a scanner yourself. You can get a free scan at AutoZone but if you don't have any SES light then don't even bother, don't look into sensors but address your oil leak.

Good luck.
Mar 6, 2006 at 3:16 PM
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DMALJUNK
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oh yes, you said the car is 2003, I guess it's just out of warranty, well, if they do find a leak inside the cylinder then you should try addressing this with Nissan Customer Service and getting it fixed under good will. Certain things may qualify for extended warranty periods depending on how persuasive you get with them. One thing for sure, something like this doesn't happen on a 2003 expesnive sedan.
Mar 6, 2006 at 3:20 PM

Discussion summary

2000 Nissan Maxima cold weather bad idle/stall - oil leak?

A 2000 Maxima stalled or idled poorly on cold mornings, and oil on a spark plug led to concern about internal engine leakage. The owner later reported that the stalling and oil leakage had separate causes.

Reported outcome: The owner attributed the stalling to a clogged EGR tube and reported replacing valve-cover and spark-plug-tube seals for the oil leak.

No measurements or long-term follow-up were supplied. The suggested PCV cause, fixed repair prices and advice to sell a car with internal leakage were not established by this repair account.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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