1999 Nissan Sentra Oil leak on right side

1999 NISSAN SENTRA
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DAVE_IN_DESERT
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Nissan Sentra 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have an oil leak on the right side of my engine. I cannot detect where it is coming from. The alternator and some hoses nearby are covered in oil. This happened gradually over about a years time. I haven't had the money to fix it. One mechanic from my work said that it looked like some kind of seal from behind the wheel was leaking. I don't know. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Dave
Jun 5, 2010 at 5:59 PM
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JALOPYPAPA
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I had good results on my son's 1996 Sentra (with GA16DE engine) changing the valve cover gasket, which on that car was a pretty easy DIY job. It had been leaking down the side of the engine toward the radiator, including on the alternator. Next time he brings it over, we'll change the oil pan gasket as well.
Jun 11, 2010 at 4:24 AM
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ANOMALYCHICK
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I have the same problem on my car. (97 Sentra) The oil pan gasket on this car has a tendency to go bad too. I replaced mine twice more until i figured out it wasnt the problem. Its coming from a spot inside the engine, like on the side and underneath. We found it cuz my exhaust was off. It gets all over the alternator and hoses, but not the belt. Its a really slow leak, (like a half a quart every 4 months) and its in a place thats practically impossible to get to. Mechanic gave me the name of the seal, but it was like 13 hours of labor that involved jacking up the engine and the tranny. I was told not to bother.
Jul 8, 2010 at 1:16 PM