It's worrisome that an dealership level technician can't locate a coolant leak. A simple uv dye would have done the trick or even pressure testing the system. I've done it numerous times. Is it possible to take it to another dealership? This doesn't paint them in a good light as far as being a place that should be working on any cars in my opinion.


Edit.

What gasket did he say was leaking externally? Doesn't really add up.

 

He did not specifically say which gasket because it is just the technician's assumption. I remember the service advisor telling me they did a compression test. I believe that was for the hoses that they replaced. The reason why I take it to them is because they are trying to solve the issue under "warranty" for the lack of better term because they performed the hose replacement. I will look into more reputable mechanics here in town for a second opinion and see what they have to say. The Tech is familiar with Infinitis, but said he never came across this issue. He had to call the Infiniti Tech line to see if this was a common issue.

 

Maybe someone else will chime in with more advisable info.

 

I would find a reputable mechanic- preferably one who specializes in Nissan- and have them do a UV pressure test. It is obvious that the dealership tech is unable to properly diagnose this issue. Calling the "Tech Helpline" is useless.

Assuming all of your hoses, couplings, and bleeder valves are intact, there are only so many places where coolant can leak externally. A UV test would almost immediately show the culprit.

I really doubt you need a new engine unless it is found that there is a crack in the water jacket/block. Unlikely.

 

I will wait for their call tomorrow and decide what to do from then on. I will definitely contact a few local mechanics and ask around. The funny thing is, the guy who is attending to my car is the dealership's Infiniti specialist. If the tech is truly incompetent, I am hoping he did not even mess my car up more. This is all so upsetting, but thank you for the responses.

 

Good morning guys. Just got back from the dealership and I was informed that the leak was coming from the timing cover and the engine. The technician called the Tech Line and pretty much said that the best option is to replace the whole engine. This is not a route I want to take. I will try to call some Infiniti dealers for a second opinion, but it truly seems like the car is done. Hope potential buyers of Infiniti can benefit from this.

 

You need to find a new mechanic. If the coolant leak is coming from the timing cover, the water pump is really one of the only places it can come from. Any competent shop can replace the water pump and check the gallery gaskets while they're in there. No way you should need a new motor for that unless the block is cracked or a head gasket let go. I'd get the car as far away from that dealership as possible and let someone else diagnose/repair it.

 

Noted. I called a reputable Infiniti dealership out of town, and decided to tow my vehicle there for a second opinion. The service advisor from Infiniti also told me it is not a common issue, but he highly doubts I need a new engine. I will keep everyone updated, and I hope I can resolve this issue. I seen so many VQs with 250k to 300k with nothing but basic maintenance.

 

I am wishing you the best of luck!

 

General Grim:
I know this is a very frustrating issue you are having to deal with and I do hope that your engine can be repaired fully and as painless as possible.

That saId, after the new mechanic/tech has completed their diagnosis, have them physically show you (or shoot a video) where the leak is coming from. As I have stated prior, there are only so many places where coolant can leak externally/from the engine.

Best of luck.

 

Thank you guys. I am hoping they will resolve the issue. I will be setting off tomorrow for the new dealership, and I am glad they are accommodating my car at such short notice. I will keep you all updated, and I truly hope this thread can benefit someone in the future.

 

Just to clarify. I may have worded things wrong in my previous post because I was also on the phone, but one of the techs stated this. "We have cases on file that are very similar and the block was found to be cracked by the water pump behind the rear cover." For what it's worth I am hoping to get an ultimatum on my car's fate tomorrow.

 

I had the same coolant leak. It did not require a new engine. I think I actually drove it to the mechanic (about 5 miles).

 

I am glad to hear that. Care to share more details? I towed my car to the Infiniti dealership. The technicians there think it is just a water pump. They will take the engine apart some time tomorrow to know for sure. This whole ordeal is very pricey, and I don't wish this on other G owners. As I said earlier, I hope someone can learn from my car and my thread in the future if they encounter the same issue.

 

I came across this thread. I now have more confidence that my car does not need a new engine. https://www.myg37.com/forums/engine-...ater-pump.html