Nissan Terrano oil leak

Benboy · 16-09-2018, 22:08

Hi all I am new to the forum and have owned my Terrano now for 2 years. It is a 2004 2.7tdi and have recently been having issues with a oil leak which has been detected by my mechanic as coming from the dipstick. I used to own a classic mini and had this problem on that but I found that it was down to a clogged up gauze filter located on the side of the engine ,so a good clean and it was sorted. Does anybody know if there is one of these on a Terrano? If so where is it located and any ideas of how to fix will be much appreciated
Thanks in advance
Ben

jims-terrano · 16-09-2018, 23:17

Hi Ben and welcome aboard.

From what you are saying it’s the drivers side of the engine. Are you sure it’s oil? Now this little nugget you will swear blind that it can’t be but check it as I’ve seen it many times and it happened to me. You’ll need to remove intercooler to see properly. Between the injectors there are some rubber pipes called leak off pipes that return excess fuel back into the system. Often it’s the last injector that has a blanking plug that perishes and leaks diesel down the side of the block. By the time it gets to the bottom of the engine it’s black and really does look just like black engine oil.

Alternative is the dipstick tube has a bracket that is held by a bolt into the side of the engine block. This bolt is one of the bolts that hold the oil cooler onto side of engine. If this bolt is missing it can cause problems but I suspect it will be the leak off pipes.

Let us know how you get on.

solarman216 · 16-09-2018, 23:23

Hi and welcome, yes as Jim says, there is also an oil catch can top front NS of engine this an associated pipes can gum up if oil changes have been neglected, Rick

Benboy · 17-09-2018, 07:48

Thanks for the reply I will check this week and let you know

Benboy · 17-09-2018, 08:19

Thanks Rick can this oil catch be cleaned up if so how would you do it thanks Ben

16-09-2018, 22:08	#1
Benboy Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Wales Vehicle: Nissan Terrano Posts: 3	Nissan Terrano oil leak Hi all I am new to the forum and have owned my Terrano now for 2 years. It is a 2004 2.7tdi and have recently been having issues with a oil leak which has been detected by my mechanic as coming from the dipstick. I used to own a classic mini and had this problem on that but I found that it was down to a clogged up gauze filter located on the side of the engine ,so a good clean and it was sorted. Does anybody know if there is one of these on a Terrano? If so where is it located and any ideas of how to fix will be much appreciated Thanks in advance Ben

16-09-2018, 23:23	#3
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,431	Hi and welcome, yes as Jim says, there is also an oil catch can top front NS of engine this an associated pipes can gum up if oil changes have been neglected, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

16-09-2018, 23:17	#2
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Hi Ben and welcome aboard. From what you are saying it’s the drivers side of the engine. Are you sure it’s oil? Now this little nugget you will swear blind that it can’t be but check it as I’ve seen it many times and it happened to me. You’ll need to remove intercooler to see properly. Between the injectors there are some rubber pipes called leak off pipes that return excess fuel back into the system. Often it’s the last injector that has a blanking plug that perishes and leaks diesel down the side of the block. By the time it gets to the bottom of the engine it’s black and really does look just like black engine oil. Alternative is the dipstick tube has a bracket that is held by a bolt into the side of the engine block. This bolt is one of the bolts that hold the oil cooler onto side of engine. If this bolt is missing it can cause problems but I suspect it will be the leak off pipes. Let us know how you get on.

17-09-2018, 07:48	#4
Benboy Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Wales Vehicle: Nissan Terrano Posts: 3	Thanks for the reply I will check this week and let you know

17-09-2018, 08:19	#5
Benboy Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Wales Vehicle: Nissan Terrano Posts: 3	Thanks Rick can this oil catch be cleaned up if so how would you do it thanks Ben