Ok here is a trivia question.. a little over a year ago I noticed a minor coolant leak from my water pump housing. I proceeded to take it to the mech where they replaced the pump. About a month or so later I begun to notice an odor of coolant, although no fluid was present. No engine problems, everything appeared to be running par. I took it to the mech and they replaced the head gaskets. Now fast forward to to this present time and guess what...? Im smelling coolant again, but no sign or a leak and no real coolant los in the reserve chamber. So being that the warm weather is coming, I took it back to the mech and they pressure tested it. He callled me and stated that (exact words) "The coolant tube that connects to the themostat housing running under the intake to the back of the block is leaking"... $495 to repair... I looked at the all data exploded diagram of this area and didnt see any hose that met this description... am I missing something?

2000 Nissan X SE 4X4 Auto
115000 MILES

Here is a picture:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/437954/fullsize/xterra-007.jpg

I would suspect that the leak is more likely from the clamps or hose that tees off at the rear of the motor.

Hope this helps

The problem is, the clamps are a one time use spring-type clamp. They're supposed to be replaced when they're taken off. You could get all limber and take the original ones off, and replace them with a worm clamp. That would probably take care of the issue.

Thanks bros.. now is that something a layman can do? Im viewin the pic but not sure which or where the hose in question is....

IIRC there are two small hoses that connect from the heater lines to the intake manifold. They are a beotch to get to. Have a look at the back of the engine behind the intake manifold.

Looking at the brass colored coolant line, you'll find the clamps in question at the nipple pointing straight up as well as the end of the hose where it disappears to the left. There will also be another heater hose connection in the area with the same clamp.

I believe that it is something that one can do themselves. I also believe that a head gasket is something one can do also. It's all a matter of your comfort level with the project.