Leaking fluid....

[clarkey.lee21]

Now the coil has been replaced, all is good, but on moving the car out of the garage, I see a small oil patch on the floor. I have had a look to see if I can see anything from underneath the back and from the top with the engine cover off, but cannot see anything. However there does seem to be some red fluid dripping off the undertray near the the door shut is.
The car has not been driven for à good few weeks now....

Any ideas????

 

[Fat_Board]

Red fluid sound like it could be the coolant.

 

[roma]

Could be power steering fluid !

 

[Tannman]

Definitely p.a.s fluid lee. That’s where the resovier, pump and pipes are positioned. Remove the engine covers and inspect the level?

Engine coolant is green.

Phone me if it’s easier. :approve:

 

[clarkey.lee21]

Yes that's what I am thinking. Just had another look and can see where the reservoir is and does look a bit sweaty...

 

[Tannman]

Yes that's what I am thinking. Just had another look and can see where the reservoir is and does look a bit sweaty...

Id clean it up, start engine and inspect whilst it’s running you may have to rotate steering wheel so that it’s under increased pressure to pin point leak.

Get in touch if any issues.

 

[DaveL485]

Taste it, just dib a finger in and lick it off, if its watery and super sweet then it's anti-freeze (my anti-freeze is red), if it's oily and bitter then it's probably power steering fluid.

Either way though it needs fixing, you'll have to drop the undertray off and track it back to source, so be prepared with a nice bright torch and some rags and safety glasses. If you can't trace the source right away clean up everything you can with a rag and brake cleaner and run the engine and see if you can see a new leak or drip. Also make sure the power steering res hasn't been overfilled and that it's not pushing fluid out the top of the res.

 

[rustedandrotten]

There is a bleed point on the top of the pipework by the reservoir, if it comes loose you get fluid either dripping or pi55ing out! it is neatly hidden under the front part of the engine covers but is readily visible once you take them off (you need to do this ideally to top up the reservoir anyway) :approve:

 

[clarkey.lee21]

It turns out it's the sensor/switch by the reservoir, another common problem I believe....

 

[Spike]

Personally, I don't think tasting power steering fluid or coolant is a great idea, particularly Power steering fluid due to the heavy metals in the lubricant, coolant may be better for you but i doubt your doctor would recommend it. also think about where the coolant came from> it may have apple juice in it!
also, the comment about coolant being green, that is quite correct unless its red or blue. there is also that coolant that is a chocolate brown colour when its been in for 30 years. Like you would find in an old mini for instance!
For safety children, keep car parts out of your mouth.

 

[clarkey.lee21]

Very sensible words. I didn't taste it, by the way...