| Author | Message | ||
| Carl Rose (Carl_rose)
Junior Member Username: Carl_rose Post Number: 70 Registered: 10-2002 |
Happy ending (so far) to this story. Went around checking colors of all fluids I could access and...it's coolant. Level in reservoir is appropriate so this weekend (if ambient temp gets above 30 degrees) will check hose connections & trace overflow outlet. Have also been advised this can be symptom of malfunctioning radiator pressure cap & shall replace. I think I was initially misled by the reddish color (promise it's a 5-speed!)and appearance on my gloves. [Mr. Handa you're right truly I need to come to terms with the "car" part & not expensive - albeit quite pretty - garage furniture..!] Thanks once again for taking the moment to help.  Carl | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 772 Registered: 4-2002 |
Reddish colored? Probably automatic trans fluid. Ok, maybe not. I'd certainly double check to see if it's brake fluid. Not good if so. | ||
| JRV (Jrvall)
Member Username: Jrvall Post Number: 586 Registered: 11-2002 |
>>Fluid is reddish-colored, oily consistency, no particular odor.<< Hmmm..could be engine oil, or coolant, gear box oil smells, so does gas. The description 'oily consistency' is reason for pause, oil of course has a 100% oily feel imo, while most coolants have an oily consistency. Can you tell if any of the coolant hoses were replaced, or a clamp loose or old coolant hoses? | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 436 Registered: 5-2001 |
Carl, Please start driving that car! :-) I have had my 328 for about 4.5 months and put on almost 4,400 miles! I put about 10,000 miles a year on my previous 308GTS. BTW, that leak is probably nothing, just the shifter seal leaking a bit. You could just have the transmission topped up once a year, or have the seals replaced if you must....It's a used car, it's gonna leak a bit.. :-) | ||
| Carl Rose (Carl_rose)
Junior Member Username: Carl_rose Post Number: 69 Registered: 10-2002 |
Forgot to mention: Engine has AGIP SINT in crankcase, unknown what was used in transmission. | ||
| Carl Rose (Carl_rose)
Junior Member Username: Carl_rose Post Number: 68 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hello eveyone, Truly this car is initiating me into ownership. Tonight I found an 8" dark area inboard of the driver's rear wheel. Put a white envelope underneath and found (picture is skewed horizonally taken looking into wheel well in front of tire):  Fluid is reddish-colored, oily consistency, no particular odor. Craning my head underneath, seems to be collecting on the inner aspect of the rear frame rail near the clutch release mechanism. Outer transfer gear cover & drain plug appear dry. I believe there is a steel brake line running along the inside of the frame rail in this area. Background: 1988 328 9100mi approximately 70mi since 30k service at FoH. What fluid is this likely to be? Likely source? Any overflow outlets in this region? Is this a serious cause for concern/repair prior to driving or starting car? I realize jacking the car up/putting on lift is proper method but cannot do tonight. Any and all advice appreciated. Thanks once again, Carl |