Mystery Fluid/Leak..what could it be? | FerrariChat

Mystery Fluid/Leak..what could it be?

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by billh1963, Mar 20, 2015.

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  1. billh1963

    billh1963 Formula Junior
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    #1 billh1963, Mar 20, 2015
    After running the '86 3.2 today I noticed a small puddle forming under the right side of the engine. The liquid was not oil, yet felt somewhat greasy. It was not green (like antifreeze); however, it seemed to have a little bit of the smell of antifreeze. The fluid is fairly clear.

    At first I was thinking a leak from the waterpump...however, even though the car was at operating temperature the fluid that was dripping was not hot. Also, the a/c was not running; so, I don't believe it is condensation from the a/c.

    Thoughts before I pull the right wheel and wheel well panel for a closer look?
     
  2. soucorp

    soucorp F1 Rookie

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    #2 soucorp, Mar 20, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2015
    Well, if its not engine oil or transmission oil, it would make sense that it be coolant sense the water pump is in the right side. BTW, coolant isn't always green.
    Maybe brake fluid (clear in color but oily)? Check your brake reservoir under the front hood for low fluid levels.
     
  3. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 Wade, Mar 20, 2015
    The A/C compressor is on that side as well.
     
  4. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #4 yelcab, Mar 20, 2015
    You have

    Engine oil
    Gear oil
    Brake fluid
    AC compressor oil
    Coolant
    And gas.

    Oil is black, Gear oil is darker than clear if it is old. Gas evaporates and you can smell it. That leaves brake fluid, and coolant. Coolant is green in your car? If so, that leaves brake fluid.
     
  5. 123howie

    123howie F1 World Champ

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    #5 123howie, Mar 20, 2015
    Oil is not black after a recent oil change.
     
  6. billh1963

    billh1963 Formula Junior
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    #6 billh1963, Mar 20, 2015
    Brake reservoir is full...checked that first thing. The fluid has a very light oil/watery type feel to it so brake fluid was my first thought....nope. Plus, it's not leaking by the wheels.

    It's definitely right side of the engine (side with a/c compressor and water pump)

    Definitely not gas

    Not gear or engine oil...not the right smell or consistency

    Has a very light oil/watery type feel to it. Does the a/c compressor have light oil in it? The car has the original York piston style compressor....hadn't thought of that.
     
  7. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 Wade, Mar 20, 2015
    Yes, that sounds a/c compressor oil to me.
     
  8. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

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    #8 MvT, Mar 21, 2015
    Agree with Wade. AC oil is looks and feels like water.
     
  9. 365boxer

    365boxer Formula Junior

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    #9 365boxer, Mar 21, 2015
    Water pump
     
  10. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 Wade, Mar 21, 2015
    The probabilities are highest for this.
     
  11. bigeasy

    bigeasy Formula Junior

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    #11 bigeasy, Mar 21, 2015
    Do you own a cat?
     
  12. billh1963

    billh1963 Formula Junior
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    #12 billh1963, Mar 21, 2015
    No...lol
     
  13. hank sound

    hank sound F1 Veteran

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    #13 hank sound, Mar 21, 2015
    You do not own a cat. The cat is always the owner.

    Cheers, Hank
     
  14. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #14 yelcab, Mar 22, 2015
    Yes, the AC compressor does have 2 ounces of oil in it. But, why guess. Yank the wheel and liner off, look under the water pump to see if that leaks. Look under the AC compressor to see if that leaks. Look at the brake line to see if that leaks...
     
  15. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    #15 moysiuan, Mar 22, 2015
    My guess is water pump, it can a have a bit of a greasy feel and is not coloured in smaller quantities. There may be a little dribble, or evidence of such, from a small hole on the bottom of the pump under the bearing that is a sign of imminent seal failure.

    AC oil leak is possible, but it is a real oil and more clearly feels like an oil.
     
  16. Rapalyea

    Rapalyea Formula 3

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    #16 Rapalyea, Mar 29, 2015
    Dogs are employees. Cats are independent contractors.
     

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