F1 fluid leak....

While doing some engine detailing I found a small leak coming from a metal tube leading to the square metal pump. You can see the metal tube is joined to the F1 fluid reservoir. The AN attachment looks to be sweaty. The fluid looks about an inch low. The location of the fitting makes it difficult to get at. Is this tougher than it looks to resolve?
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I assume that is the F1 fluid resevoir i am seeing, so the black hose is the fluid to the pump. Is it the hose leaking at the clip or is it the copper washer leaking.
You will need to remove the hose and clips, then unscrew the fitting and renew the copper washer, assuming it is leaking, then renew the hose etc. Dont try refitting as it will leak now it has been disturbed.
You mention that the level is an inch low, it should have only about 16mm in it with the F1 system pressurised, dont fill it up as the resevoir must have space to recieve the F1 fluid should the system lose it pressure.

 

Is there an actual leak or just some dampness?

It's hard to avoid spilling or overfilling here so it could just be the remains of that.

The fluid level fluctuates quite a bit during operation and it's important to follow the procedure carefully when checking/adding fluid or you will get a messy surprise.

 

I think there's leaking from one or both of those hoses. What caught my attention was the inside of the rear valance was accumulation of dried fluid. I naturally followed the direction of the fluid leak and noticed it. Otherwise I wouldn't have caught the leak.
Would this have been a major issue if gone unnoticed or simply a loss of F1 pressure...no gear selection?

 

I guess this would be a decent DIY project. What is the correct fluid to add?

 

Fluid is listed in the handbook-we use shell spirax S4 ATF HDX , which can be used in the F1 and power steering. They list 2 in the book but only 1 is available in europe so this one is the higher spec and use ok for both.

 

open the driver door over and over until the pump is fully primed and no longer runs

quickly move the rear of the vehicle and dip a finger into the F1 fluid reservoir. you should have just a few millimeters covering the disk, enough to color the tip of your finger

if these conditions are met, do not add fluid.

I also wouldn't mess w/ that minor weeping/spillage, if the car is functioning properly, address it at the next full fluid service that will include F1 bleeding.

 

That a 360 F1 pump I would change the elbow hose looks pretty weak been around for long time and 2 new clamps and copper washer then bleed the system that your best bet, very simple job

 

A lot of good feedback. I'll clean the area and keep an eye on it. It may be that it was overfilled and created a burping mess. If not, it'll be a DIY project.

 

I went for a wonderful spring drive today. I checked the fluid while running and the reservoir was dry. I need to add some fluid but how much?

 

Follow my instructions

 

I've never had my F1 pump fitting apart, but that fluid junction looks like an inverted flare which the tube end is sealed directly to the machined and threaded boss.

What I'm trying to say it may only take a 1/8 on a turn to seal the junction.