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 Owner

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    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?
     
    billh1963, Mar 20, 2015
    #1
  2. soucorp

    soucorp F1 Rookie

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    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.
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2015
    soucorp, Mar 20, 2015
    #2
  3. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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

    yelcab F1 World Champ Consultant

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    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.
     
    yelcab, Mar 20, 2015
    #4
  5. 123howie

    123howie F1 World Champ

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

    billh1963 Formula Junior Owner

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    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.
     
    billh1963, Mar 20, 2015
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  7. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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

    MvT F1 Rookie

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

    365boxer Formula Junior

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

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ Owner

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    The probabilities are highest for this.
     
    Wade, Mar 21, 2015
    #10
  11. bigeasy

    bigeasy Formula Junior

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

    billh1963 Formula Junior Owner

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

    hank sound F1 Veteran

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    You do not own a cat. The cat is always the owner.

    Cheers, Hank
     
    hank sound, Mar 21, 2015
    #13
  14. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ Consultant

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    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...
     
    yelcab, Mar 22, 2015
    #14
  15. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie Silver Subscribed

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    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.
     
    moysiuan, Mar 22, 2015
    #15
  16. Rapalyea

    Rapalyea Formula 3

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