Fluid leak
 

It looks like I have a moderate leak near the front of the car. Best I can tell, it is dripping from the plastic cover. It has been sitting for over a week and there was a nice spot on the driveway. I think this is new or has gotten worse since I got the car. Any suggestions on how to pin down the source of the leak?

Re: Fluid leak
 

Cam seals?

Re: Fluid leak
 

It would be helpful to know what kind of fluid it is. If it's brown, it could be engine oil. Red it could be either from the transmission or from the power steering. If it's green water, it's from the cooling system. If it's just water, it might be from the A/C.

Re: Fluid leak
 

Is it from the left, right, or middle of the cover? If it's the sides then it's most likely a cam seal. If it's the middle then probably the front main or oil pump seals. However, make sure it's no a leaky power steering reservoir dripping down onto things below.

Re: Fluid leak
 

It is hard to tell but it looks like a relatively clear or lightly colored oil. But the engine oil is looking pretty clean right now. But it doesn't seem as thick as engine oil. I will try to get a better picture of the oil and where it is dripping from. But the cover goes the entire distance of the front of the car so I'm not sure how the location matters.

The previous owner had the cam seals and oil pump changed when he changed the timing belt about 10K miles ago.

Does the tranny fluid level need to be checked with the engine running? I have read that the fluid should be checked when warm and the gear selector should be cycled through all the locations.

Re: Fluid leak
 

You could start by removing the cover!

Re: Fluid leak
 

Sorry, can't place a "cover that goes the entire distance of the front of the car"

Got a pick??

Keith:cool:

Re: Fluid leak
 

Do you mean the skidplate/plastic tray piece? You won't be able to tell where anything is coming from with that on.

Re: Fluid leak
 

Follow the dirt trail and you'll see a lot (a lot easier on the lift though).

Re: Fluid leak
 

Yes, I think that is it. Does that thing have a critical purpose? Should I just take it off and leave it off? Maybe there is a reason for it to stay on like maybe it keeps salty water off critical parts in the winter.

Re: Fluid leak
 

I would just keep it on the car... There are several reasons why it is on it!

Keith:cool:

Re: Fluid leak
 

OR - you can take it off, do what you need to do , then put it back on.

It's not that many bolts holding it up, why is everyone making such a big deal out of taking a simple cover off???

Re: Fluid leak
 

I suppose I should put mine back on, I just realized it has been off for about 2 years. :rolleyes:

Re: Fluid leak
 

Taking it off is not a big deal. The question is, does it need to go back on and, if so, why. No big deal, I'm just curious.

Re: Fluid leak
 

One good reason to keep it off - at least in the summer: the transmission runs cooler!