Slight Fluid Loss

[philipleslie67]

Taking my car out of the garage today I have noticed a some fluid on the garage floor. It seems to be quite close to the drivers side front wheel. I check the oil which seems fine. It seems oily in texture (didn't taste though), could this be brake/clutch fluid and do you guys think that my baby could be in for a winter break?? Opinions greatly appreciated.

[ehasler]

Has the car been wet recently (out in rain, or washed)? If so, then it's probably just water that has drained out of the bonnet area from a little tube thing that is situated near the front wheels.

[philipleslie67]

No I hadn't been out in the wet. The car had been in the garage for a week (ashamed as I am to admit). The viscocity would suggest something else?

[mad-dot]

If it tastes sweet, it's coolant, probably either a loose hose clip, or a radiator leak

[andyvdg]

The engine is quite far back so I don't think it should be oil. I can't remember if the aircon pipes go round there, but there are a couple of drain pipes around that area. I think one is for the petrol recyling fume carbon canister thingy - but I'm sure you'll know if it was petrol. Most likely is that a water hose clip needs tightening.

Cheers,

Andy.

[whitey]

Where exactly was this leak ?

[philipleslie67]

I think I need to remove the bonnet to have a proper look but it seems to be between the end of the driver well/pedals and front driver side wheel..I think.

[NE1961]

It could be from the oil tank breather pipe as I belive this connects to the airbox & could be just a bad connection there.

Nick

[whitey]

The brake/clutch fluid reservoir is behind the pedals, and may be leaking, or the pipes going into it. Mind you when my dealer overfilled the reservoir it just soaked all the carpet in the footwell

I'm sure you will find it once you have had a good look!

[philipleslie67]

Thanks for all your advice. I'll get the bonnet off this weekend and have a look at the brake/clutch fluid reserve. Thanks again.

[andyvdg]

Well we seemed to have narrowed it down to coolant/oil/hydraulics or airconditioning. At least you know it isn't the washer fluid. Or could it be

[philipleslie67]

andyvdg said:

Well we seemed to have narrowed it down to coolant/oil/hydraulics or airconditioning. At least you know it isn't the washer fluid. Or could it be

Through process of elimination I can assure you all that it is definitely not butter or any other dairy derivative!

[Graham66]

philipleslie67 said:

Taking my car out of the garage today I have noticed a some fluid on the garage floor. It seems to be quite close to the drivers side front wheel. I check the oil which seems fine. It seems oily in texture (didn't taste though), could this be brake/clutch fluid and do you guys think that my baby could be in for a winter break?? Opinions greatly appreciated.

Drivers side front wheel is where the fuel canister vents, it will vent there every know and then, mine seems to do it more often when the car has been filled up (cold fuel expanding in warm weather maybe?)

Dealer had a look and says everything is fine, some times the valve sticks and remains open, but mine was fine

I would say if it keeps happening then get the dealer to have a look, otherwise, if it is only every now and then, then it is meant to do it!!

Graham