Thread: Red fluid leak... transmission or coolant?

Or power steering fluid? I use red ATF for my PS...

If it is leaking from the front I'd also think it is ATF and leaking from the PAS pump. A leaking transmission would not show up at the sump, would it? Check the liquid with your fingers, if it is oily it is ATF, if watery then it will be coolant.

I would be tempted to wipe all joins/unions etc dry, then watch for wet spots.
Fluids can be blown all over the place by the fan and convoluted engine bay aerodynamics when driving. The sump is one of the lowest points and as such can be a gathering point from accumulated leaks from elsewhere.
The red tends to put suspicion on either power steering pump and pipes or possibly transmission oil lines from the transmission to the oil cooler section of your radiator.
Your transmission doesn't have a dipstick so you can't check it but it would be a good idea to trace the leak before anything drastic results from a critical oil shortage.
Feeling with dry fingers can often be the best way to trace a leak.
Good luck
Regards
Glen

Hi Glen, I did the cleaning of the area last night and this morning it was coming from the single nut... (I have tried tightening the nut but can't get enough torque to really see... two steel pipes in the way).

Jojo, It is not as oily looking as the PAS fluid in the PAS reservoir, but looks certainly red and watery (although feels slippery like oil)?? I am not experienced enough to know the difference, other than it looks and smells the same as the coolant in the coolant reservoir.

Sounds like a visit to a mechanic hey?

Thanks for your help.

Nick.

Off to the mechanic you reckon?

" A single nut under the engine" , that sounds like "A nut loose behind the steering wheel"
You have a leak ,but by observing the level of Coolant,the level PAS Fluid , the Level of your ACE system(if its fitted) the level of ATF in the Trans(Trans coooler lines), you cant detect a change in those levels ? A simple taste test will tell you if it oil or Coolant.
What is this Nut under the engine ?

It's not the PAS line, rubbed through on the front corner of the block/sump is it?

It's in a stupid place, with a single piece of foam wedged in between for protection.......... which doesn't actually protect.

Often can't actually see the leak until you pull the line out, and de-crud it.

Righto,
Found what is going on:
Gasket going between engine and where pumps located, ie ACE and PAS. One of the latter also slightly leaking. Gasket = $peanuts, labour = $lobsters!! It's my first petrol powered vehicle purchase in 20 years.... already regretting it.
Thanks for all comments.

Hello All,

As postings show, found a coolant leak at front of sump under one of the nuts. Had the whole thing pulled apart and the primary source of the leak was the seal around the sensor (i.e. how hot the engine is running). However, pulling radiator out, and timing chain cover off, we ended up doing new water pump (sounded like my old-mans lungs when spun), and new gaskets all round, and new bolts as they all had rust signs. The source of the tiny amount of oil in the original leak was not the PAS or ACE, but engine oil. So $2k later and I have a pretty good and very thirsty armchair... (still getting used to the petrol consumption after years as a diesel fanatic). I do love the v8 sound though, and might even get the right exhaust system to accentuate the note (suggestions welcome).
Thanks to all postings with suggestions for original problem.