I notice I have a fluid leak tonight. It is dripping from what looks like a pump on the passenger side and above the transmission? I can't tell what the fluid is but it smells a little like antifreeze. Does anybody have any idea what this is?

 

What color is the fluid? Is it oily feeling? More details please.

 

It's clear but I can see a little black tinge to some of the drops it does feel oily. But not as slick as engine oil if that makes sense. I will put some pics up shortly. I just changed oil this weekend and I put in some stp complete fuel system cleaner in the gas earlier this week.

 

How do I post pictures?

 

I think these pictures should show up.

 

Looks like a rear main seal leak or torque converter seal leak but if it smells like coolant it may be a heater hose leak above the rear of the engine and running down the junture between the trans. and block. If it's a coolant leak a pressure test should reveal it quickly.

 

Ok, I'm not very experienced with auto mechanics. Is a pressure test something I can do? I checked the transmission fluid level and oil level and they are both in the full zone on the dip sticks. How much coolant should there be in the radiator overflow?

 

Found the leak this morning when I got to work. Truck was steaming pretty good so I popped the hood and started looking with a flashlight. I believe it is a heater hose on the top passenger side. I saw some fluid dripping onto the engine from where it connects. What I couldn't tell was whether or not it was the hose or the connection coming out of the engine. I am assuming that is what goes to the heater core. I will take some pics when I get home tonight. I will need to drive somewhere to get anti-freeze can I fill it via the overflow when the engine is hot?

 

The "overflow" is the only place where you CAN fill it. If you are adding coolant when the engine is hot, you should do it with the engine running. BE CAREFUL removing the cap when hot, it's under pressure. I would not waste the antifreeze till you fix the leak.

 

Ok here are pictures of where it is leaking. I am somewhat handy with tools but don't know my way around an engine compartment. What I need to know is what this is called so I can decide if I am competant enough to do this replacement or should enlist the help of a mechanic.






Thanks for all the help everyone.