car trouble...

[Sloan24]

so my 2002 Mitsu Eclipse GT is leaking from toward the front of the engine and I have no idea where it's coming from.... i had a friend check it out and he says he thinks it's just a small water leak, but I'm not sure. The car was wrecked a few months ago and up til now, the car has been running very well. However, when I parked the car in the school parking lot this morning, there was no leak, and when i visited the car at lunch, there was a small spot under the front of the car...not a big spot, but it's enough to worry me....


any suggestions?

[foibles]

If you run the air conditioner that will often cause what looks like a water leak.

Its actually just pulling moisture from the air as it cools it. Ends up in a pool beneath the front of the car.

Has it been hot in El Paso lately?

[erik_blank]

If you run the air conditioner that will often cause what looks like a water leak.

Its actually just pulling moisture from the air as it cools it. Ends up in a pool beneath the front of the car.

Has it been hot in El Paso lately?

Agreed, A/C units can often have this, but it usually will show nearer to the passenger compartment than towards the front of the car. What color is the liquid? Have you had a chance to actually touch it? Is it oily? Is it greenish? Is it a frothy white? (often the sign of a leaking head gasket) What does it smell like?

Like most things, Ya just gotta give us more info if you want help on this....

[Sloan24]

Foibles: I never run the A/C when I drive her. I drive with the window down. Actually, it has been relatively cool lately, leaving me the option to drive with only the window down without the A/C

Erik Blank: It looked like regular water. It's not green and it's not white. It didnt' look oily... I didn't get a chance to touch it or smell it... :/

[the ancient one]

Next time wipe the spot with a white paper towel. What color is this liquid?

[Sloan24]

the ancient one: I was at lunch, so I didnt' have a whith paper towel available... I'm not sure of its color, but it looked pretty much clear, to me...

[The Jersey Devil]

Might be your winshield washer fluid resevoir. They are frequently mounted up near the radiator and it may have cracked in your accident. The washer fluid would probably look clear if it was in a puddle on the ground.

[needle]

Foibles: I never run the A/C when I drive her. I drive with the window down. Actually, it has been relatively cool lately, leaving me the option to drive with only the window down without the A/C

Erik Blank: It looked like regular water. It's not green and it's not white. It didnt' look oily... I didn't get a chance to touch it or smell it... :/

Were you putting your fan in "feet/defrost" or "defrost" modes on those days? Those modes actually run A/C (at least they do on my car), so it could still be the A/C. Anyway, proceed with leakage color/smell/feel identification, just don't try drinking it

[the maple epee]

Your alternator is probably leaking. You should go check it.

[erik_blank]

Your alternator is probably leaking. You should go check it.

Hummm.. Are you also going to suggest that he get a pint of Pnumatic fluid to add to his vaccume system?

I had heard of a sea story when I was in the navy of a stock clerk given an emergency requestition to procure pnumatic fluid for an F-14. It took the guy 5 months to track it down...

[telkanuru]

Kinda like trying to find a pistol grip for a sabre, or sending a new engineering student off to search for a 65/128" socket wrench?

My personal theory is your improbability drive just generated a little bit of water randomly, and that it's nothing to worry about.

[Phantom5588]

When we get new trainees on the ambulance they have to learn to check all the fluid levels...they're always so confused when we ask them what the blinker fluid levels were.

If your car is running fine, then it's probably nothing. On the other hand if you're so concerned about this "fluid leak" maybe you should take it to a shop and have them check it out.

Or you could keep asking fencing forum members, which will likely get you nowhere considering the lack of information that you provided.

[needle]

Or you could keep asking fencing forum members, which will likely get you nowhere considering the lack of information that you provided.

Guessing is fun though. How about "stray cat peed under the car" hypothesis?

[Rabid Monk]

Hummm.. Are you also going to suggest that he get a pint of Pnumatic fluid to add to his vaccume system?

I had heard of a sea story when I was in the navy of a stock clerk given an emergency requestition to procure pnumatic fluid for an F-14. It took the guy 5 months to track it down...

When my mom was in the RAF (operated cameras on surveillance planes), the crew would often send new recruits to a local hardware store to buy bubbles for their levels.

The hardware store owner, being aware of and accustomed to the gag, would then ask the hapless recruit if they needed 1/4" or 1/2" bubbles.

Poor recruits...



Sloan:

We do need more information. Cars have lots of fluids (fuel, washer, coolant, refrigerant, oil, brake, and more), so identifying it requires a description of what it is.

Having a leak is one thing *and good job spotting it). But, frankly, it could be coming from anywhere. Forum members can guess possible sources, but without knowing more the guesses are just that: guesses.

If we are wrong, then you will have spent the money repairing a system that does not need repair, while the real problem remains.

This article may be helpful to you.

Suggestion: Put a white board under the front of your car overnight, and check it in the morning for fluid traces.

Do remember to wash your hands after touching any automotive fluid. Some of it is toxic, some of it is caustic, and none of it is very good to eat or leave in contact with you skin for very long.

[Mergs]

Still looking for the 100' of flight line..........

[Empty Wallet]

Can you please get me the left-handed screwdriver?

[erik_blank]

That Screw Driver, did you need Metric, ASE, Slotted, Phillip's, Lubricated or Ribbed?

As for the Flight line, I have lots in stock, including Manila, Poly Braid, Nylon and
bituminous. Did you want it to go, or would you prefer to tie yourself up here?

[Sloan24]

to all fencers who replied to this forum: Thank you so much!! My dad looked at the car, and we waited overnight and I parked in a different spot the next two times I drove her- someone had spilled something near my car. How lame, true? I just freaked out... So, thanks to all and I appreciate it!


And while you're reading this, please participate in my fencing survey if you haven't already- there is a copy in both the Water Cooler forum and the Regular fencing forum. I appreciate it!!

God bless