Newbie with a Leaker - Need Your Help

[RuhRoh]

Thanks for the tip - I'll get underneath this weekend and check that sensor. I'm going to do an oil change as well so I know what is in it.

This morning no puddles on the floor - so not sure what to think now. I'll have to watch the coolant and other fluids over the next few days.

Thanks everyone for the great advice. This is a wonderful forum with tons of information and DIY write-ups. My top bookmark for sure.

[BBQBeaver]

Originally Posted by RuhRoh

Hello Beaver - any other tell tale signs? Funny sounds or anything? I was thinking it may be the water pump but it runs fine and not excessive clattering and no weeping off the front of the block. Although it may be starting and running down where I can't see it. I'll have to take another look.

Yes it started making an aweful noise (think bad bearings) at startup, then coolant ran down the front from the drip hole on the pump.

[ake53]

yeah, when doing your oil change, take off the plastic shield from the bumper to the sub-frame. than you could look up and see everything. good luck. our German machines are known to be leaky

[RuhRoh]

Originally Posted by BBQBeaver

Yes it started making an aweful noise (think bad bearings) at startup, then coolant ran down the front from the drip hole on the pump.

Fortunately I'm not hearing anything like that at the moment so maybe the pump is not the culprit. I'll be listening for that in the future.

[RuhRoh]

Originally Posted by alex77ae

yeah, when doing your oil change, take off the plastic shield from the bumper to the sub-frame. than you could look up and see everything. good luck. our German machines are known to be leaky

The front splash guard is missing on mine - makes it easier to look but I'm thinking I should find a replacement. I climbed under last night and it aint pretty - looks like oil or power steering fluid on the lines and on the front steering components. When you mentioned the oil filter housing gasket failing are you referencing the o-ring that seals the top of the canister or the o-rings that seal the lines leading to/from the canister to the engine? It's an oily mess and was thinking of degreasing the entire engine bay and bottom end. That way I can see what/where it's coming from. We are looking at heavy snow this weekend so probably won't get that done until next weekend or weather clears.

Thanks again for the great information.

[bagpype]

Its probably leaking from your power steering. Which is synthetic ATF by the way. Check that level and ill bet you have found your culperit.

[bcredliner]

Coolant running out the splash plan can come from several sources. I would first check the plastic line and hoses to the expansion tank and at the at the top rear of the engine. The expansion tank is easy to check. The hose connections at the rear of the engine are a little harder. Engine cover will need to be removed and you need a flashlight to find them. Run the engine so the system is pressurized and watch for a leak or after you have driven it awhile, let it cool down and reach down and see if anything is wet.

If the oil is puddling and you just had an oil change I would first check seals and plug associated with a normal oil and filter change. If you are seeing a few drops after it sits for sometime after being driven, first check valve covers and vanos seals.

[bcredliner]

Also, be sure the fluid is oil. You said it was clear and engine oil was not. Smell it, coolant looks like oil and feels like oil.

[RuhRoh]

Thanks for all the tips - here's a rundown of what I spotted over the weekend:

I haven't seen any fluid leaking since mid last week - no drops on the floor, nothing dripping off the bottom of the motor. I'm carrying a jug of coolant just in case the "check coolant" message comes up.

On Saturday I changed the oil - while underneath I could spot what looks to be a power steering fluid leak. The banjo fittings are seeping a bit. Lots of built up oil/gunk on the driver side front of the engine. Also, the PS lines heading to the cooler look to be covered as well. I can also see some fluid dripping off the front of the engine on the passenger side. Not at the alternator but on the side of the engine just behind it. So maybe a VC leak?

I also changed the plugs. Not knowing what the condition was I wanted to have a baseline and know what I have. While changing the plugs - there was what I think a heavy amount of oil accumulated in the plug wells on the passenger side. It's been a while since I've done a tune up and have never seen oil around the plugs. It was enough to cover about half the plug wrench. Is that normal? Where is it coming from?

I also swapped out the power steering fluid - sucked it out with a turkey baster and refilled it. I started that last week and now have clean fluid there.

I tried to change the air filter by using what was supposed to fit according to Advanced Auto but the Purolator filter was a bit too big. Anyone have a cross reference for what to use?

I still need to find a source for another keyless remote. The PO only had one - anyone have a source for that?

Thanks to all for your help. Really enjoying the car - looks like we'll have some good snow to try the AWD tomorrow. I'll take some pics when the weather breaks.

Thanks.

[TerminatorX5]

replacement/additional key - dealer item. the key needs to match to the car, in order to unlock/lock the car, arm/disarm the car, and start the engine - three separate system systems working i unison to make this all happen...