Fluid Leaking

[lilsweets3138]

Hi everyone, Once again I am having problems with my 2001 Windstar.
Recently my car has started to leak from under. The liquid smells bad and it seems to be coming from a metal pipe that leads from/to the water pump. I can see the pipe from under the hood. I am not sure what this leak could be and I am not very familiar with these kind of cars. If you guys might know I would appreciate it If you could help me out. Thanks.

[lapin_windstar]

Is it thick and greasy/sticky like oil, and maybe red/brown?

Or is it thinner and a bit more like the consistency of water - and maybe green or red?

Are there any lights on ("Check Engine") in the car? If you check the motor oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze fluids (check your manual on how to do this), are any of them lower than they should be (there will be a "min" and "max").

[wiswind]

From what you mention....it is hard to tell.
I know from personal experience....it can be difficult to tell what is leaking.
The FIRST thing that I would do is check all my fluid levels to see if anything is low.
Also, squeeze the upper radiator hose to see if it has coolant in it.
You can also WHEN THE ENGINE IS COOL remove the radiator cap to see if you have coolant up to the cap.

If you have green or white deposits, it could be coolant.
If you have red-ish deposits, it could be tranny fluid or power steering fluid (which is also tranny fluid).
If it is brownish......it could be oil.

Again....a check of fluid levels would be the FIRST thing to check.