Engine Leak

[daejuanj]

Hey guys,
I started to notice a leak from my motor. Appears directly centered, toward the front of the car. Appears to start as soon as motor is started.

It's a clear and odorless substance.

I haven't looked to hard, since I had to go to work this morning, but appears as if it's coming from.

I'm going to try and troubleshoot this weekend. Any ideas?

[BNaylor]

Probably insulating oil from the starter solenoid.

[daejuanj]

So, is that good or bad?

BTW, thanks for the reply.

[BNaylor]

Bad but you might get by with it until the part is replaced. How is the starter working?

[daejuanj]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Bad but you might get by with it until the part is replaced. How is the starter working?

Starter appears to work fine. I should also mention I have notice an unusual squeaking/whining noise from the motor.

So bad starter solenoid? That's why there's a clear oderless leak?

[richtazz]

It could also be a bad freeze plug leaking coolant (especially if you're using the universal coolant rather than the orange Dex-Cool).

[daejuanj]

Originally Posted by richtazz

It could also be a bad freeze plug leaking coolant (especially if you're using the universal coolant rather than the orange Dex-Cool).

I'm not sure, I'm still using the coolant I got from the dealership (Carmax). I will have to diagnose it this weekend. Are both of these fixes fairly simple?

[BNaylor]

If it was coolant wouldn't you'd see a color. Green or orange?

I'm quite sure it is oil from the starter solenoid. Corrective action is replacing the complete starter.

[daejuanj]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

If it was coolant wouldn't you'd see a color. Green or orange?

I'm quite sure it is oil from the starter solenoid. Corrective action is replacing the complete starter.

In the morning I'm color blind and slow.

Didn't know the oil from the solenoid was clear. Thanks

Is the job fairly simple?

[BNaylor]

It is common for automotive electrical components with high current to be oil filled. The starter itself is easy. Just two/three bolts. Getting to it is the issue. You'll need jack the front end up and prop with jackstands. Then remove the plastic covers underneath. Remove battery positive and then negative cable before doing it. Undo the starter B+ 12 volts connection and the connections to the starter solenoid.

[daejuanj]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

It is common for automotive electrical components with high current to be oil filled. The starter itself is easy. Just two/three bolts. Getting to it is the issue. You'll need jack the front end up and prop with jackstands. Then remove the plastic covers underneath. Remove battery positive and then negative cable before doing it. Undo the starter B+ 12 volts connection and the connections to the starter solenoid.

Thanks.

Appears the part is more than what I was looking to spend, at least a new starter. ($170). Would it be advisable to get a used starter from ZZP? https://www.zzperformance.com/grand_...ts1.php?id=690

May take it to the dealership, which I hate doing as it's an inconvenience.

I'm going to look at it more either today or tomorrow.

One last question, what else would cause a clear, odorless leak? Since I'm guessing the leak location.

[tblake]

Unless your radiator is filled with water, the only other fluids that I could think of that are clear are brake fluid and power steering fluid, and this is only if they are pretty much brand new. I had no idea about the starter...

[daejuanj]

Me and a friend has pretty much narrowed it down to condensation, we actually found where it was coming from, and it was water.

I'm going to do a tune up. Spark plugs/wires and S/C oil & motor oil change. And look around the motor. I've been too busy to even look at my car.

I'm going to keep an eye on the starter as well.

[BNaylor]

Where was it coming from? What specific area or part? Water to include any condensation evaporates.

[daejuanj]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Where was it coming from? What specific area or part? Water to include any condensation evaporates.

My motor is a tad different from the pictures, mainly around the area I'm pointing out. I haven't noticed a leak, but you can see the bottom cardboard cover has been wet and dried.