autocross_diva

iTrader: (1)

I have noticed I have the most bizarre leak going on under the hood. I don't know where it's coming from and I can't pin point exactly what it is. It doesn't appear to be oil, but it has a thick texture. It's definitely not fuel. It seems like a clear, thick fluid with no real odor...I know I sound like a fool now.

I noticed it today when I was trying to track down my 3800 rpm hesitation problem. I removed the cylinoid and the UIM bracket to access the ECU ground. I cleaned it up and reinstalled and took it for a test drive. My problem was not fixed, however I noticed I had fluid that had sprayed everywhere!!

Only when driving, something is squirting up and hitting the hood and back-splashing and dripping all over everything on the driver's side. I have no idea where it is coming from other then being able to tell where it's hitting the hood. I don't know what I might have messed up to cause this sudden leak!! I cannot get anything to happen in the driveway revving the car, turning the steering wheel, mashing the breaks...not even a drip action. It only happens when I drive it.

Has anyone have something like this happen???

autocross_diva

iTrader: (1)

Here is about where it's hitting on the hook. I tried to draw an arrow and a circle around the exact spot.

I think I marked it a little high of the exact spot. sorry

autocross_diva

iTrader: (1)

from looking around and trying to judge where this part of the hood rests over...this area seems to be the location under where the hood is getting sprayed and seems the most wet....not sure what this is (i'm super rookie), it's function and maybe it's something near it or under that could cause such a spray!?!

It looks like one **** on this thing seems a lot cleaner then the other one....dunno if that means anything. I did go in with a wash cloth and wipe down what I could to remove it and drive it again to see if i can get closer to the spot...no luck. but I know i didn't clean the *****

satch

iTrader: (1)

Those are emission solenoids and the hoses have air or vacuum in them and no fluid. Does your car have power steering? If so, then look at the power steering unit.

Rob XX 7

iTrader: (8)

I had a pinhole leak in the power steering cooler line, it would not leak enough onto the ground, but when you drove it made a mess under the hood from the fan sucking it in and blowing it about

If you have PS that is- might want to check it

jjcobm

iTrader: (18)

I would also like to say power steering fluid. Especially since a lot of the off the shelve PS fluid is clear and the fact it isn't oil nor coolant and the hose is right there next to the hood.

toplessFC3Sman

iTrader: (1)

Check the brake fluid & clutch fluid level too... those are a thicker yellowish or clear fluid. Many types of PS fluid usually has a reddish hue, although some are clear too.

autocross_diva

iTrader: (1)

Ok, so I took a wash cloth and securely taped it to the hood of the car and drove it. It doesn't leak that much when you keep the rpm's under 3500. Bring it above that and it's much more fluid.

In any case, the wash cloth prevented it from spraying and dripping all over everything so I can find what is wet. It turns out it's coming from the lower hose near the power steering pump. It appears it may be power steering fluid?? I was thinking too the power steering fluid is red, but this appears clear. Maybe replacing this hose?? This leak wasn't there before I worked on the ECU ground and now it is like a demon so I'm at a loss. I'm also at a severe loss for my 3800 hesitation but that's for research or another thread.

autocross_diva

iTrader: (1)

Here are the pictures of the location. We were actually able to replicate the leak in the driveway by revving the engine to 3K and turning the wheel from one extreme to the other and as it did this motion it squirted. There is a tiny pinhole near the end of the hose.

Know how on fixing this? It's very small, could I get some good rubber cement, clean it, cover it, then wrap it with electric tape or another tape? It looks like a hose replacement is going to be complicated and a pain.

jjcobm

iTrader: (18)

New hose... It's not that bad to remove the hoses and replace them really. Remove the underbelly tray and you can see the steering rack better.

autocross_diva

iTrader: (1)

ok. what about those clamps? I can't tell how the bottom of the hose is attached but the top has a clamp on it that I"m not familiar with. It looks like a compression clamp of some kind. Can I remove this easily without a special tool or without damaging anything? Same with the bottom clamp. Not sure how that's held on but it's in a small space.

Rob XX 7

iTrader: (8)

put a WTB ad up, people remove all that PS from their cars and someone should have the lines

autocross_diva

iTrader: (1)

Will do, thanks. I was actually thinking about removing it myself since it's only a luxury in these cars anyway. I only like the system because it makes parking lots and other slow maneuver street driving experiences easier. But we are making this an occasional fun driver that autocrosses. Soon we are buying another vehicle so we won't be relying on this as a second car.