Reddish liquid dropping - burning smell

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Wilo300zx, Aug 25, 2012.

  1. Wilo300zx

    Wilo300zx 1990 JSpec N.A Fairlady M

    Hey guys, after some technical assistance for my 300ZX. I am leaking some fluid from my car, its a reddish/pink color. I originally thought it was power steering as my steering has got heavier, but when i check the steering fluid bottles driver side firewall, they are all full and green in colour. Next thing I tried was the raditor, same thing, its full and green also... The only other fluid I can think it could be would be the transmission, but I can see the fluid drip off the bottom of the sump :confused:

    When i take a look at the engine bay, I notice that there is a hot/smelly smell coming from the driver sides extractor area. I recently got new extractors and 2.5" exhaust in and I noticed that it uses a reddish sealant? it couldn't possibly be that? :confused:

    I haven't got ConsultZ to check ECU fort errors, anything else I am over looking or not checking that could cause these leak?
    Its a 1990 Z32 Manual
     
  2. Madcow

    Madcow Active Member



    Where abouts under the car is the fluid falling? If its right at the front it will be powersteering. If its right in the middle it was gearbox. Rear it will be diff.
     
  3. Subzer0

    Subzer0 Test Your Might!

    What colour is your brake fluid?
     
  4. Wilo300zx

    Wilo300zx 1990 JSpec N.A Fairlady M

    Its dripping from the block, on the sump itself, but it could be running from the front. I have a sneaking suspicion that it is power steering...
    Could that be a loose hose or seal or is it more serious than that? Also, why are the fluid reseviours up near the firewall green? Aren't they used for power steering?
     
  5. Madcow

    Madcow Active Member


    it probably is powersteering, these are nortious for leaks.


    The 2 of the firewall are clutch and brake.
     
  6. Stef

    Stef Active Member

    Firewall containers are clutch and brake. Obviously they used a green brake fluid.

    Power steering uses auto Gearbox fluid which is usually red. Pump and reservoir are front right of engine and will drip onto the alternator as well as the engine. Expect alternator to fail very shortly too.
     
  7. Wizard

    Wizard Kerb side Prophet

    Power steering fluid

    Is red, probably a leaking hose fitting blowing back onto the engine when travelling, then dripping off the sump.
    The power steering reservoir is in front of the drivers side strut tower,
    The two green liquid containers on the firewall are the brake and clutch reservoirs.
     
  8. Wilo300zx

    Wilo300zx 1990 JSpec N.A Fairlady M

    Well i guess that is good news then lol, i'd rather loose steering then brakes or clutch! can the lines be easily accessed from underneath? and where do you will the power steering up? :zlove:
     
  9. Wilo300zx

    Wilo300zx 1990 JSpec N.A Fairlady M


    Awesome, thats good news I guess, I'll take a look in the morning!

    Thanks so much for your help :)

    One last question, anyone in Brisbane got a ConsultZ and the ECU cable for diagnostics? I need to check the timing, fuel/air and other sensors as my 300 is running rough at the moment :(
     
  10. Wilo300zx

    Wilo300zx 1990 JSpec N.A Fairlady M

    Thanks for the heads up! Why would you expect the Alternator to fail shortly after? Corrosion from the steering fluid oging into the electrical coils on the alternator? :(
     
  11. TWIN TERROR

    TWIN TERROR Well-Known Member

    Red would more than likely be power steering fluid. The usual spot is the machined crimped joint on the hose running from the pump ( bit 27mm banjo bolt fitting ) down to the rack. It has foam around it so usually you see it dripping at the cross member. Member A-Bris-z sells them cheaper than getting yours repaired , mine cost $120 to get repaired.
    http://www.aus300zx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319075

    put the car on ramps and slide under the front. Follow hose from rack/cross member up behind alternator to pump. It will be leaking up behind the alternator inside the foam protective sleeve there is a crimped joint about 3-4 inches from where the pipe bends across the top to the union bolt. If you continue to drive the car with it leaking it can damage the alternator apparently.
    Cheers Dave
     
  12. Wilo300zx

    Wilo300zx 1990 JSpec N.A Fairlady M

    Sounds perfect to me, thanks very much for your help, much appreciated! Can this line be easily changed over and fixed or is it radiator and belts off kind of job?
     
  13. TWIN TERROR

    TWIN TERROR Well-Known Member

    I had a bit of trouble with mine as the 27mm banjo bolt was tight. Also the bottom pipe union was jammed on. You need pipe union spanners for the bottom although some use vice grips. I welded up a 27mm socket to fit on the banjo bolt but in the end i had to pull the power steering pump and put it in the vice to get it undone with a big breaker bar. I had a bitch of a time. I have since pulled one out for another member who was having trouble and i found the job so much easier the second time. In my opinion you are better taking of the bottom union first then pulling the pump to undo the banjo bolt. But that said you will have remove the other hoses from the reseviour and some belts e.c.t. not that hard a job , just takes time. Also if A-Bris-Z has a web site
    carcraze.com.au
    Cheers Dave
     
  14. Wilo300zx

    Wilo300zx 1990 JSpec N.A Fairlady M


    Until I get the new power steering lines in from Carcraze. Would I be worth while putting in some power steering fluid "stop leak" ? I was looking at this product from Supercheap to help in the mean time?

    Prestone Fluid Power Steering Plus Stop Leak - 946mL
    106652
    Enlarge image
    Prestone Fluid Power Steering Plus Stop Leak - 946mL


    Would that be worth while in the mean time, because at the moment I have next to no PS fluid and the car turns like a bitch :(
     
  15. MagicMike

    MagicMike Moderator Staff Member

    Top up the fluid?
     
  16. Wilo300zx

    Wilo300zx 1990 JSpec N.A Fairlady M

    Thats true, but if its leaking, it will keep leaking. I am talking about full to empty in 4 days leaking... so I am wondering if this no leak stuff will slow it down enough until I get time to replace the PS line itself?
     
  17. TWIN TERROR

    TWIN TERROR Well-Known Member

    So did you check that it was actually leaking from hose joint?. If it's leaking from the hose i doubt anything short of a new hose will stop it leaking.
    Cheers Dave
     
  18. CHILI

    CHILI Indestructable Target

    The Power Steering fluid finds it's way in to the Voltage Regulator area of the Alternator(and fries it, resulting in a quickly flattened Battery).:eek:
     
  19. MagicMike

    MagicMike Moderator Staff Member

    Where have you been Lloyd? On a 'holiday'? :D
     

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