I have recently noticed some leaks coming out of my car and would appreciate some help in possibly identifying where they may be coming from.

First, I have what seems to be a coolant leak that comes out of the passenger side of the engine. I got under the car to try and find the leak spot but was unable to, it seems to be coming direcly under the return hoses coming out of the bottom of the turbo, however when I checked the hoses there was no fluid on them.. any ideas? I have already had the car checked for this leak and the dealer supposedly changed out a plug on the side of the engine that was leaking.
(I believe its coolant as it reddish, odorless and semi viscuous. Could it possibly be tranny fluid instead, any places in that area where it may leak from?)

I have also noticed an oil leak coming out from behind the engine (passenger side near firewall) seems to be coming out somewhere right under what seems to be the fuel filter, I have been unable to get a better look in there, just wondering if there are any places in that area that oil could leak from, It may just be the valve cover gasket, but wanted to see if there were other possibilities in that area.

thanks.
BTW, the vehicle is a 2002 1.8t Quattro.
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Check fluids for their level. It could be water condensation from the A/C.

 

as for identifying coolant and tranny fluid. the coolant will sorta evaporate when u rub it. the tranny fluid will feel like engine oil. no idea bout the oil leak though as i have a 2.8

 

Thanks for the replies, I have checked the fluid levels, and had to add oil and noticed the coolant is slowly getting lower.
Its not condensation from the AC as the fluid has some lubricant feeling to it. however it does not have the typical smell that some trans fluids have. it is also a bit reddish in color if that helps. Trying to figure out what the cuilprit may be for these so as to no have to take it to the dealer and pay $120 for an "inspection".

Thanks.

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i think they make a leak detector for the coolant lines. u pour this dye in and then shine a light to it and u'll be able to see the leak. but then u gotta flush ur system afterwards.

 

A week ago I had to deal with this.... there is a coupling that hold a temperature sensor behind the engine block very near the firewall.. PITA to work with but can be done... I haven't any experience with audi before and thread to do it... this coupling has a connection to the heater hose (to get to this coupling you will have to remove some gas pipes over the turbo and a gas pump behind the engine block that use to leak oil, that could be your oil leaking.), so will be fine to check that too. I also had to change the thermostat since there were more leakings on my cooling system. These couplings and housings are made of plastics and because of expansion and contraction and temparature variations will damage these parts. My thermostat housing just broke while pulling the hose...so you can imagine. BTW There is a plastic tap behind the thermostat on the engine block that is use to failure too....and was my main leak problem.... I did learn alot by this experience.... for the removing of the thermostat... you will have to remove injectors, intake manifold, throtle and the alternator. About 2 hours till you get use to it... Always check the vacuum lines and sensors...or you will have a rough idle... Hope this help. Nuke

 

thanks for the input.. I have not noticed any coolant leaking from the firewall area (glad as it sounds like a pain to fix) but I am leaking some oil from the area you mentioned, do you know what is near the gas filter (or pump) that will leak oil? (to get to this coupling you will have to remove some gas pipes over the turbo and a gas pump behind the engine block that use to leak oil, that could be your oil leaking.)
I will try and take some pics tonight to see if that helps in showing where the oil may be coming from.
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hmmm...sounds like the similar problem w/ my 03 A4 1.8T. The fluid is coming from the same area you've described; it's almost colorless with a hint of red to it, feels almost oily but not thick like motor oil. I've posted something similar to this months ago. I was told that it could be condensation from the A/C. I had the used car dealer's shop check it and his guess w/o having to pull things apart was that it's a coolant leak from the firewall side; some coupling of some sort needs to be replaced... lately though, the leak hasn't been too bad...hopefully I'm not running low on the fluid that's leaking!?!?...

 

That sounds almost exactly like what it is, although for me the pooling occurs under the turbo area, wondering if its the new coolant return hose that was replaced.. I tried to take pics but ofcourse the damn camera will not work now, figures.
checked the coolant this morning and it does seem to be lower than it was yesterday, so I'm glad for that.. seems like that is the fluid that is leaking from the side.. still not sure about the leak that I notice in the area under the fuel filter by the firewall.
If anyone else has any imputs it would be appreciated thanks. I will try and take a good look into it this weekend when I should have some time.
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