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Is this some sort of fluid leaking?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by derekc, Sep 20, 2013.

  1. derekc

    derekc Junior Member

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    Is this some sort of fluid leaking?
    This is where my Gen II Prius parks everyday.
    Looks watery but I know my coolant is not leaking.
    Condensation from AC should not leave stinks (stains I meant) like this.
    I will go under the car to check but before that, I am hoping someone can tell me first.

    IMG_0603.JPG
     
    #1 derekc, Sep 20, 2013
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think it could be the a/c. i believe i've seen that in my drivewayunder my daughters 08.
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 20, 2013
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    What kind of "stinks" - is it a gasoline odor??

    Consider the possible fluids that might be leaking:

    1. Gasoline - would leave a pungent odor as it drops onto the ground and evaporates. If this is the problem, your car needs immediate service attention as it is very dangerous to be driving the car in this condition - the gasoline is under pressure (43 psi or more) and a hot engine might ignite the gasoline.
    2. Engine oil - would leave oily stains
    3. Transaxle ATF - would leave reddish oily stains
    4. Engine or transaxle coolant - would leave pinkish residue
    5. Windshield washer fluid - usually bluish residue
    6. Brake hydraulic fluid - would leave oily stains
    7. Water dripping from air conditioning system would not have an odor
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Sep 20, 2013
  4. derekc

    derekc Junior Member

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    Sorry, I meant stains. No odor at all. They dry up, leaving only a pattern. They look like stain left behind after a puddle of dirty water dried up. It is not oily at all.
     
    #4 derekc, Sep 20, 2013
  5. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If the stains are not oily and there is no odor then they are likely caused by water condensing from the air conditioning system - unless you have plugged drains in the engine compartment cowl or a door, and water is slowly seeping out. Usually you'll hear some sloshing around as you drive, if water is trapped.
     
    #5 Patrick Wong, Sep 20, 2013
  6. derekc

    derekc Junior Member

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    Ha, it rained yesterday and the street is all cleaned up. Those must have been just water stains. I don't remember AC condensation water will leave stains/patterns but I guess we have a dirty street. I looked under the car and no leak. I thought the driver side axle seal was leaking. It is not. Happy day for me.
     
    #6 derekc, Sep 24, 2013
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