What could this be?

[lukaskliz]

Hi everyone,

I have this leak that is on the passenger side of my car, and I could use some help with narrowing down what it is. I have a picture of where it drips, but this is not necessarily where it's coming from, especially since it moves around that black box depending if the car is slanted uphill or downhill. Anyway, I put a bucket under it last week and it is a red fluid, but unlike engine oil it seems to dry without leaving much of a stain at all (doesn't feel very oily either). Since it's red I assume it would be either power steering fluid or transmission fluid. Any ideas based on the location and side it is leaking? Thanks.
By the way, it's a 1990 LE V6 Automatic.

I have circled where it's leaking that way its parked now, but facing downhill it is also know to leak from the front of that box (shown by the other arrow).

[Doctor J]

In your coolant system, check the color of antifreeze (the OEM Toyota and Prestone long life are red/orange in color)

[white90dx]

That 'black box' is the oil pan.

Open the radiator cap (when the motor is cold!) and check the color of the coolant. You probably have a leak in/around the water pump or thermostat housing that is on the front of the motor under the alternator. Depending on the leak, it may be very expensive or cheap to fix.

Oil, power steering fluid or transmission fluid would not dry, but coolant will and only leave a slight trace.

-Charlie

[lukaskliz]

Originally Posted by white90dx

That 'black box' is the oil pan.

Open the radiator cap (when the motor is cold!) and check the color of the coolant. You probably have a leak in/around the water pump or thermostat housing that is on the front of the motor under the alternator. Depending on the leak, it may be very expensive or cheap to fix.

Oil, power steering fluid or transmission fluid would not dry, but coolant will and only leave a slight trace.

-Charlie

I'll check the coolant color. I just had the timing belt done, and I also had the water pump and thermostat replaced while I was doing the belts. So, I guess it could be coming from one of those if the mechanic messed something up.