Fluid leak in front of engine

AllGMV8 · January 13, 2003

Can anyone give me a hint as to what this fluid might be? I noticed it on the floor, dripping from the front sway bar. I traced it up to near the alternator area on the front of the block from underneath but couldn't see it from above at all.

It's a thin, clear, light oil. Definitely not motor oil, brake or tranny fluid (even if those could get that far forward in the engine compartment). Does the fan or alternator have any internal oil that can leak?

Thanks,

Adam

Shaners · January 13, 2003

Possibly power steering fluid?

asepgrad98 · January 13, 2003

water from the AC?

Tucson_02Silverado · January 13, 2003

First thought would be Power Steering fluid

WEFs99 · January 14, 2003

First thought would be Power Steering fluid

Me three.

95 Silverado · January 14, 2003

If it has a clutch fan, they usually use an oil inside the clutch hub, you would think if it were leaking it would get on the fan blades and be sprayed around the front of the engine compartment though. ???

AllGMV8 · January 14, 2003

I'm checking the power steering pump area tonight. Thanks for the help! :thumb:

Adam

Redapple · January 14, 2003

I know this sounds crazy, but check your coolant level. 98 was right around when GM started switching vehicles to Dexcool. When it leaks it looks just light light thin oil. I had the same problem on my 97. Turned out to be water pump gasket.

Bill

AllGMV8 · January 28, 2003

And the winner of "Name That Fluid" is.... RedApple!

I finally got a chance to check it out last night after a 20 minute highway drive and the steam trail led me to the problem. There is a leak by the connection of the water pump neck and the lower radiator hose. Dexcool was the fluid, now I just have to move a bunch of crap out of the way to see whether it's the pump gasket or the hose that is bad.

And for his marvelous display of insight, Bill wins... errr, uh, where did I put that thing anyways?

Thanks again for the input,

Adam