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Mystery Leak?

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by bramey, Sep 21, 2023.

  1. Sep 21, 2023 at 9:28 AM
    #1
    bramey

    bramey [OP] Member

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    I have a 2001 Tacoma Prerunner and noticed this odd leak the other day but can't place where it's coming from

    It's on the passenger side just below the door frames

    I've checked coolant, brake, transmission fluid...all seem ok

    I've added a picture of a couple drops against a white backdrop just in case it gives any help

    I took it to a mechanic nearby and when he looked under said everything looked dry around the tires, the rack was dry...

    Any thoughts?

    IMG_9739.HEIC.jpg
    IMG_9740.HEIC.jpg
    IMG_9741.jpg
    IMG_9744.jpg
     
  2. Sep 21, 2023 at 9:30 AM
    #2
    bramey

    bramey [OP] Member

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    Those pictures show three different spots all down the passenger side undercarriage
     
  3. Sep 21, 2023 at 11:30 AM
    #3
    AgentCovert

    AgentCovert Well-Known Member

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    Yeah that amount of fluid is concerning to not find a source of the leak..doubtful you drove thru a puddle of hydraulic fluid or something..not much color to the fluid but it does look to be Petroleum based.. sometimes a quick smell test helps identify mystery fluid as does a finger rub between 2 fingers...is it oily, tacky etc..does it smell burnt etc.. you didn't mention power steering pump..you did mention the rack as being okay..at 1st I'd say brake fluid because of the location but your mechanic checked already..so how about your AC compressor..does your AC work as it should ? It's really strange a mechanic couldn't identify the fluid..you could always take it elsewhere to get a free estimate on repairs needed and they may tell you what's going on..
     
  4. Sep 21, 2023 at 11:54 AM
    #4
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    What does it feel like or smell like? Anything familiar?
     
  5. Sep 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM
    #5
    oldtimertoyota

    oldtimertoyota Well-Known Member

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    That’s my thought, especially if none of the fluids are low
     
  6. Sep 25, 2023 at 11:22 AM
    #6
    bramey

    bramey [OP] Member

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    Thanks for all the suggestions!

    It does feel "oily" and has what I can only describe as an "automotive" smell

    The A/C may be something as it blows cold but then warm - but that's been happening for a couple years now.

    I actually found the back passenger floorboard was soaked with oil. I had a jug in the back so am assuming maybe it just spilled

    Which would be in this case most ideal...i'm going to try to sop up the oil and then degrease the oil spots underneath one more time and see if that was it - or I need to look at A/C
     
  7. Sep 28, 2023 at 1:52 PM
    #7
    GatorBodine

    GatorBodine Well-Known Member

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    I'm betting it was oil you spilled in the back floorboard.
     
  8. Sep 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM
    #8
    HondaGM

    HondaGM Call sign Monke

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    Check for a bottle in the back,could be leaking....
     

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