Mysterious oil

**lagunacat** · 09-06-2008 03:47 AM

Today I noticed a fairly large puddle of oil (8") under my 99 Avant 1.8t, dripping about mid engine on the passenger side. At first inspection I wasn't sure it was even oil it was so light. Barely a scent and seemed colorless. Did a quick check of oil reservoirs and all seemed topped up. Drove a few miles to another store, parked an hour and checked again but only a few drops this time, however it did settle on a white parking lot line and I noticed it had a red tint to it. When I got home I put a tray under the engine but after a couple hours it was completely dry so what ever it was seemed to stop leaking. It is not brake fluid. Power steering is topped up (wrong side of engine as well). Certainly not the motor oil. Tranny is a manual. So I'm left with things I am not familiar with like turbo and quattro but this doesn't seem likely.

This is my first Audi (only had it 2 weeks) after owning beemers for the last 25 years or so, so forgive me if this seems like a silly question. Still waiting for a Bentley repair manual to come so I can learn more this vehicle. Meanwhile I thought I would ask the experts.

**J-jizzle** · 09-06-2008 05:21 AM

maybe it is coolant ... When my rear coolant flange went bad I thought it was power steering fluid at first glance. (but maybe I'm just retarded)

**lagunacat** · 09-06-2008 07:51 AM

No, it is definitely some type of oil. Thanks though

Originally Posted by J-jizzle

maybe it is coolant ... When my rear coolant flange went bad I thought it was power steering fluid at first glance. (but maybe I'm just retarded)

**techguy512** · 09-06-2008 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by lagunacat

No, it is definitely some type of oil.

I have a leak at the prop flange of my center differential. The gear oil coming out has a pinkish-reddish hue. I'm taking care to keep the diff topped off until I can get in to fix it.

I would check for leaks at the center diff (if you have one) and at the flanges where each of the front axles attach.

Bob
'01 A4 2.8Q

**andyrew** · 09-06-2008 12:40 PM

Power steering fluid?

The coolant that we use on Audi's is pink... if thats any consolation...

FYI Mid Pass side of the engine is close to the oil return line from the turbo.
Take your car and CLEAN everything underneath REALLY well, drive it for a couple miles, and come back and white glove it. You'll find your leak.

**lagunacat** · 09-07-2008 09:49 AM

Power steering fluid is topped up.
It isn't coolant, I compared the two. The leak is oil based.
What kind of oil runs through the turbo?

The crazy thing is I had that huge puddle the first time I noticed, then a few drops, then nothing.

When I get a chance I will get under and clean it thoroughly but thought I would try to narrow down the culprits first. Plus the Bentley manual will help me know what I am looking at when I get under there.

Originally Posted by andyrew

Power steering fluid?

The coolant that we use on Audi's is pink... if thats any consolation...

FYI Mid Pass side of the engine is close to the oil return line from the turbo.
Take your car and CLEAN everything underneath REALLY well, drive it for a couple miles, and come back and white glove it. You'll find your leak.

**lagunacat** · 09-07-2008 09:51 AM

Gear oil would be fairly thick no? This oil is extremely light.

Originally Posted by techguy512

I have a leak at the prop flange of my center differential. The gear oil coming out has a pinkish-reddish hue. I'm taking care to keep the diff topped off until I can get in to fix it.

I would check for leaks at the center diff (if you have one) and at the flanges where each of the front axles attach.

Bob
'01 A4 2.8Q

**lagunacat** · 09-07-2008 09:55 AM

Is the coolant flange at the top rear of the engine, large black hose extending from the bottom? I have a mild leak there (not the oil leak I am inquiring about). Do you know the part number for this flange or where I can order one? Thanks!

Originally Posted by J-jizzle

maybe it is coolant ... When my rear coolant flange went bad I thought it was power steering fluid at first glance. (but maybe I'm just retarded)

**audiness** · 09-07-2008 04:51 PM

could be the stuff inside the motor mount?

**4A Play** · 09-07-2008 05:04 PM

Any change in parking habits? Parking on an angle maybe?

**lagunacat** · 09-07-2008 05:09 PM

What stuff? Aren't motor mounts rubber and metal?

Originally Posted by audiness

could be the stuff inside the motor mount?

**lagunacat** · 09-07-2008 05:10 PM

No, flat surface everytime.

Originally Posted by 4A Play

Any change in parking habits? Parking on an angle maybe?

**kluge9** · 09-20-2008 05:43 PM

The front engine mounts are fluid based, so if it tore or popped, it would have leaked a bunch til the mount ran dry, and then stopped. That could be something you could look into or search for a better description of what the fluid looks like. (sorry, havent had one go on me yet so i dont know what it looks like)

**lagunacat** · 09-21-2008 05:33 AM

This sounds like the most logical theory because it's has been about 2 weeks and it has not dropped another drop. Another thing I noticed is that there is a small 'clunk' when I first turn the ignition. I didn't know about the fluid in the engine mounts. Thanks!

Originally Posted by kluge9

The front engine mounts are fluid based, so if it tore or popped, it would have leaked a bunch til the mount ran dry, and then stopped. That could be something you could look into or search for a better description of what the fluid looks like. (sorry, havent had one go on me yet so i dont know what it looks like)