Puddle under alternator

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May 1, 2014 | 10:49 AM

dustbusterplus

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 187

Likes: 4

From: Austin TX

Puddle under alternator

I drove the C6 to work yesterday and noticed a puddle later that evening almost directly below the alternator. It's an oily liquid thinner than motor oil and smells either of power steering fluid or coolant and is an orangey-brown color. I got underneath and saw where it blew back onto the front crossmember and back, leading me to believe it is directly in front of the crossmember where the problem/leak is.

Any ideas of where to start looking for a culprit? I'm planning to put the front on some stands and see better where it is coming from.

May 1, 2014 | 11:22 AM

RicK T

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 20,352

Likes: 568

From: Ventura County, Calif

My guess is the water pump is leaking. Pretty common and happens even on low mileage cars.

The Dexcool is orange/pink in color, depending on how you view colors.

May 1, 2014 | 11:36 AM

2k Cobra

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 2,327

Likes: 44

From: Sacramento CA

May 1, 2014 | 12:05 PM

EVRose

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 14,475

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From: Las Vegas NV

May 1, 2014 | 02:10 PM

dustbusterplus

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 187

Likes: 4

From: Austin TX

If it is the water pump, is it something that needs to be tightened or an all new water pump required?

May 1, 2014 | 02:16 PM

DEE_Vette

Racer

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 278

Likes: 11

From: Sum Where Mid-Low 9'S

Check Motor Mounts... Liquid filled mounts might be leaking fluid...

May 1, 2014 | 02:54 PM

subfloor@centurytrans

Supporting Vendor

Joined: Feb 2011

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2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DEE_Vette

Check Motor Mounts... Liquid filled mounts might be leaking fluid...

Those are filled with thick, black oil.

May 1, 2014 | 03:16 PM

Pitufina

Drifting

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 1,717

Likes: 28

From: O'Fallon IL

My water pump failed at 21k. So I agree that the water pump needs to be looked at. They leak through the seep hole. Meaning that the seal of the shaft failed and a new pump is in order.

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May 2, 2014 | 08:53 AM

dustbusterplus

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 187

Likes: 4

From: Austin TX

I looked the car over last night and it appears to have been a loose high pressure line on the power steering pump. I tightened it back down nearly two full rotations is how far it was out. I then topped off the tank and the puddle has not reappeared but it hasn't gotten a good driving yet. Thanks for you help guys.