Where is this leak coming from?

Tiny
LEMONCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
Would this be a transmission leak?
Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 12:20 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
LEMONCAR
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Pic.
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Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If I had to guess looking at the pics, I would say it isn't the transmission. It appears yellowish or greenish and has dried in spots. ATF wouldn't dry.

It appears to be coolant. In the second set of pictures, you attached and circled, I can't orient myself as to what I am looking at. I believe I see part of an o2 sensor, but I'm not certain.

Has the coolant level been slowly going down? Have you tried pressurizing the system?

If you look on the firewall, you should see two heater hoses that attach at the firewall to the heater core which is under the dash. Check around there for evidence.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Let me know. Also, let me know if the transmission fluid is low.

Joe

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Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
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Yes, the coolant has gone lower, I've had to top it up a few times. In the first picture that shows the oil pan I was worried that the oil pan gasket was leaking. If it's the coolant, then that is not good at all. The second picture is looking up into the engine bay from the ground underneath the vehicle on the passenger side.

I'll try to get a top view of it but since the coolant is the source for the oil pan area leak. I am thinking the second picture has to do with a radiator hose. I'll take a better look in a few hours and update this. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

The car isn't drivable as of now due to two broken engine cradle bolts that I am trying to get out of the frame not easy.
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 5:02 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

I totally understand. That can be a frustrating job. As far as the coolant (which I believe it to be), check the radiator hoses, under the vehicle, and at the firewall where the heater core hoses are located.

If you are unable to locate the leak, then I recommend pressure testing the system. You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you free of charge. When performing this, it gives you an opportunity to look for a leak actively when the engine is cold and off. It's much easier that way. LOL

Here is the link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Let me know what you find or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
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This seems to be the leak area. Do you know what this part is called? I am going to tighten those bolts clean it up and see if that stops the leak.
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Monday, September 5th, 2022 AT 12:45 PM
Tiny
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Seems like oil hmm what's my next move?
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Monday, September 5th, 2022 AT 2:28 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

What you removed is called the inspection plate. If it is oil, it could be either transmission fluid or engine oil. How badly is it leaking? Have you noticed either of the two oils I mentioned going low?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, September 5th, 2022 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
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Unfortunately, can't check the transmission fluid, I haven't bought the dip stick for it yet, its fairly cheap though, so I can order one.

The oil was so low to almost empty when I checked it on Thursday (Sept 1st). Filled it back up, then inspected the underbody for leaks that's when I seen the inspection plate / flywheel area.

The coolant is also not keeping full and I'll need to get that Pressure Test you mentioned.

I am thinking I may need a new oil pan gasket.
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Monday, September 5th, 2022 AT 10:28 PM
Tiny
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If you look up into the transmission, where the inspection plate is you removed, does the oil seem to be coming from above, approximately center with the torque converter? I ask because it could be the rear main oil seal.

The interesting thing is the loss of both oil and coolant. Have you ever noticed any smoke from the exhaust or strange odors?

Take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you see:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, September 6th, 2022 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
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In the past I've noticed white smoke sometimes but when I got the radiator cap replaced I never seen it again but I think I know what's going on with the coolant. I crawled under the engine and seen evidence of spray like a hole in a hose sprayed all up behind the engine I will grab some pictures of that soon.

The oil that leaks out from the inspection plate is very slow. I also checked to make sure my oil filter was tight when I was in that area I was underneath the oil pump that has 2 hoses coming out from underneath it.

One of the hoses is damaged (picture). In that picture it looks like that hose has been yanked off probably when my engine cradle fell which also damaged my engine mounts but I bolted the cradle back up to the car today.

Ran the car haven't noticed any leaks yet and I'm attempting to see if I can pull that hose in the picture onto that black piece. I'll get more pictures.
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Saturday, September 10th, 2022 AT 6:59 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

The hose appears to be fully installed. The end of the plastic fitting is likely angled. Also, it looks dry. Where are you seeing the leak from it?

If nothing is leaking now, that's a good thing. LOL

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, September 10th, 2022 AT 7:36 PM

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