03 MG ZT CDTi - leaking fluid

Roktraktor · 4th September 2010, 20:45

Hi all

Over the last few days I’ve noticed some fluid leaking from the front of the car. It is collecting in the tray under the engine, on the right hand side, pretty much in line with the front axle (incidentally the tray had come loose on the right side as well but I’ve cable tied it back up for the moment).

At first I thought it was oil, but on closer inspection it looks like a clear fluid rather than oil. Haven’t noticed any change in driving, and have checked the obvious stuff like brake fluid and power steering fluid, which are fine. Its not gushing out but is leaving spots on the driveway.

The hydraulic clutch cylinders failed about 4 months ago, and were replaced, both the master and slave. The new master failed again about 2 weeks ago (having done about 3,000 miles) and the garage replaced this free of charge, and so I wonder if this could be related.

I want to avoid getting into any difficulties with the garage, but also don’t want to get taken for a ride, so any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Dan.

Phil · 4th September 2010, 21:00

Hi, possibilities, if it looks like water are aircon normal discharge, a blocked plenum chamber slowly draining. Have you checked your antifreeze as well as other fluids aren't dropping?

Roktraktor · 4th September 2010, 21:05

Thanks for the suggestions Phil, will take a look in the morning.

The fluid definitely isn’t water, its a much thicker consistency than that, if that helps.

Roktraktor · 6th September 2010, 17:30

Leak update...

Well I haven’t had time to check out the source of the leak, but this afternoon whilst driving home I found there was some water seeping in to the passenger footwell. The water smells a bit stale, so I don’t think its rainwater.

Because of the rain I used the aircon to clear the windscreen, and it is the first time I’ve used it in ages, so I’m thinking I may have an aircon issue. Is it possible any of this may have been disturbed when the master cylinder for the clutch was being 2 weeks ago?

Jules · 6th September 2010, 17:39

Have you cleaned your upper and Lower plenum drains?
Very important on these Cars.

When you've done that you may need one of these

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=68151

4th September 2010, 20:45	#1
Roktraktor Newbie MG ZT CDTi Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Somerset Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	03 MG ZT CDTi - leaking fluid Hi all Over the last few days I’ve noticed some fluid leaking from the front of the car. It is collecting in the tray under the engine, on the right hand side, pretty much in line with the front axle (incidentally the tray had come loose on the right side as well but I’ve cable tied it back up for the moment). At first I thought it was oil, but on closer inspection it looks like a clear fluid rather than oil. Haven’t noticed any change in driving, and have checked the obvious stuff like brake fluid and power steering fluid, which are fine. Its not gushing out but is leaving spots on the driveway. The hydraulic clutch cylinders failed about 4 months ago, and were replaced, both the master and slave. The new master failed again about 2 weeks ago (having done about 3,000 miles) and the garage replaced this free of charge, and so I wonder if this could be related. I want to avoid getting into any difficulties with the garage, but also don’t want to get taken for a ride, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Dan.

4th September 2010, 21:00	#2
Phil This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Connoisseur SE Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 12,227 Thanks: 469 Thanked 523 Times in 241 Posts	Hi, possibilities, if it looks like water are aircon normal discharge, a blocked plenum chamber slowly draining. Have you checked your antifreeze as well as other fluids aren't dropping? __________________

6th September 2010, 17:39	#5
Jules This is my second home ZT 260 SE Twilight and 10 other 75 ZT's :O Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Conwy NORTH WALES Posts: 11,094 Thanks: 512 Thanked 1,116 Times in 763 Posts	Have you cleaned your upper and Lower plenum drains? Very important on these Cars. When you've done that you may need one of these http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=68151 __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Newbies do now!! 1. Plenum drains..all 3 or 4 year dependent 2. Cooling fan..All speeds functioning 3. Bonnet cable divider block

4th September 2010, 21:05	#3
Roktraktor Newbie MG ZT CDTi Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Somerset Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the suggestions Phil, will take a look in the morning. The fluid definitely isn’t water, its a much thicker consistency than that, if that helps.

6th September 2010, 17:30	#4
Roktraktor Newbie MG ZT CDTi Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Somerset Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Leak update... Well I haven’t had time to check out the source of the leak, but this afternoon whilst driving home I found there was some water seeping in to the passenger footwell. The water smells a bit stale, so I don’t think its rainwater. Because of the rain I used the aircon to clear the windscreen, and it is the first time I’ve used it in ages, so I’m thinking I may have an aircon issue. Is it possible any of this may have been disturbed when the master cylinder for the clutch was being 2 weeks ago?