Fluid Leak - Advice

[pjkanata]

Just brought home a new (to us - used in real life) Ridgeline with about 28K on it. First morning noticed a small puddle underneath front end. It is realativley clear but with a yellow tinge to it. First thought is brake fluid but does not have the characteristic brake fluid "scent". I don't think A/C water has a slippery feel to it so I a bit puzzled. Any ideas?

[MikeT]

Where was the puddle in relation to the botom of the Ridgeline (In the middle under the engine, under the left side by the wheel, ect)?

[pjkanata]

Forward and more to the right of the engine compartment. Maybe coolant overflow?

[MikeT]

What color is the windshield washer fluid? Is it up by the radiator? My AC drips directly under the engine on the left, I think that's ruled out.

[pjkanata]

WWF is blue colored. I'll have to go and check exact area for a better description.

[BillB]

Forward and more to the right of the engine compartment. Maybe coolant overflow?

Definitely would be my guess. What level is the fluid in the overflow tank? There is a full line about halfway up and maybe the seller thought he was doing you a favor and filling the tank to the top.

[pjkanata]

Took some time to investigate. Origional info was relayed to me by phone.
I got under the vehicle - definitly by the right front. I found oil dripping off the suspension arm; above it - behold the oil filter. The mystery fluid is just plain old motor oil albiet very clean (oil change done prior to delivery). I suspect it was just spillage during the change process but I will keep an eye on the level just to be sure. Thanks for you feed-back

[ROTORRAY]

Spray a de-greaser under there, or at least clean everything up as best you can, and then monitor it. Sometimes they don't take off the old oil filter gasket and put the new oil filter on over it. There's not room for 2 gaskets and you have a leak. Should not be leaking any oil. If in doubt take it back to the dealer and have them put it on the rack, clean it up and THOROUGHLY inspect it. Don't take "NO" for an answer. JMHO

[roakey]

Originally Posted by pjkanata

WWF is blue colored. I'll have to go and check exact area for a better description.

Not always, this is what I use exclusively. More expensive, but works much better than the "blue fluid".

Roak

[Andy-Montreal]

Originally Posted by ROTORRAY

Sometimes they don't take off the old oil filter gasket and put the new oil filter on over it. There's not room for 2 gaskets and you have a leak.

Precisely. Several years back, there were a few reported engine fires that occurred as engine oil would leak onto hot exhaust components. This was an issue on the older model CRV & Element where Honda sent out letters to owners on this very subject.

Another problem may be a bad batch of cross-threaded oil filters with an "-A01" part number suffix. Check your oil filter for the batch number. This thread may help: http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...r-defects.html