kershner

been a reader for a long time, just registered to post. i have a 2007 rx8 touring,(phantom blue..), for the past 3 weeks i have been noticing a small , what i am assumeing is oil, spot on my driveway. it has been the size of a quarter each morning. i have had it to the dealers twice, both times they couldnt find anything and just degreased it and wiped it off...

the past two days the size of the leak has increased tremendacly... now its about a 3 inch circle in about 3 hours of sitting. the leak is always in the same spot. it leaks from what appears to be between the engine and tranny?? and it leaks onto the crossmember that is under the engine. from there it hits the ground. i am thinking of trying another dealer, however the next closest one is about an hour away. anyone have any ideas as to what it could be??? i am thinking rear main seal? i can post a pic of the leak on the ground tomorow to show coloration and size if it helps.

also not sure if its related but my coolant light has came on twice in the past week although the coolant resevoir is not low???

thanks
Brad K

kma5783

iTrader: (7)

Have you had an oil change done recently? Could be leaking from there if the oil filter was not tightened properly, the oil filter is located on the right side of the engine just below the upper intake manifold, that would be the easiest thing to check. It could also be leaking from the oil filter neck.

kershner

when i noticed the leak at first i took the car for an oil change so they could look at the car and see what was up. the filter was tightened and the oil plug on the oil pan was tightened. there is no oil around either area.

the odd thing with this is the dipstick doesnt appear to be dropping oil very fast, havent added oil since change, and dipstick doesnt appear to be low.

kma5783

iTrader: (7)

Are you sure it's oil leaking? Is it staining your driveway? Could be coolant but I'm not sure where it would be coming from at that point unless you cracked a housing or iron which seems very unlikely. If you can put your finger in the fluid and see what it smells like. If it's not leaving a stain on your driveway and doesn't have a distinct smell, it could be water dripping from your AC drain? How far back does the leak seem to be? It could be transmission fluid

kershner

just touched the spot, odd thing is oil is golden on dipstick as it is new, fluid is a very light dark color. appears to be black, but not as black as old oil. i was told that the tranny was " wet" when the oil was changed but thats it.

i am so frustrated!!! any ideas as to how i could prove what the fluid is and where it is coming from??

kershner

just went and looked under car after you said that, the entire trans is wet with a fluid... from the crosmember at the start of the tranny back the entire trans.... it looks like someone sprayed it down with oil or some fluid. i also put out some plates to catch the fluid overnight and see what where looking at... either way this dont look good...

kma5783

iTrader: (7)

Sounds very likely to be Trans Fluid, Is your 8 Auto or Manual? If it's an auto you can check the fluid level with the dipstick, If it's manual the only way to check it is to get underneath the car and pull the fill plug, the fluid should be filled to just below the fill hole, you can stick your finger in and you should be able to touch the fluid immediately. If its a manual have you noticed any change in the way the car shifts gear? When you do find the leak and resolve the issue I would recommend refilling it with Redline MT-90.

kershner

it is a manual. i dont have any means of fully getting under the car as it is to low. i will be taking it to the dealership tomorow to see if they can look at it. any ideas on where the leak could be from??

kershner

sorry, as far as shifting goes, i have noticed over the past few months it is a little harder to pull it into a gear, not much but just enough for me to remember it. i also never race my car or run this **** out of it like some people have to do...lol

kma5783

iTrader: (7)

Leak is probably the front main seal on the trans from the amount of fluid your describing, how far away is the dealership? I wouldn't drive it too far as it could end up costing you a transmission.

kershner

dealership about 10 miles. going to b line it there in the am and leave it till they fix it... would that seal be covered under a warranty

monchie

Have it fixed as soon as possible.

kma5783

iTrader: (7)

If your still under your full warranty or have an extended warranty then yes, it won't be covered under the 8yr/100,000 Mile engine warranty though.