Bignick83

Hey guys, new to the world of rx8s as in only had mine for 2 days, and have noticed tonight that there is a damp patch about 8 inches across roughly center of where i was parked I dont know what it is as its dark out but any ideas of how bad this is?

It is running just fine maybe a little rich but has just sailed thru MOT.

its a lovely 05 231 i am hoping its nothing serious and it was compression checked just over a year ago.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

You will need more data - try the Kleenex test - rub the patch with a paper hanky,
is it green? antifreeze
does it smell like petrol?
is it actually wet, and is just clean water? a/c drippage.
does it make the paper transparent like oil?

The obvious thing is the a/c, the drain is right above the transmission bell housing.....

Bignick83

Well it feels and smells like oil and is roughly in the position of the transmission. But there is no visible sign of a leak on underside of the car.

Bignick83

OK serious update it is antifreeze and it is leaking bad now please help

New Yorker

What I'm about to suggest may be totally wrong, as I'm no mechanic. But here's what I would do if it were my 8:

Get under there with a flashlight (or torch, as the Brits say) and see if you can poke around and find the leak. If you can, and if it's a small hole, try sticking some duct tape or chewing gum on it (there's probably a special tape or sealant for doing a temporary fix) and then fill the radiator. Wait several hours to see if the leak holds. If it does, start the car and let it run in your driveway for awhile. Then again, check to see if there's more leakage. If there isn't, I'd try to drive to a garage if it's not too far away. I'd keep my eye on the temp "gauge" and watch for the coolant light to come on the whole way.

If you plug the leak and it doesn't hold, don't drive the car! You have to get it fixed in your driveway – or towed to a garage. I wouldn't risk driving it with the possibility of losing all your coolant!