Saxo vtr losing fluid...... But what is it??

1. VTRfan L-plater Joined: Jun 2011 swindon, wiltshire Posts: 59 2001 Saxo VTR 1.6 8v

   #1 22nd March 2012, 19:55

   So another problem yet again with this dam car. So we noticed a while ago that we were losing power steering fluid by which i mean all of it.
   Power steering pump was empty nearly every morning.
   So we found out in the end it was the high pressure pipe.
   Got that changed and it doesnt lose fluid anymore and steering is back to normal.
   But worryingly the pools of fluid on the floor are now worse and we are leaving pools everywhere.
   I cant figure out what it is. Currently the map sensor connector is currently unplugged as there was a broken wire and it was arking so left it unplugged.
   The car also makes a weird tapping noise.
   Its running so badly. When pulling away it tries to die and feels sluggish as hell.
   
   If anyone has any ideas whats going on please let me know as im worried about these pools on the floor. The pools seem to be coming from the drivers side front wheel but may be a case of the fluid/oil running from somewhere.
   Any suggestions would be appreciated.
2. devilsadvocate Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Dec 2006 Maidstone Posts: 8210 Golf TDI

   #2 22nd March 2012, 20:26

   Coolant leaking from the rad or a hose??
   
   There are only a few liquids in the car internals so you should be able to work out what it is.
3. BertieG Established Member Joined: Oct 2009 exeter, devon Posts: 1224 Clio 172

   #3 22nd March 2012, 20:33

   should be fairly easy to diagnose based on its smell/colour/consistency. how does it look?
4. VTRfan L-plater Joined: Jun 2011 swindon, wiltshire Posts: 59 2001 Saxo VTR 1.6 8v

   #4 22nd March 2012, 20:39

   Its hard to tell its a kinda orangey colour but sometimes looks clear.
5. VTRfan L-plater Joined: Jun 2011 swindon, wiltshire Posts: 59 2001 Saxo VTR 1.6 8v

   #5 22nd March 2012, 20:42

   Smells like oil but hard to tell from the ol patch of fluid on the floor.
6. VTRfan L-plater Joined: Jun 2011 swindon, wiltshire Posts: 59 2001 Saxo VTR 1.6 8v

   #6 22nd March 2012, 20:46

   Its not the power sterring fluid as levels are fine. Ots not brake fluid as levels are fine. The engine been runnin kinda rough for a while so could be that or possibly gearbox maybe?
7. Baz Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Nov 2005 Coventry Posts: 17782 Fiesta ST150

   #7 22nd March 2012, 20:48

   orangey colour could well be gearbox oil, im sure if you get under the car or look under the bonnet you can see where its comin from.
8. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #8 22nd March 2012, 20:52

   Hang on just re-read the thread if the engine is tapping it could be down to low oil pressure,because the engine is losing engine oil.
9. VTRfan L-plater Joined: Jun 2011 swindon, wiltshire Posts: 59 2001 Saxo VTR 1.6 8v

   #9 22nd March 2012, 20:53

   Ive tried to look from the bonnet and couldnt see anything leaking only thing i can see there is rocker cover leaks but its done that for months now and im keeping the oil topped up. I cant get under the car as it is so low and i dont have a jack.
   The cars been running so rough that im sure the fluid and the car running bad are linked somehow. Im just not sure what.
10. devilsadvocate Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Dec 2006 Maidstone Posts: 8210 Golf TDI

    #10 22nd March 2012, 20:59

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by VTRfan Ive tried to look from the bonnet and couldnt see anything leaking only thing i can see there is rocker cover leaks but its done that for months now and im keeping the oil topped up. I cant get under the car as it is so low and i dont have a jack. The cars been running so rough that im sure the fluid and the car running bad are linked somehow. Im just not sure what.

    Could be leaking from the sump, if its low you may have hit something and cracked it.
11. VTRfan L-plater Joined: Jun 2011 swindon, wiltshire Posts: 59 2001 Saxo VTR 1.6 8v

    #11 22nd March 2012, 21:01

    I really hope not but could be the problem what i might do is get it to my dads the weekend a get it jacked n have a look.
    Think thats all i can do for now but hoping its nothing too bad.
12. devilsadvocate Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Dec 2006 Maidstone Posts: 8210 Golf TDI

    #12 22nd March 2012, 21:13

    You need to get under it mate.
    
    Orangy brown could be a few things so you need to see where its coming from.
    
    Jack it up, get it on some stands and start the car.
    
    Give it a rev and get under it to see if its dripping.
13. VTRfan L-plater Joined: Jun 2011 swindon, wiltshire Posts: 59 2001 Saxo VTR 1.6 8v

    #13 22nd March 2012, 21:33

    Ok mate will do thanx for replying. Keep an eye out for my post over the weekend n ill keep this thread updated.
    Cheers for the suggestions everyone.
14. BertieG Established Member Joined: Oct 2009 exeter, devon Posts: 1224 Clio 172

    #14 22nd March 2012, 21:35

    get some on your fingers. is it thick or thin?
15. VTRfan L-plater Joined: Jun 2011 swindon, wiltshire Posts: 59 2001 Saxo VTR 1.6 8v

    #15 22nd March 2012, 21:53

    Hard to tell at the minute mate as the cars on the old patch ill have to park it somewhere tomorrow and have a feel then.
    Its quite odd sometimes it feels thick sometimes it feels thin. And sometimes its an orangey dark colour ans sometimes ut seems watery. But as its dried its gone black.
    Sorry for the typos iphone sucks.