My recently purchased (Feb) 2001 S-Type 4.0 V8 has developed a leak from up behind the drivers side wheel arch, it is dripping down from behind the wheel arch panel, at first it was just a few spots but yesterday it became a flood (1/2 quart), it has a red-pinkish tinge to it, would I be right in thinking this is transmission fluid? Thanks.

 

I believe that is radiator fluid.

 

My 2000 3.0 has the same issue but it's very intermittent (2-3x/month) and it just leaves a puddle (about the size of a silver dollar when it does).

What is the cause and the cure?

 

Yup coolant... thank God. I have/had a hairline crack in the reservoir, replaced it today and all is well again. Just not used to seeing oily orange coolant!

 

every one needs to be aware this is common problem with this year and make . i have a 01 s type 4.0 also, however when my wife was driving car and coolant all leaked out , caused motor over heat and cause engine failure cost 4 thousand for new used salvage engine.

 

$100 fix that everyone should repair when it presents itself. No sense ignoring this cheap fix.

 

Is the issue a cracked resevoir tank as in the case of Stevil's S-Type?

If you replace the resevoir tank and it's full of coolant, do you have to drain all the coolant first?

 

By the time I got to mine there was no coolant left in the reservoir. I'm guessing, you'll have to drain it if that's not the case.

 

You dont need to drain it, just pull it out and reinstall new one. Then fill it up, run with heater full blast and let it bleed.
Not just common on 2000-2002 S. Common on all year S type, X, 04+ XJ