Wife just noticed this puddle (about the size of a foot) on garage floor after I left home this morning. She said it's oily...but does it look too thin to be engine oil? Less than 1K since last oil change. Taking XJR (2004 / 60K) to dealership to have them take a look at it. Have never seen this much fluid under car this before.

Thoughts? Engine oil? ATF fluid? Brake fluid? Should I start crying?

 

It looks like nice clean motor oil...... I did quite a bit of research on the X350 XJ before I bought mine and I never came across any recurring issues on oil leaks....... hopefully it's something simple. I wouldn't start crying yet. I've seen many more tears over water/coolant leaks (plastic expansion tank breaks, plastic thermostat housing breaks, small pipe under supercharger breaks)

 

From the colour alone it could be engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid or coolant. Where it appeared in relation to the position of the vehicle will give you a clue to the source of the leak.

On the centre line towards the front is likely to be engine oil or transmission but LH or RH side towards the wheels could mean it's brake fluid.

It's a small volume and the only one of these that would concern me before driving the vehicle to the dealer is brake fluid. Check the reservoir level.

Graham

 

These cars don't leak engine oil very often, if at all; my driveway is always clean. However, if it was me, it would be down the dealer or local independent for an inspection.

 

I noticed the same spot on my 04 VDP on Saturday and today was told it was my rack and pinion that had a small leak. My shop is getting a rebuilt unit for me as I was told there isn't a repair for the R&P when it starts leaking. My VDP has 84k. Have them check your brakes and the rack for leaks if that puddle was near the front tires.

 

Thank you all for your input!

Update: Just picked up the car from the dealership. It was a bad oil filter seal! Not sure if it was actually defective...or if the tech who changed the oil last didnt notice the old seal still on the block, and the oil was leaking out between the old and new gaskets? Thankfully not much oil leaked out. No harm done.

How refreshing though to leave the mechanic and have them say "No charge today"!