Anyone know what this fluid might be and how it got there? My X350 does have a new coolant leak somewhere. The low coolant light appeared yesterday, and upon unscrewing the radiator cap I could see that it was slightly low. (The low fluid indicator was just visible.) So I topped it off

with new coolant and took the car out, but within a block or so of home, the light came back on. So back home I went. The coolant level was lower now, and I noticed orange liquid on my garage floor under the engine area. OK, so there's a problem. And I'll be taking it (or having it towed, since I'm very reluctant to drive it now) to the local Jag dealer soon. But when I opened the hood last night to top off the coolant again, I noticed that the area above the starboard side wheel well has a deposit of orange fluid. See the photo. If it's coolant, I cannot imagine how it got there. Any informed opinion/speculation most welcome!

 

Hi Isoruku,

Check the nest of hoses below your coolant reservoir. On our car a pinhole leak developed in one of those hoses and was spraying coolant onto the bottom of the reservoir. If you have a similar leak that is aimed a little differently it could be spraying coolant onto the top of your shock tower. In order to find the leak I had to raise the front end of the car on ramps, start the engine, crawl under the car and use a flashlight to inspect every hose and fitting. Once I found the leak, I decided to replace all the hoses in that area since it takes a bit of work to gain access and I didn't want to have to do it all again in the near future. I found the best prices on OE hoses at jaguarmerriamparts.com.

Cheers,

Don

 

Isoruku,

You may also check the small hose on top of the coolant reservoir, there was a small cut where the clamp is on my VDP. Also, check the bonnet/hood liner for tail-tale signs of coolant, does it have a pattern that can be traced?

 

Thanks guys, I'll have a look this afternoon!

 

A couple of suggestions. It has been reported that the nipple out of the coolant reservoir sometimes gets a crack. Also the connector, which which slides over the nipple has an o ring on the inside. On mine that was the actual leak problem. I replaced just the o ring, but later bought the hose assembly through ebay for $60. The tank has to be drained( save the fluid if good) and it is a bit of a bear to do but use one of those hand held inspection cameras and look around.Really tight area there on the passenger front of the car by the coolant pump and overflow tank area. The tank can be gotten for about $150.