From the center line of the car. Under the engine. Between the headers.

 

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XK8/XKR forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

If it's orange (and it looks like it next to the red on the screwdriver) then it's probably coolant.

Graham

 

Thanks for moving the post. Also, the drips are coming from the back of the engine. Can it leak that far back? Nothing leaking neat the front of the engine.

 

Loooks like a transmission fluid to me, or maybe power steering fluid.

 

Looks like coolant to me.

 

I'm with Graham. Looks like coolant. Does it have a sweet smell?

And yes it can travel the far. Mine was leaking under the expansion tank and it dripped down, did not fall on anything hot enough to evaporate it, and landed about where the back of the front seats would be. No doubt pushed back by the airflow when driving.

 

No need to guess. Coolant, ATF and motor oil all have a very different smell. Since it looks like coolant, just try mixing the drop with a little water. If it mixes in, it's coolant.

 

Looks like coolant to me too. The heater circulation pump is situated on top of the bell housing, look down and further back from the coolant expansion tank and you'll see the rubber hoses going to it.

 

You'll see from the schematic of the Cooling System that there's several possibilities for leaking right back to the heater core:


(click on the image to enlarge it)

As the water pump, thermostat housing or radiator aren't the source, the two hoses that run between the heads from front to rear are a known weakness as are small cracks in the Expansion Tank.

The XK8/XKR should not use any coolant unless there's a leak. Check/monitor the level in the expansion tank. Overheating the V8 can easily cause serious and expensive damage.

Graham

 

I don't want to be the only animal here, but taste a little on your tongue. Kinda sweet= coolant.....Lift the front of the car up, and put it on stands. You are going to end up doing this anyway. Look to see where it is coming from. Look at the highest point, to determine where the source is. With gravity happening, it is kinda useless to look under the car, at all the low points, or the garage floor.....Best of luck.....Mike

 

Guilty as charged--something I have done more than once in my younger years

Doug

 

A unique taste for sure.

 

I am going to toss my hat into the ring with those who say coolant. A pressure test is the only sure way of finding a coolant leak.

 

True....Just don't over due the pressure on the test, or you may find more than what you are looking for, with these goofy connectors. Do it cold, and stay around 15psi. While you are waiting, check the lower power steering hose, on the reservoir.

I just suggested the taste method, because most people don't have the pressure tester, with the correct adaptor, for our cats.....Best of luck.....Mike