clear fluid leak
 

Hey everyone.

I just entered the world of diesel mercedes with the hopes of converting it to run on wvo. I bought a 1995 e300d with 113,000 on the engine.

It just started leaking a clear, oily fluid that smells like wd40 that is dripping into the skid plate and then onto the ground on the right front passengers side of the car.

I live in SF, so getting under it to take a look isn't the easiest proposition, but I am fairly handy and would love to try to fix this myself.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

How about driving one side up onto the curb; you might be able to slide under on a piece of cardboard. Or if that isn't enough height, place a couple of 2x6 or so on the curb first. You can also buy steel ramps to drive it up onto. I have a lot of wood around, so I made some ramps myself. Be sure it's completely secure before going under there.
When you get under, take plenty of rags; if the source of the leak isn't obvious, wipe everything as clean as you can and then it will be easier to find the leak the next time you look. If it's clear it sure isn't crankcase oil. Have you checked the brake fluid level ? It's kind of clear and smelly... Steve

Please please please understand that im not trying to be a jackass, but its not diesel fuel leaking is it? All the fluids in a car have a unique smell to them, but im not 100% sure which smells like wd40, Clear and oily, diesel, brakefluid, could be biodiesel, which doesnt smell like diesel at all,

Wont be ATF, it may be coolant which can feel oily sometimes, certainly not oil.

My sugestion, if its not obvious which fluid it is, smell the brake fluid and coolant, and the fuel tank, see which is closest, Fuel leaks are common on diesels.

The only thing I can think of on that side of the engine compartment that mgiht leak would be coolant or moisture from running the AC other than engine or trans oil from cooling lines etc.

If you have a fuel leak you should see some small air bubbles in the clear plastic fuel lines connecting to the fuel filter housing/IP and oftentimes be expiriencing hard starts to some degree.

From that side of the car it could be many things, coolant, ATF, oil, power steering fluid - the best way to check is to remove the undertrays, clean everything off - EVERYTHING, and then take it for a drive. Return home, park it up, and leave it for an hour. Then jack it up, put it on axle stands, and look around to see what's wet.