Transmission fluid or oil leaking from access panel after radiator replacement

[kickitrootdown]

Edit: I overhauled this thread for the sake of correctness. Thought I was seeing coolant, is either transmission fluid or oil. Still have a leak regardless. Was recently in the shop for a diagnostic on a bum radiator (plus oil change, general checkup) by a highly respected garage in SLC. Checked the transmission fluid while engine was running and it was good.

ORIGINAL:
Recently did a thorough flush while replacing hoses/thermostats/radiator and sprung a new leak. It looks like it's coming from the rear-bottom of the engine block, right in the middle between the two coolant release valves. I don't THINK it was leaking beforehand, but it is definitely leaking a lot more now! For what it's worth, it didn't leak during the first two test drives, did leak during the third and fourth, then didn't for the fifth. Go figure. First, what is leaking and, second, how many bananas? Thanks!

 

[neoworm]

You sure that isn't tranny fluid? If it's coolant check the crossover pipe at the back of the engine. The heater pipe that exits it has a tendency to leak especially if it has been man handled during heater hose T replacement.

 

[jsloden]

That definately looks like trans fluid. It also doesn't seem to be running down from anywhere, just coming out of the access panel opening. That's a pretty bad leak as well. Goone be the front main seal on the trans.

 

[kickitrootdown]

Okay, I'm on board with you guys, thanks! I figured it was coolant since it was red and that's what I was just working on... Jumped the gun. I checked the transmission fluid level (cold) and it is waaaay overfilled. I had it into the shop right before this - they were the ones that told me the radiator and thermostat leaks were at the point where it was replacement time - so I wonder if they went overboard... Could overfilling cause the leak here?

 

[jsloden]

I'm not sure if being overfilled would cause a leak like that but it's definitely not going to help anything. I would just drain some out until you reach the proper level. Remember to check it with the vehicle running and in park. If you do it the it turned off it will read really high on the stick.

 

[kickitrootdown]

Hmm, I am cautiously optimistic.... I found this other thread from @WRP2 that had coolant coming out of the same panel, turned out to be something at the throttle body. I had my throttle body off for cleaning and sealing when I put in the radiator and, lo and behold, I had forgotten a spring clip. Looks like quite a lot of coolant came out there while I was filling/burping the radiator and taking the first couple test rides. I mean, the reason I thought it was coolant to begin with is that it wasn't all that oily - after paying closer attention, I'd say it is a little oily. Doesn't have much of an odor, doesn't look like the oil that just got changed... I took it for another test ride and I only got a couple drips.

Fingers crossed...

 

[jsloden]

You could always taste it. Coolant has a really sweet taste. ATF not so much. They are also a different consistency. Coolant is more like water, ATF is thicker, more like oil.