FL1 2004 TD4 Leak in Chassis

Hi guys,

hoping someone can shed some light on this as it’s got me perplexed. Some sort of leak in the chassis/frame? Not sure what it’s called, leak doesn’t hit the ground but it’s speeding up the rusting of the underneath, I’m assuming it’s some sort of fuel or oil leak but not sure.

Think you'll need to post a pic.

Sorry! Thought it had uploaded, not the best pic either, ignore the rust for a moment that black mark running down that part near the outrigger is the one I’m referring to

Has it had a replacement outrigger? Looks like welding corrosion where it hasn't been cleaned and protected properly..
Also, the outrigger welds don't look original.

andyfreelandy said:

Has it had a replacement outrigger? Looks like welding corrosion where it hasn't been cleaned and protected properly..
Also, the outrigger welds don't look original.

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Yeah it has had both outriggers replaced

That'll be it then. Not cleaned up properly and protected from rust.
Also, underseal melted and dripped I expect.
Needs electric wire brush, clean back and anti rust coat then suitable underseal.

andyfreelandy said:

That'll be it then. Not cleaned up properly and protected from rust.
Also, underseal melted and dripped I expect.
Needs electric wire brush, clean back and anti rust coat then suitable underseal.

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Yeah I’m making a start with electric wire brush, only thing is, that black part runs the whole length and is more drippy towards the rear

I would imagine that if the leak is oil or fuel it'll be helping to slow the corrosion spread a little

kernowsvenski said:

I would imagine that if the leak is oil or fuel it'll be helping to slow the corrosion spread a little

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Any ideas where it could be coming from? My first thought was fuel, either from the tank or the lines but I would expect to see issues with starting etc if that were the case which I don’t have

Hippolady26 said:

Any ideas where it could be coming from? My first thought was fuel

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Is it water which is in the vehicle, maybe from a leaking door seal or blocked sunroof drain?

Nodge68 said:

Is it water which is in the vehicle, maybe from a leaking door seal or blocked sunroof drain?

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Interior is dry, have previously sealed both the sunroof and the tailgate.

What does the leak smell and taste of?
Don't laugh, The Car Wizard often tastes leaks to determine what it is.

Alibro said:

What does the leak smell and taste of?
Don't laugh, The Car Wizard often tastes leaks to determine what it is.

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Ha! It’s had be baffled long enough I may just try that! But then of course I’d have to then go and taste other lubricants to compare

Hippolady26 said:

Ha! It’s had be baffled long enough I may just try that! But then of course I’d have to then go and taste other lubricants to compare

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I can confirm petrol is double yuk and the taste stays in your mouth for ages.
Diesel is not as bad as petrol but leaves a slightly greasy feeling in your mouth that is not pleasant.
I haven't tried coolant but I believe it is sweet.
Haven't tried engine, gearbox or diff oil but do know diff oil has a very strong unpleasant odour.

So here’s some more photos I’ve taken today, as you can see it’s the length of the whole car, Towards the rear there is occasionally small droplets on the metal, no drips to the floor though

Gee, didn't realise it was around the brake lines and some joiners.
Are you loosing brake fluid??
Look for a spray of fluid when someone stands on the brake pedal. Investigate before using it as this could be lethal.
If the brake lines have been undersealed they may have rotted out behind that covering.

Tested brakes no leak is apparent and the reservoir appears to still be full, although I will double check it. Is there any pipes inside that bit that could be leaking? My only other thought is maybe something from the engine is leaking and it’s running down and pooling at the rear, the closest thing would be the turbo to that side but again I’d expect running issues which I’ve not really got

My take is that it is running a long way long if from engine.
Worth checking turbo hoses as maybe oil in pipes (usually is some) but gravity usually gets a drip near the source.
Yours tracks the pipes hence my comment above.
Keep safe.

Alibro said:

I can confirm petrol is double yuk and the taste stays in your mouth for ages.
Diesel is not as bad as petrol but leaves a slightly greasy feeling in your mouth that is not pleasant.
I haven't tried coolant but I believe it is sweet.
Haven't tried engine, gearbox or diff oil but do know diff oil has a very strong unpleasant odour.

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Sounds like a Landyzone meet up session that could go wrong

andyfreelandy said:

My take is that it is running a long way long if from engine.
Worth checking turbo hoses as maybe oil in pipes (usually is some) but gravity usually gets a drip near the source.
Yours tracks the pipes hence my comment above.
Keep safe.

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It looks like the areas of worst corrosion are away from where the leak is tracking to me. Which makes me think it's probably not brake fluid.