Brown / red fluid - left front side of engine

Hi folks,

Got a leak at the front left side of the engine. I wasn't driving it at the time but what I understand is that there was a peculiar sound coming from the bonnet and some white smoke (mmm...never a good sign:doh. The driver noticed the smoke when she was braking, going under 30 mph and when she was driving up a hill.

I've taken some pictures. I don't think this has been going on very long but i'm sure it needs sorting ASAP. I went out to the landy when parked and the fan was working very hard and there was a smell of burning (of sorts). Engine seemed fine but brown fluid had obviously been leaking all over the place.

Edited (added):
Last full service: 05th November 2010
Last MOT: 05th November 2010
Distance travelled since service: 1,130 miles


Exhibit 1: Brown / red fluid collected on top


Exhibit 2: Brown / red fluid sprayed all over the place...



So, any ideas people? Not a mechanic and hoping this is not an expensive job to fix...

Thanks,

Ben

Check your coolant level peeps

That looks like the OAT antifreeze in the coolant to me, the white smoke was probably steam as the coolant hit the exhaust manifold.
Mark

Will do tomorrow. Thanks. Was dark when it happened so will fully investigate when light outside.

squizzel said:

That looks like the OAT antifreeze in the coolant to me, the white smoke was probably steam as the coolant hit the exhaust manifold.
Mark

Click to expand...

Thanks, Mark. This serious? Easily resolved?

Yeah deffo OAT coolant. You need to find out where its coming from. Location would suggest the top hose.

T

The problem:

Okay, there was a cut in the pipe as illustrated in photograph below. All fixed now with new piping but thought I'd share what was wrong.

Nice easy fix - Looks like pipe has been cut

Good to hear you got it fixed.

Mark