Leaking Blue liquid

[snbeffort]

My 92 Exceed has been sitting for some time ( a couple of months ). About two weeks ago I noticed a drip coming off the rear dif ( I think ). I placed a oil pan under the diff and left town for a couple weeks. Upon my return, the oil container was filled with about a litre or more of blue liquid. ? Any thoughts about what I should be looking for or how I should proceed would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

[Mr. Flibble]

Blue?

Strange. Diff oil is usually brown, at least all I have ever seen.

I would check the level of oil in your diff, and perhaps check your brake fluid (it is usually clear) in case the brake lines running across the top of the diff are leaking.

[snbeffort]

thanks,

I'll check brake fluid for sure. The leak is coming off the diff but that's not where it originates.

[yojimbo]

Could the rear washer reservoir be leaking and ending up there somehow?

[snbeffort]

ok, so the fluid looked blue in the black oil pan but I drained this into a clear container and the fluid is definately dirty yellow. I'm thinking rad fluid that has mixed with grime from the engine as it worked its way down to drip off the diff. ? I have topped up the rad fluid to keep an eye on the level. Any other ideas as to what to look for or how to deal with this wold again be appreciated

[Mr. Flibble]

I don't see how rad fluid could get that far back unless you have a WVO setup or the rear heating element in your Deli is at the back, and I doubt it is.

If you rub the liquid between your fingers, does it feel oily or watery? Also, what does it smell like?

[snbeffort]

smells like gas and is a little bit gritty to the touch

Steve

[nxski]

Diesel is yellow, I wonder if you're leaking fuel. The tank is near the rear diff so that sounds more plausible than a radiator leak working it's way back there...

[jessef]

you'll know right away if your diff, pinion seal or axle seals are leaking.

Gear oil has a distinct strong fish factory - old oil smell to it. If you can pick it out, the two strong components are sulphur and phosphorus in the oil. They are smelly anti-wear additives, particularly in GL-5 gear oils.

Diesel and regular motor oil you can smell up close without cringing your nose. Gear oil in Differentials is not the case.