[arrora_1234]

I saw little bit oily (Black Colour) at the bottom of my Transmission (I hope) as shown in the picture. No dipping and no problem in driving, but I am worried that it is an early sign of an imminent failure. Car model-
Ford Focus SE Wagon 2000
125,000 KM

Transmission Fluid was changed with Motorcraft Markon-V 3 years ago along with filter at 80K KM. I always do oil change with Castrol 5W30 @5K and in winter I put Castrol Full synthetic 5W30.

Is this my transmission leaking or engine oil leaking? The colour of the oil is black and areas is just wet, no dipping. It is been like this for last 2 months.
I will greatly appreciate any expert suggestion to fix it.

AR

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/3492/img01021.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2315/img01031e.jpg

 

[bflesher]

As long as the fluid levels okay I would not worry to much.

 

[arrora_1234]

Look at the picture I just uploaded. I am really worried. Is it a transmission fluid or engine oil leak ? It is black and oily...so definitely not coolent.

 

[Grumpy]

For pete's sake.......you've got to help yourself on this. It appears that the leak could be originating from above. I don't think it's tranny fluid, mind you. Have you at least opened the hood and checked yourself for leaks from the camshaft cover etc. Check the simple things first. This is difficult to troubleshoot simply from a photo. It's a very slow leak whatever it is. Clean it all off and after a few days check for signs of "fresh" fluid. This is a SPI, correct?

 

[Diesel]

it's oil leak. it's probally comming from the upper base pan/windeage tray there is a gasket between it and the rear main seal that leaks on these.

 

[bflesher]

I would file that in the "not a problem" file. If fluid levels are fine then don't worry.

 

[woodyg]

Look at the picture I just uploaded. I am really worried. Is it a transmission fluid or engine oil leak ? It is black and oily...so definitely not coolent.

For pete's sake.......you've got to help yourself on this. It appears that the leak could be originating from above. I don't think it's tranny fluid, mind you. Have you at least opened the hood and checked yourself for leaks from the camshaft cover etc. Check the simple things first. This is difficult to troubleshoot simply from a photo. It's a very slow leak whatever it is. Clean it all off and after a few days check for signs of "fresh" fluid. This is a SPI, correct?

it's oil leak. it's probally comming from the upper base pan/windeage tray there is a gasket between it and the rear main seal that leaks on these.

there was more grease on my burger I ate last night.......that being said.....I agree with the idea of doing some looking of your own...I keep all my vehicles engine compartments and suspensions clean......that way if there is a leak starting I can tell where it is coming from...I think your tstat housing is right above that "leak".....they fail and leak a little coolant and along with a leaky VC gasket and maybe some from the rear main-seal.....could be contributing to it.............clean it all up first..

did you buy the car new?

some people have had very good luck with a Auto-rx treatment.........do some research about auto-rx

 

[arrora_1234]

Thank you all for overwhelming suggestions. I will clean the area this weekend and try to locate the origin of the leak and report you back. Yes... it is SPI engine and I been driving this car for last 3 years.

RA

 

[Medicus]

Any updates on what was going on with your transmission. Mine is leaking from the same spot. Mine was a lot cleaner but I was able to tell it was coming out of a small opening in the transmission and under where your picture was taken there is like a vent hole that its leaking from also. It leaks about a quarter size a day without even driving it. I also just changed the fluid so it was up to full not over.

 

[elsolo]

That's most likely a small seepage leak coming from the rear main seal. Not concerning unless it starts losing enough fluid between oil changes to need to add more, or the small spots on your driveway are a concern.

 

[elsolo]

Any updates on what was going on with your transmission. Mine is leaking from the same spot. Mine was a lot cleaner but I was able to tell it was coming out of a small opening in the transmission and under where your picture was taken there is like a vent hole that its leaking from also. It leaks about a quarter size a day without even driving it. I also just changed the fluid so it was up to full not over.

Of you have a manual trans, it could be the slave cylinder/ throwout bearing.

Feel the fluid: motor oil, trans fluid, and brake fluid all "feel different" when you rub your fingertips together.

 

[Medicus]

Mine is for sure transmission fluid. I just changed it 3 days ago and it is a perfect neon yellow color I just don't know where it is coming from other than from the vent hole on the trans

 

[elsolo]

Input shaft seal on any manual transmission can leak

 

[Alejo240]

solutions anyone?!

any solution to this? i have the same leak and I am very worried, although the engine oil levels and power steering levels are both at full i have no idea where the leak can be coming from but it looks exactly how your picture is and i cleaned up the entire engine bay but i cannot figure out where its coming from and dont want to take it to a mechanic now because here in miami mechanics are just out to get your money and will tell you anything but the actual problem

 

[sailor]

Look at the prev. comments in this old thread.

You aren't telling us what transmission is in your car so we can't even narrow it down that much. P/S fluid won't leak in that area.