Leaking fluid

Tiny
SFAIR
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 GMC ACADIA
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
I recently bought this car used and have discovered that it has been leaking a rainbow colored substance on my driveway under where it is parked. I would like to know what it could be leaking. I am having other work being done by a mechanic on Saturday and can have him look at it then. But I would like to know what is leaking and if it is serious pressing issue that cannot wait until Saturday. I am including pictures of the stuff it leaked, as you can tell it has a rainbow appearance to it.
Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 12:50 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,963 POSTS
That is some oil mixed with water. What it is depends on where it is coming from. No way to tell from those pictures. When it is parked, where does the puddle form? Up front near the radiator? Under the passenger side at the firewall? Under the engine?

Have you been using the AC?
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 4:50 PM
Tiny
SFAIR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It leaks up near the front drivers side, but runs down the drive as it is sloped. I have been running the air conditioner, but it is not too cold and not blowing out very hard even on the maximum fan setting. It does not seem to have a smell to me but it has a slight oily base to the touch.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,963 POSTS
It does not take much oil to cause a sheen on water. A few drops are enough to cover a swimming pool. Slope will effect the leak, it could be at the rear of the engine but running down the frame before it drips off. The AC drain is on the drivers side so my guess is that the water is from the AC as it condenses moisture out of the air, the oil could be that the evaporator core is leaking, that would also give you poor AC as the charge gets low. Not a cheap repair and not a DIY type of job as the entire dash has to come out to replace it. I would probably take it to a shop and have them take a look and see if that is the case. Then go from there.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 9:59 PM

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