Yellow Snow (Leakage)

[drewbsking]

My 2001 is leaving 3' Dia. dip marks in the snow. (not directly under engine) Its a florescent yellow color, no smell. My antifreeze is more green than that, although it may change its color with contact with snow. Other than antifreeze, there are no other lube/liquid that could cause such a mark right? Any idea guys?

 

[casm]

My 2001 is leaving 3' Dia. dip marks in the snow. (not directly under engine) Its a florescent yellow color, no smell. My antifreeze is more green than that, although it may change its color with contact with snow. Other than antifreeze, there are no other lube/liquid that could cause such a mark right? Any idea guys?

What is the spec on this XJ? Manual, auto, 2WD, 4WD? That'll influence the territorial markings it leaves.

Antifreeze would be my first guess given the colour as well - but there's also the possibility of power steering fluid, transmission fluid (from either the gearbox or transfer case), or oil (valve cover or other leaks).

You say it's not directly under the engine - what is it directly under? It's possible for leaking fluids to seep out and be blown back or follow a path to somewhere other than where they're coming from directly.

 

[redneck]

My yellow spots under the jeep are from my power steering leaking.

 

[joe_peters]

Bright spotlight, piece of cardboard, couple of beers--lay under there until you can spot the problem.

However, you did post "3' dia. and not 3" dia. so with such a massive leak it problem should be easy to locate.

 

[birchlakeXJ]

Keep a close eye on all fluid levels including power steering, brake fluid, etc.

Any drop in any of those?

Getting a vehicle up on a hoist or at least getting underneath it with a good bright light will often yield the cause of the leak.

Leaks require some "sleuthing" and are hard for us to help you with.

Good luck!

 

[crimsondragon]

Give the yellow snow a taste.

 

[multmigs]

maybe UV type dye in the AC refrig oil?

 

[JJacobs]

AC dye is my first guess as well. It's added at the factory on most vehicles.

 

[drewbsking]

Bright spotlight, piece of cardboard, couple of beers--lay under there until you can spot the problem.

However, you did post "3' dia. and not 3" dia. so with such a massive leak it problem should be easy to locate.

Good Catch, yes it was a 3".

 

[drewbsking]

I have been keeping an eye on it and checked my fluids. Have not been able to repeat results however I have seen it more than once. Maybe it is a animal I did however check the Brake, Power Steering, Trans, Oil, and Coolant are are all full. I did have AC work done in the summer, evaporator and orifice (spelling) valve was replaced. The whole area around the fire wall is filthy with refrigerant (yellow greenish dye) so i cant say it it is leaking but there has been no funky smell in the car. Same color as the drip so i thought it may be that too. We will have to see in the summer if there was a blow out leak and the AC is bad again. Did not check transfer case but that is redish and the differentials are dray as a bone. There reason its so peculiar is that it definitely came from under the Jeep one night but at the same time i saw the spot in the road were there was no cars parked. Possibly under a completely different car another time. I'll keep my eye on it but thanks for your all your help!