Just learned a lesson is car storage, but need some help.

Some background first:

Last November 2007 on a nice day I drove my Diablo for about three hours without a problem. I pulled it into the garage and didn’t hook up the tender, nor did I turn off the cut-off switch. When I realized that the tender was not plugged into the car (January late), I plugged it in thinking it would charge. The battery never did. Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised when I went to purchase another battery and they told me that the old one was eligible for 100% warrantee. So, I changed the battery and although a pain in the ass, I couldn’t help wondering how many times I have read the price people pay to get this done. Well, my elation was short lived after I drove the car off the lift.

Problem:

I’ve had a very small engine oil leak for the past few years. A few droplets in the pan are normal for my car. I expected to see this. However, much to my surprise, I noticed (before I started the car for the first time since November), antifreeze in the pan. Looks like about a pint at the most, maybe less. Three pans had antifreeze in them. (Not really pans, plastic rectangles 2’ X 3’ and takes three to cover from the engine back to the transmission) The pans are independent and self contained. They also have cavities in each to let me know where the antifreeze came from. It appears the leak came from the passenger side of the engine. I didn’t notice any antifreeze on the engine or anywhere in the engine compartment. The car started like a champ. It had an erratic idle for a minute or so, but then settled into notifying the neighborhood…I’mmm baaaaack! I kept it running for about 25 minutes. I did notice a very slight burning smell after I turned off the engine.

Question:

What is this antifreeze leak from and is it normal?

Sorry for the long thread, but I would like to drive it today with a clear head. The sooner I get an answer I’m off to paradise.

Just thought of something else. Is it really antifreeze? I didn't chemically test the fluid, but isn't the air condition freeon green? Do they smell alike?

If it's green, it will probably be coolant for the radiators... And one would expect that to be all around the engine Most likely a gasket or tubing has corroded over the winter... Had this on one of my previous cars too... It usually has some antifreeze in it by the way

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My car has a top speed of 105KPH - 65.5MPH (*)




(*) In Reverse

Thanks for the quick reply. If it was a gasket or tubing I would see the leak. No leaks after the first start. Maybe an overflow?

It's not uncommon if a car has been stationary for a long time... Once everything heats up again, it basically re-sets the gaskets...

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My car has a top speed of 105KPH - 65.5MPH (*)




(*) In Reverse

Could be overflow too. Although that's quite a bit. There are so many hoses, connections etc. it could be anywhere. If I couldn't find it I'd take it for a short drive, gotta get worse before you fix it as they say.

could be anti freeze coming from a a gap in the connecting tube and fastener. Check the fastners around the radiator cores.

If its green, its coolant.

Raymondo may also be right. Coolant from the expansion tank as overflow could also be your sourse. Depends on the location of the drips.

My diablo used to take a leak after being shut off. Around the back of the differential. Nothing when it was running. It was the water pump seal.

Wow! After not driving the car for six months I forgot all about the high you get after a long run. Something about these cars do it to you. They make you feel really good!


I drove the car yesterday on the BQE for about two hours. Didn't notice any problem or any other leaks. I was also incorrect about the amount of coolant, less than a cup is more accurate. I am going to clean everything and monitor the area after each run. Thanks for the help.

water pump