Coolant leak and black antifreeze

[Hollandbriscoe]

So I dropped my '22 off at the dealership for what I thought was an oil leak, they called back and said that it is actually a coolant leak and that a plastic tank and a hose need replacing. Now my question is why would a coolant leak look like it was oil? What is on my driveway is pitch black and looks like used motor oil.

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[In3briatedPanda]

what was the consistency? smell? ive never seen black coolant. ive seen coolant contaminated with oil and even then, it was not black. I am super invested in this!

 

[Hollandbriscoe]

Here is what it looks like, no smell to speak of, and it’s not oily, but I’ve never seen coolant that looked like this, and this is two days old and has not dried up

 

[Maximus Gladius]

What does it look like in the reservoir?

 

[Hollandbriscoe]

What does it look like in the reservoir?

No idea at this point as its already at the dealership. I spoke with them again and was told that the antifreeze is purple and that is why its so dark on the driveway.

 

[ChrisNLA]

No idea at this point as its already at the dealership. I spoke with them again and was told that the antifreeze is purple and that is why its so dark on the driveway.

I believe the glycol content is going to keep it from evaporating quickly, so it may linger on the ground a while.

 

[CrazyCooter]

My vote is the dealer/tech doesn't want to work on it, so they are selling something easy hoping you will go away. I hope it's as easy as a coolant tank/hose, but that surely looks like oil.

My experience with our local dealerbus thst they resist doing any warranty work they can get out of.

 

[DylanM]

So I dropped my '22 off at the dealership for what I thought was an oil leak, they called back and said that it is actually a coolant leak and that a plastic tank and a hose need replacing. Now my question is why would a coolant leak look like it was oil? What is on my driveway is pitch black and looks like used motor oil.

You're much better off trying to discern the fluid colour if you'd either tape some paper down under the vehicle where the leaks are appearing or to try absorbing some of the fluid off the ground with a clean white paper towel then see how it looks on the towel. Trying to gauge the fluid colour as it sits on asphalt isn't a good path to success.

Here is what it looks like, no smell to speak of, and it’s not oily, but I’ve never seen coolant that looked like this, and this is two days old and has not dried up.

Pro tip: if the fluid isn't oily feeling, it isn't oil.

 

[NC_Overland]

Coolant has an oily consistency. Not color, smell, or taste (not sure how people do that), but it does feel slippery.

 

[biodiesel]

If you have oil in your coolant, then you have an oil cooler leak. If so, the dealer will need to replace the oil cooler, flush your coolant system, and your good to go.

 

[Lost1wing]

So I dropped my '22 off at the dealership for what I thought was an oil leak, they called back and said that it is actually a coolant leak and that a plastic tank and a hose need replacing. Now my question is why would a coolant leak look like it was oil? What is on my driveway is pitch black and looks like used motor oil.

Look under the coolant reservoir. You should see some residue where it is coming from. Could be that fitting that is leaking and it could be that the reservoir has a small crack. Shotgun approach troubleshooting may save you a revisit if they guess wrong. I believe the fitting is part of the entire tube assy, more billable hours ( thanks Jeep). You may also just need a new cap on the reservoir or it may need to be installed all of the way so that it seals. Cooler temperatures outside can cause leaks when the truck is parked.

I would clean off the residue, secure the cap and monitor the situation. Inspect the area after shutdown and reinspect after the engine has cooled down to the ambient temperature.

Disregard the color of the fluid after it has been on the asphalt a while.

 

[rharr]

what does it taste like? sweet? or like gas?

 

[LOL WUT]

what does it taste like? sweet? or like gas?

*Looks across the street to see the neighbor licking his driveway.

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