Fluid leak

[desc5]

Hi folks,

Looking for a wee bit assistance with regards to fluid lying on the garage floor this morning.
I'm driving a 1993 XJS 4.0 litre and noted a clear but sticky substance under the front of the vehicle.
I drove the car down this afternoon to my local mechanic I use for the MOT, which incidentally passed last week without any problems.
Hopefully I will have a better idea tomorrow but since he isn't a Jaguar specialist but many years in the motor trade I wanted to checkout with you guys who have the knowledge and experience.

Much appreciate any assistance

Cheers
Doug

[davidr]

As I'm sure you're aware there are only a small number of possibilities. Namely engine oil, steering hydraulic oil, brake fluid, fuel, transmission oil, washer fluid or cooling fluid. Each has its own distinctive colour, feel and smell.
It would help if you could be more precise about exactly where the fluid was found under the car.
How did it feel on the drive to the garage? Any strange noises?
If you can give use bit more detail we will probably be able to help
Regards
David

[desc5]

Hi David,

Thank you for the feedback.

Looks like the problem is ten oil cooler feed pipes from cooler to auto gearbox.
Jaguar told me they are obsolete so I called a few of the Jag folk and I managed to get the feed pipe from David Manners but return pipe obsolete.

My mechanic has managed to source a company who will make the tubing so looks like I will go down that route as options are basically limited.

Cheers

[dhdove]

Douglas
In the past many people with this problem (it's not uncommon) have done away with the gearbox oil cooler altogether. The car doesn't really need it.
You could buy a by-pass plate to bolt to the side of the gearbox where the pipes enter/exit which just completed the circuit but these became unavailable a while ago. I don't know if they have been re manufactured or anyone knows of a source for one?

TonyS

[poprivet]

Wasn't that the engine oil cooler Tony?

The gearbox pipework is just a steel line with flexibles, it's not difficult to replace any failed sections using a hydraulic supply specialist.

[dhdove]

Hi Pop

Of course! You're quite right. Engine oil cooler with separate cooler with pipes that seize solid....
Sorry, had a senior moment there!
Douglas, ignore last please....
TonyS

[desc5]

Latest information as of Friday.
David Manners were the only ones to who could help, they have the feed pipe but the return is now obsolete.
As your recommendations below I have a hydraulic specialist locally who can work from the original pipe so will go down that route and get the return side made.
Thanks for your comments and recommendations

[desc5]

Life is a bugger when things don't go to plan.
Seems these pipes are obsolete so now hoping that local hydraulic folk can make replicas of original pipes.
Was hoping to have the car out in this lovely weather, unfortunately didn't happen and now back in West Africa, hopefully next time home I will be up and running.
Thanks for the replies

Cheers
Dougie