What color is engine oil leak?

Question

I think I'm being ripped off by my car dealer. I had the engine replaced about 2 years ago due to stupidity on a family members part. The whole engine needed to be repalced on a 99 Mustang due to not putting oil in it for over a year. So it gets replaced. For the past year we have been noticing black spots on the cardboard underneath the car in the mornings. When we took it to the dealer he said it was an engine leak and they would fix it because the engine still had a year left on its warranty. THen they say it was also a tranny leak and we had to pay for that. Now everytime it leaks we take it to the dealer and always its the tranny. What color is tranny fluid and what color is engine fluid. Do you think he's ripping me off? Whaty should I do??

Answer 1

I'll lay the facts out and I'm sure you'll know what to do:
-Transmission Fluid is RED, or dark dirty red if it's old - but stll it will never look black. Oil is dark black, or if it's new oil a clearer dark golden black color - never red or even close to red.
-To replace and engine the engine has to be removed from the transmission. The part of the transmission that connects to the engine is called the "bellhousing". So if the leak is from the bellhousing it's because they screwed up the installation, ask where EXACTLY it was leaking and go from there.

-To replace and engine sometimes the radiator get removed. Vehicles usually have a transmission cooling line running through the radiator as well - to be cooled. So if they pulled out the radiator (look on your engine bill, should say if they did) then if the leak is coming from ANY cooling line for the transmission that connects to the radiator, then it's their fault - sounds juvenile, but they touched it last.

-If you can find out from your bill, or if you think they'll tell you honest (hahaha) then you could ask how the engine was removed before. If they removed it from the bottom, rather then literally pulling it up and out, then they likely had to remove a bunch of stuff under the engine. I'm no expert on mustangs, but if the leak is from something being jarred or dented on the bottom, and they pulled the engine out of the bottom, then it's their fault - they touched it last.

My suggestion would be to tell them, "Come look at my driveway, this is an oil spot! The car sat here all night, and there's no transmission fluid - unless it magically turned black!"

To answer the question, yes, I think he's ripping you off. They screwed up doing the engine, and they don't want to swallow the parts/labor. Find out EXACTLY where the claim the transmission problem is and tell us, and we'll tell you exactly how to debunk that. They think your stupid, but you ask for specifics and write down what they say exactly and we'll let you know what's up.

»J

Answer 2

Its possible that the leak is just oil left over from the first leak. It can stay on the engine for a little while. The first thing I would do is take it back to the shop I had it repaired at and see if they can find the source. Like I mentioned earlier it could be the previous leak. Killing a stick shift should not cause a leak. If the engine is leaking a small amount just make sure that the level of oil in the engine does not get low and it should be okay to drive to get it checked out. Make sure that you don't run the engine if it is low on oil it could cause major problems and ruin your engine.

Answer 3

Go to Wal-Mart auto center change engine and transmission oils = Auto trans service remove the pan replace the filter and pan gasket. Then ask the pit boss what he sees. If that is inconclusive simply put ultra violet dye for transmission in the transmission yellow/green glow under black UV light. Black drops makes me think your not changing your oil enough in either of the units. Engine or transmission clean engine oil usually (amber) clean transmission fluid (red)

Answer 4

tranny fluid is red at first but if it hasent been changed in a while it can be black. check the color of fluid on the dipstick and try to match it up. engine oil is a light brown at first but will turn black after some time.

Answer 5

tranny is pink the oil is either a brown or black I think I would spend the 60 dollars at another shop on a diagnostic check for a second opinion. I think you're getting ripped off contact bbb in your area if the other shop says its not the engine.

Answer 6

1. Trannie Fluid is Transmision Oil - RED
2. Engine Oil if new - LIGHT IN COLOUR ALMOST CLEAR YELLOWISH depending on brand
3. Old Engine oil is Black
4. If the engine oil become tooo old it goes black like your is now & when its syrup like its very ancient

*As for the leak, have them check your "Sump Drain plug washer", it might be worn & would needs a new copper washer. That might resolve your oil leak problem

YOU'VE BEEN RIPPED OFF - BESIDES YOUR ENGINE OIL IS OLD NEEDS TO BE REPLACE

Answer 7

the engine oil is black, the antifreeze is green/orange. The person is not trying to rip you off. But she is showing you responsibilities that is what a driver are required to be. Responsibility is the number key in driving.

Answer 8

trans. fluid is a light motor oil is a yellow color. most mechanics will rip you off. find one that is old that has been a mechanic for decades, their the best. if you have a jiffy lube or a place that just does fluid changes take it to them for advice.

Answer 9

Engine oil is generally black unless it is VERY fresh, then it can have a yellow tinge.

Transmission fluid is very RED.

Answer 10

tranny fluid= red
engine oil= black
antifreeze=green/orange.
power steering fluid= clear oil
now that you know, really mess with them next time and pretend to be able to tell by tasting it. :)