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2003 stratus leaking red oil

I've noticed over the past 2 weeks that a mysterious puddle of oil has been forming on my driveway. Upon closer inspection, the oil is red in color so it can't be from the crankcase I'm assuming. The transmission fluid appears to be unaffected (from a fluid level perspective). It seems to be coming from the front, slightly to the left of center (closer to the driver side). I've noticed some oil film under the bumper and despite the front section being very tighly packed, looks like there's a device behind the bumper that appears to have oil on it. This device is to the slight left of the air "vents" in the bumper (could also be where you put fog lights I'm assuming). I'm guessing the only other device that uses red oil is the power steering pump however the steering also appears to be unafected. Any ideas on the source and how to trouble shoot it to narrow it down? Thanks much!

Reply to
Torben
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Welcome to the wonderfull world of dodge chrysler leaking transmission fluid lines.

Look right at the crimp between the steel line and the rubber line and observe the leaking stream of fluid that appears only under pressure. My 96 intrepid is also a victime. Get some nice brass compression fittings ie 3/8 inch with a nice 3/8 barb fit on the other side and steel (stainless) clamps and double clamp the fittings once you have cut off the factory crimped lines. Why do they put these leakers on all there cars I know not ...

Torben wrote:

Reply to
skoczek172

i've always used a rubber fuel line and two small clamps on both ends to fix those leaky things.

Reply to
Adam

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Me too...but use a flaring tool to flare the ends of the steel lines so the clamped rubber fuel line tubing won't slide off under heat and pressure.

Reply to
Helpful G

Thanks folks for the info - took it to a local repair shop this morning so we'll see what they come back with but definitely made sure they understood that it may very well be as simple as a couple of fittings (hopefully it'll work out that way)

Reply to
Torben

uh yup - sure enough it was the rubber lines leaking. Thanks folks!

Reply to
Torben

A 2003 should have been covered under warranty for this. I hope you didn't pay someone for the repair.

Reply to
James C. Reeves

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