"Oil" Leak in footwell

[apowell@ezlink.com]

About the possible "oil" leak in the footwell.

I do NOT own a 4K/80/90, but unless the PS pump is mounted ON 
the firewall, I don't see how it could cause leakage into the 
passenger compartment, short of throwing such heroic volumes of 
Pentosin that the whole front end would be awash in it!!!  On my 5K 
and 200, the PS pump is mounted on the front of the engine and is 
NOT a candidate for such a leak.

Brake fluid is more likely.  However, there are a couple of simple 
tests:

1)  SNIFF the offending stuff - and sniff above the brake reservoir.  if 
you're as late in changing brake fluid as most of us are (not me 
since last summer...) you may be able to smell the old fluid.

2)  Touch a finger to it and taste it.  Pentosin won't taste like much -
 but brake fluid is generally pretty offensive to the tastebuds.  (Yes, 
I know it's bad for you, but I'm not saying to drink a teaspoon, just 
touch a finger tip and dab it on the tip of your tongue....)

3)  If it does turn out to be brake fluid, then I would expect it to 
wash out of the carpet and leave it bleached, but VERY clean.  
Brake fluid (standard stuff) is water soluble and if you pull the front 
carpet and hose it down, then let it drip dry, I would expect it to 
wash out.

4)  One other way to estiamte whether it's brake fluid - brake fluid 
WILL lift paint.  If the paint on floorboards, brake pedal or whateever 
has been in contact with the fluid is lifting, you have brake fluid 
problems and not pentosin leaks.

Cheers...
++++++++++++++++++++WSU-CSU+++++++++++++++++
Al Powell
Apowell@EZlink.com
1958 Fiat 1200 Spyder "Transformabile"
1983 Datsun 280ZXT
1990 Audi 200
http://www.ezlink.com/~powells/
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