Pink (or red) Fluid Leak at Rear of 2018 Ventana 4369

[dxg0001]

Just noticed a puddle right below the Newmar rock guard (see picture). The liquid is pink or reddish in color. It almost looks like it is leaking in 2 places. I assume it is transmission fluid but I don't know what the metal box is for and where the lines are going.

Anybody know what this is?

Thanks,
Dan

P.S. Picture is upside down

[C.Martin]

Here’s a part identification for you...transmission oil cooler.

I keep learning more...

Some OAT coolants are red...and Mobil Delvac-1 ATF transmission fluid (TES-295 certified for Allison Transmissions) is also red...

Looks like a trip to a local Freightliner shop is warranted.

[1320Fastback]

That would be your transmission heat exchanger. The bigger hoses are engine coolant and the smaller ones are transmission lines. The hotter transmission fluid transfers temperature to the cooler coolant. It also works in reverse theory and helps the transmission warm up before it's up to opporating temperature.

Pink or Red could be either fluid too.

[Rotten-Red]

Originally Posted by 1320Fastback

That would be your transmission heat exchanger. The bigger hoses are engine coolant and the smaller ones are transmission lines. The hotter transmission fluid transfers temperature to the cooler coolant. It also works in reverse theory and helps the transmission warm up before it's up to opporating temperature.

Pink or Red could be either fluid too.

100% on the money answer.

[Dutch Star Don]

My guess, you're leaking around the coolant hose and need to tighten the clamp. The other leak looks like you're leaking at the welded fitting (bung). I believe they are two separate leaks because they don't seam to join anywhere.

I have to ask.....how has your coach gotten soooo rusted in the last 2 years? Are you dealing with a lot of salted roads?

This should be covered by Freightliner, especially if you argue the leak at the bung.

[dxg0001]

Thanks for everybody's input. Based on all the comments I tightened the clamps around the big hoses. The leak has stopped but I would think that after it cooled down the pressure is gone so it may have stopped anyhow. I checked the coolant level and it was at the low end. I topped it off so we'll see.

I'm taking it to a Freightliner dealer tomorrow and will report back the findings.

As to the rust, it's a sad story. We only noticed it after a few months of ownership. We've never been near salt but the coach was delivered to Texas in February. We think that the dealer in Dallas didn't properly wash all the salt off so everything below was rusting. Newmar ended up treating the rust and applied undercoating but there are obviously plenty of areas they missed.

[Dutch Star Don]

"dxg0001".....I keep a can or two of rubberized undercoating in my garage. Whenever I'm under the coach and see some exposed area, I spray it with the undercoating. Usually after the coach starts hitting 2-3 years old I find spots while doing the service and spray them.

[dxg0001]

According to the tech, the heat exchanger is cracked. They ordered a new one and we are back at Freightliner waiting to have it replaced.

Dan

[NWIP]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

"dxg0001".....I keep a can or two of rubberized undercoating in my garage. Whenever I'm under the coach and see some exposed area, I spray it with the undercoating. Usually after the coach starts hitting 2-3 years old I find spots while doing the service and spray them.

Can you elaborate on undercoating you use?

[AWM]

I had the exact issue as seen in photo above. 2018 DS 4018. Went to FL Tampa. Spoke to the technician who said the leak was around the welds, they have seen and replaced 8-10 Transmission coolers in last 6 months. Seems there was a bad lot and the replacement is made from a different mettle and solder. They did what looks to be a great job and we were very impressed with this FL shop.