Leaking something from a Chevy van

[AMonger]

I'm leaking something from my van, slightly to the passenger side of center. I can't "catch" it leaking, so I'm having trouble tracking it down. I put my finger in it, and it looks clear, but has a slight odor to it of something petroleum-based, but I can't tell if that's from the liquid itself or if that's coming from the pavement the liquid was sitting on. If the AC was running, I'd say it was just condensation coming off, but, of course, it's not running. Further, the pool of liquid isn't evaporating like plain water would do. Maybe the humidity is just too high, I don't know. I can't tell if it leaks only when it's running or all the time.

Ideas?
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You know the problem with bad cops? They make the other 5% look bad.

 

[Slacktide]

Brake fluid would be my first guess. Check your lines and level. If you have any cardboard lay it under the van, it will give you a clean base to do a smell/taste test from. Good luck...oh btw you can pump test the brakes and hold presure on them to see if they fade or cause more of a drip under the van.

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[AMonger]

Isn't brake fluid dark, like maroon? This is clear, and the puddle forms when I'm parked, not touching the pedals. I'm going to try to find that cardboard and do like you suggest.

--

You know the problem with bad cops? They make the other 5% look bad.

 

[Slacktide]

Nope, DOT3 brake fluid is clear. Dark maroon would tend to be trany fluid. Depending on what you use in your powersteering it could be that as well leaking from the rack. If the wheels are turned leaving presure on the seals that bleeds off while sitting.
Good luck

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[greg334]

Take a piece of white plain paper and place it under the van where it is dripping and capture a little. You can then compare it to other fluids.

Is it coming from behind the right wheel or next to it?

Is it under the right front seat, in front of it or behind it?

 

[jrcarroll]

Mine has been doing the same. I'm thinking because of the location it may be condensation from exhaust (muffler)

 

[AMonger]

Turns out it was the water pump.

--

You know the problem with bad cops? They make the other 5% look bad.