Red fluid under the generator....port side

[Happy Place]

2014 R31 here. Onan generator not getting power so I was following the leads and noticed a puddle of red liquid coming from underneath. A little bit over by the transmission as well

I'm assuming it's ATF from the tranny but how would it get under the genset?

Checked the transmission fluid level and it's right up there.

Is the fluid from the hydraulic steering red?

Gor a 40 mile run to Rockland Maine tomorrow and sure would like to figure it out before I leave

 

[sgeary]

On our 2015 R31 the hydraulic steering fluid is red as well as the ATF transmission fluid.

Since you said the tranny fluid was correct, have you checked the level of the steering fluid at the highest steering location (if you have the Command Bridge)? If you have a leak in the hydraulic steering arms or their connectors near the rudder, it could presumably show up under the generator.

One other long-shot item. I believe the Onan recommended antifreeze is green colored, but if yours has been replaced with a red version, that could also be source of the fluid. But you should be able to quickly tell with your fingers whether you are dealing with oil or antifreeze.

 

[Todd Tugnut]

I just refilled the transducers in both my Tugs. Red anti-freeze. Might be a clue.

 

[Happy Place]

My hydraulic steering fluid is clear.....at least the SeaStar fluid I have is clear.... possible that what is in the system might be red. Diesel fuel can be red but I believe that's the over the road diesel....or is it the other way around? I added a tiny bit of steering fluid up top and bled a few bubbles out of the lines.

I'm in a mooring so I put her in reverse and ran up to about 1500 rpm and couldn't see any trans fluid dripping or spraying out.

One question..when checking trans fluid, do you screw it all the way back down or just dip it in and pull it out?

 

[Happy Place]

I just refilled the transducers in both my Tugs. Red anti-freeze. Might be a clue.

Do you mean the depth sounders back at the transom?

 

[Todd Tugnut]

Do you mean the depth sounders back at the transom?

On a R31 the transducer is normally under the fridge, which is under the helm seat.

 

[Happy Place]

My transducer is on the starboard side near the transom. We drained the bilge and placed zorb mats under strategic spots and saw nothing after a 3 hour cruise..... except in the bilge where we found a small, muddled pink sheen. It's not clear but cloudy pink/ red

 

[Happy Place]

I'm starting to wonder if we might have a slow leak at the primary or secondary fuel filter

 

[CGW]

Also check the hydraulic pump for the engine hatch/trim tabs (under rear seat on 31) l. Also uses red ATF. Mine leak occasionally and I put absorbent pads underneath.

 

[CGW]

Also check the hydraulic pump for the engine hatch/trim tabs (under rear seat on 31) l. Also uses red ATF. Mine leak occasionally and I put absorbent pads underneath.

 

[CGW]

Also check the hydraulic pump for the engine hatch/trim tabs (under rear seat on 31) l. Also uses red ATF. Mine leak occasionally and I put absorbent pads underneath.