smelly pink lubricant

[pricelowe]

Today I discovered a smelly pinkish lubricant type fluid in the farthest starboard/stern below deck compartment. There is a small drain hole under what appears to be the reservoir for the "trim-tabs" (I am guessing on that one). The fluid sort of smells like vomit. I have messaged my dealer here on Vancouver Island but given it is a long weekend, I do not expect to hear from them anytime soon. Does anyone have any ideas what this might be?

 

[tugnnaweigh]

Might be ATF, Automatic Transmission Fluid. This is used quite often as the hydraulic fluid in trim tab systems.

 

[pricelowe]

Might be ATF, Automatic Transmission Fluid. This is used quite often as the hydraulic fluid in trim tab systems.

Thanks tugnnaweigh. Thought of that but when I looked online at Automatic Transmission fluid it indicated it should be odourless if still pink but nasty if burned black. Definitely still pink so I remain at a loss as to smell? Also, according to Bennett Trim tabs the level in the reservoir should be two inches from the bottom which it is so I am not sure if a leak from there is the cause. As they say, still scratching my head.

 

[aculverwell]

I had a similar experience-- pink fluid in the starboard, cockpit storage area-- and initially thought it was from the trim tabs as well. It turned out to be coolant that was leaking from the hose that connects to the hot water tank. I was able to stop the leak by tightening the hose clamp (accessed with great difficulty through the head under-sink cabinet).

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Two more things to consider and or look at. Back to the trim tabs.... I read that the trim tab fluid level in the reservoir should be checked after the trim tabs have been moved all the way into the up position. You probably did this and this still might not be the problem but checking that fluid in the future for anyone who does not know that we should retract our tabs to obtain a proper reading should take note. Second, on our R27 the steering hydraulic lines and or steering lines for the auto pilot run thru this same locker. Probably not the problem but those lines do have fluid that could leak if there are connections inline inside or close to this locker. Worth checking out. Let us know what you ultimately find out.

Jim

 

[Irish Mist]

Take a piece of paper towel and if you can wipe over the lines and reservoir and keep checking until you can see where it is leaking from.. It will either be steering or trim tabs.. Antifreeze has a sweet smell.
Good luck

 

[nzfisher]

"I had a similar experience-- pink fluid in the starboard, cockpit storage area-- and initially thought it was from the trim tabs as well. It turned out to be coolant that was leaking from the hose that connects to the hot water tank. I was able to stop the leak by tightening the hose clamp (accessed with great difficulty through the head under-sink cabinet)."

Is this an R25-R27? Yanmar engine? How many hours on your boat? This is a new problem I have not seen before so want to check it next time I am on the boat if it applies to boats like mine.

Thanks

 

[SGIDAVE]

Is this an R25-R27? Yanmar engine? How many hours on your boat? This is a new problem I have not seen before so want to check it next time I am on the boat if it applies to boats like mine.

Thanks

If the pink (or orange, etc) fluid is engine coolant, you should notice a corresponding DROP in levels in your coolant overflow tank since your engine would be "loosing" coolant.

dave

 

[jcarrdive]

It could also be the pink freshwater system antifreeze, but that should not smell like vomit. Is it oily?
jeff and ela

 

[aculverwell]

nzfisher -- the coolant leak was on my 2011 R27 (Yanmar 180hp) with ~900 engine hours.

 

[nzfisher]

nzfisher -- the coolant leak was on my 2011 R27 (Yanmar 180hp) with ~900 engine hours.

Thanks for that. 900 is almost exactly where I am with a 2011 R25. I will have to look at tightening hose clamps that have not already been tightened.