Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > Ford Australia Vehicles > Small and Mid Sized Cars > Mondeo

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-03-2024, 11:46 AM   #1
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Hi folks, Greg here, I'm a new member of the forum.

I have a 2013 TC hatch, 2.0 litre turbo petrol, auto, 74,000 klms. I bought it second hand in early 2016, at which time it had 35,000 k's on the clock.

I don't do many k's as you can tell, and I often do short trips (3 to 5 minutes). I have it serviced according to the logbook, which is every 12 months. The last service was done just before Xmas.

It's leaking quite a bit of fluid. My local mechanic has checked it out, he recommended I take it to a Ford dealer for investigation.

The local mechanic tells me that the leak isn't coming from the top of the engine. He said that he can't tell what the fluid is.

The fluid leaked onto a friend's newly laid concrete driveway recently, the stain is black, and it looks quite stylish on the new concrete. The pic below shows the stain, I was parked there for 3.5 hours, so not a small leak.

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...mlWJ8PgIjBpss4

Something I've noticed is, if I park on a hill, there'll be fluid on the ground when I drive away, whereas if I park on flat ground there isn't.

I've got it booked in at Byrne Ford Brisbane for a check and quote tomorrow.

Anyone have any suspicion as to what it might be?

Thanks

Last edited by stinker; 05-03-2024 at 11:49 AM. Reason: added pic link
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 01:08 PM   #2
Mondaveo
Regular Member
 
Mondaveo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Dubbo, formerly Canberra
Posts: 342
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

The picture link is 404 for me...

Quote:
Originally Posted by stinker View Post
Something I've noticed is, if I park on a hill, there'll be fluid on the ground when I drive away, whereas if I park on flat ground there isn't.
Which direction on the hill - nose uphill or down?

If it was a diesel, black stain would immediately suggest engine oil, but yours is a petrol so not so much a given, unless the oil is old... How long ago was the engine oil and Powershift transmission fluid changed?
__________________
2011 Mondeo MC Titanium TDCi wagon, Panther Black
- new Powershift sensor: Nov 2016

Quote:
Originally Posted by rondeo View Post
Like 'Mondeo' is possibly Latin for gearbox anxiety.
Mondaveo is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 01:53 PM   #3
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Hi Mondaveo, thanks for your post, the car was last serviced in December, oil change would have happened then.

Regarding a transmission fluid change, I'll check the service book and post back shortly.

Regarding parking up or down a hill, fluid will appear on the ground when the car is parked facing up or down.

Is there an easy way of posting the pic directly in this thread?

Thanks
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 02:00 PM   #4
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Transmission fluid was last changed in May 2021, a routine "B" log book service.

[edit] Engine oil last changed in October 2023
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 02:15 PM   #5
.:4:.
Kicking back
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,675
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

I find it a bit strange that a mechanic would simply throw his hands in the air because the leak is not coming from the top of the engine. Did he even put it on the lift and look from under the car?
.:4:. is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 02:38 PM   #6
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Good point, he seemed reluctant to investigate. He said that the leak appears to be coming from where the motor joins the transmission, he said it could be the sump or the transmission, he wasnt sure, and he claimed that a special tool or equipment was required.

But yeah, I thought it was a bit strange. I've been going to him for years, he's been reliable and (as far as I can tell) honest.
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 02:53 PM   #7
aussiblue
FG XR6 Ute & Sedan
Donating Member3
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bibra Lake WA
Posts: 23,386
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Has been floating around the oze tech section for a long time and is always there to give advice when people have an issue. 
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Oops ignore.
__________________
regards Blue
aussiblue is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 03:13 PM   #8
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Sorry people, I meant MC of course
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 05-03-2024, 03:58 PM   #9
aussiblue
FG XR6 Ute & Sedan
Donating Member3
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bibra Lake WA
Posts: 23,386
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Has been floating around the oze tech section for a long time and is always there to give advice when people have an issue. 
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

This; https://www.fordescape.org/threads/o...t#post-1136004 ?
__________________
regards Blue
aussiblue is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 04:23 PM   #10
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Thanks Blue, that's interesting mate.

In December 2023 I had the vacuum pump o-ring and rocker cover gasket replaced. Neither of these solved the leak, which has been present for about 2 to 3 months.

Prior to that, no leaks evident.
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 04:29 PM   #11
aussiblue
FG XR6 Ute & Sedan
Donating Member3
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bibra Lake WA
Posts: 23,386
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Has been floating around the oze tech section for a long time and is always there to give advice when people have an issue. 
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Your mechanics advice to take it to a Ford dealer is probably actually sound. They will have seen more of these cars than most mechanics in Australia (although the cars and their engines are just relatively less common rather than rare in Australia) and a dealer will have access to Ford bulletins on the most common oil leak sources. You can always ask the dealer to just diagnose and quote rather than repair if you are concerned about the costs. If you are a member of a auto club in you state like the NRMA or RAC their technical advisory services may alos be prepared to ahve a look at it and/or advise on likely causes too.
__________________
regards Blue
aussiblue is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 04:57 PM   #12
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Thanks, I've asked Byrne Ford here in Brisbane to diagnose and quote, will know more by tmrw p.m.
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 05-03-2024, 05:52 PM   #13
Mondaveo
Regular Member
 
Mondaveo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Dubbo, formerly Canberra
Posts: 342
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Quote:
Originally Posted by stinker View Post
Is there an easy way of posting the pic directly in this thread?
You can upload images directly to your forum post, but the space allowance isn't much.

Hosting the image on another service such as Google Photos as you've done there is a fine approach, you just need to make sure you have the image/album set to public or create a sharable link. I'm guessing the link you posted earlier is to a private image (the default setting) so you just need to find the option to set the image public or create a link for sharing.
__________________
2011 Mondeo MC Titanium TDCi wagon, Panther Black
- new Powershift sensor: Nov 2016

Quote:
Originally Posted by rondeo View Post
Like 'Mondeo' is possibly Latin for gearbox anxiety.
Mondaveo is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 05-03-2024, 06:53 PM   #14
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Thanks for the info, take 2:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JTUhmuEPgBpV5aXt7
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-03-2024, 08:06 AM   #15
Peter B - CV8
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,380
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Looks like engine oil to me. If the leak started after your last service, I'd be checking that the sump plug/ filter have been correctly tightened. Are you able to run the car up onto ramps & investigate yourself ?
Peter B - CV8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 06-03-2024, 09:05 AM   #16
AlanM
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 125
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Did you fut your finger on any of the stains? Usually if it's oil it will feel oily for some time before it fully soaks in.
AlanM is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-03-2024, 06:42 PM   #17
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Thanks for chiming in guys, the leak started before the last service if I remember correctly. I was expecting (hoping) the leak would stop after the vacuum pump o ring and rocker cover gasket were replaced, but no luck.

Just collected it from Byrne Ford, the service manager tells me that it's likely leaking from the rear main seal. He's quoted $1750 for the job, more if it's something other than/in addition to the rear main seal. He reckons they won't know for sure until the transmission is uncoupled from the donk.

I've just put 4 new Yokohama tyres on it, was planning on keeping it for another couple of years. Dunno if it's worth it now, I don't want to throw good money after bad.

According to Redbook's Private Price Guide, 2013 MC Zetec Ecoboosts are valued in the range $6,000 to $7,750

I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

PS, I have little to no mechanical nouse.
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 07-03-2024, 09:02 PM   #18
AlanM
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 125
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Before spending that or getting rid of the car it would be worth the effort of seeing just how bad the leak is, and if possible where it's coming from.
If you could put the car on ramps and remove the undertray, give it a good wash down with degreaser from above and below, and also wash the undertray you'd have some kind of starting point.


Drive the car say a week, and remove the undertray again and have a look.

Sometimes main bearing seals just leak slightly, but over a period the undertray can become saturated and eventually start to drip.

There's also leak stop oil additives that have been known to reduce seal leaks considerably.

To be frank, I have pretty much zero faith in Ford dealers' honesty or competence.
AlanM is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-03-2024, 01:23 PM   #19
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Thanks for the advice Alan.

My local mechanic asked me to leave it with him for a day, he did a degrease first thing in the morning and then checked it at the end of the day. It had leaked oil in that time, he said it was coming from the rear of the engine and/or transmission.

It's losing quite a bit of oil. Yesterday, I parked on flat ground at work, there were some drops on the concrete at the end of the day. It's weeping like a Holden supporter the day Peter Brock retired.

I'll look into leak stop additives, was the old STP one of those?

Interesting about Ford dealers mate, they know how to charge. My local mechanic didn't want to touch it because, he said, he didn't have the equipment required.
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-03-2024, 01:42 PM   #20
AlanM
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 125
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Quote:
Originally Posted by stinker View Post
Thanks for the advice Alan.

My local mechanic asked me to leave it with him for a day, he did a degrease first thing in the morning and then checked it at the end of the day. It had leaked oil in that time, he said it was coming from the rear of the engine and/or transmission.

It's losing quite a bit of oil. Yesterday, I parked on flat ground at work, there were some drops on the concrete at the end of the day. It's weeping like a Holden supporter the day Peter Brock retired.

I'll look into leak stop additives, was the old STP one of those?

Interesting about Ford dealers mate, they know how to charge. My local mechanic didn't want to touch it because, he said, he didn't have the equipment required.
I don't know about STP, I think it was of a lubricating additive.

I haven't really used an engine leak additive, but I did use Lucas's transmission oil treatment on a badly leaking Borg Warner marine gearbox and it stopped leaking immediately. I wasn't even able to get the whole bottle in because it just stopped leaking!

There's a YouTube channel called Project Farm where a completely independent guy tests all kinds of stuff, no doubt he'll have tested oil additives.
AlanM is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-03-2024, 02:26 PM   #21
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Great, thanks, will check it out,

Borg Warner, would they have been manufacturing cars in the 60's?

My brother had a car in the mid late 60s that I thought was called Borg Ward or something like that, it quite possibly have been Borg Warner. I was a young'un, but I clearly remember that the car went like a shower of the proverbial
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-03-2024, 02:44 PM   #22
AlanM
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 125
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Quote:
Originally Posted by stinker View Post
Great, thanks, will check it out,

Borg Warner, would they have been manufacturing cars in the 60's?

My brother had a car in the mid late 60s that I thought was called Borg Ward or something like that, it quite possibly have been Borg Warner. I was a young'un, but I clearly remember that the car went like a shower of the proverbial
Borg Warner used to supply a lot of automatic transmissions to Ford and some other manufacturers. Some other bits like power steering pumps too. Maybe they made entire cars at some stage, I'm not aware of it though.
AlanM is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 08-03-2024, 02:48 PM   #23
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Good old Google: Borgward was a German car manufacturer
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 14-03-2024, 12:40 PM   #24
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Byrne Ford service dpartment have uncoupled the transmission from the engine and completed an inspection, they tell me that I have 4 fluid leaks (not me, the Mondeo, although I've just had my own fluid leak):
  1. Front clutch cover seal (transmission oil) & rear main seal leaking (engine oil) (includes gear box removal and re install) $2010.00.
  2. Engine oil sump leaking (engine oil) (reseal) $704.00.
  3. Transmission oil filter housing and hose (transmission oil) leaking $386.00.

I don't have the expertise required to verify the accuracy of these diagnoses. Byrne Ford have sent me photos, I'll try to upload them.

Total cost of repairs = $3,100. That's roughly half the value of the car on the used car market.

Hoping to get opinions on those pricings.

Thanks guys.
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Old 14-03-2024, 01:12 PM   #25
.:4:.
Kicking back
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,675
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Quote:
Originally Posted by stinker View Post
Byrne Ford service dpartment have uncoupled the transmission from the engine and completed an inspection, they tell me that I have 4 fluid leaks (not me, the Mondeo, although I've just had my own fluid leak):
  1. Front clutch cover seal (transmission oil) & rear main seal leaking (engine oil) (includes gear box removal and re install) $2010.00.
  2. Engine oil sump leaking (engine oil) (reseal) $704.00.
  3. Transmission oil filter housing and hose (transmission oil) leaking $386.00.

I don't have the expertise required to verify the accuracy of these diagnoses. Byrne Ford have sent me photos, I'll try to upload them.

Total cost of repairs = $3,100. That's roughly half the value of the car on the used car market.

Hoping to get opinions on those pricings.

Thanks guys.
Do you have that quote on paper?
.:4:. is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 14-03-2024, 01:19 PM   #26
stinker
Starter Motor
 
Join Date: Mar 2024
Posts: 22
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Hi mate, they sent that info through via email
stinker is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 14-03-2024, 01:28 PM   #27
.:4:.
Kicking back
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,675
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Well, you could take that quote to other mechanics for an opinion and counter quote. However, even if you get a better quote, it better be significantly better as im sure the dealer will charge you for the time already spent pulling the trans. So just some things to ponder.
.:4:. is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
2 users like this post:
Old 14-03-2024, 03:02 PM   #28
aussiblue
FG XR6 Ute & Sedan
Donating Member3
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bibra Lake WA
Posts: 23,386
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Has been floating around the oze tech section for a long time and is always there to give advice when people have an issue. 
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Quote:
However, even if you get a better quote, it better be significantly better as im sure the dealer will charge you for the time already spent pulling the trans.
As well as the cost of putting it back together so it can be driven or towed elsewhere. And if it's not fixed it will also probably be worth a lot less than your estimate.
__________________
regards Blue
aussiblue is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 14-03-2024, 03:06 PM   #29
.:4:.
Kicking back
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Western sydney
Posts: 8,675
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Quote:
Originally Posted by aussiblue View Post
As well as the cost of putting it back together so it can be driven or towed elsewhere.
Thats what i was indicating.
.:4:. is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 14-03-2024, 03:32 PM   #30
aussiblue
FG XR6 Ute & Sedan
Donating Member3
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bibra Lake WA
Posts: 23,386
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Has been floating around the oze tech section for a long time and is always there to give advice when people have an issue. 
Default Re: Mystery fluid leak, TC 2013 Zetec Ecoboost

Hmm https://www.productreview.com.au/lis...ne-ford-kedron perhaps not where I would have taken it. They also should have been able to some assessment of it without decoupling the transmission even if it was with some estimates of contingent issues (i.e, if its clutch cover seal & rear main seal leaking that will cost you...) and the last two item I think should have been detectable without that. But I think you are sort of stuck with them now and at least the repair should be Ford warranted (but please do ask and confirm that and for how many km and how long).
__________________
regards Blue

Last edited by aussiblue; 14-03-2024 at 03:48 PM.
aussiblue is online now   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
This user likes this post:
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 06:29 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL