Oil change, and leak(s) found

[Mondaveo]

Came round to service time again last weekend.

I'm switching from Penrite to Nulon, and also from the Ford spec M2C913 (a A5/B5 fuel economy oil) to the Peugeot/Citroen recommendation (C2/C3 DPF-friendly oil) that's been discussed on these forums. Also getting an oil analysis done courtesy of Nulon - I already got one at my last change 12 months ago and will do again at the next, just seeking to get some data points on the health of the motor and any warning markers off the back of the supposed head gasket leak that was brought to my attention two years ago.



Anyway, this took me way too long (about 6 hours with interruptions from the kids) but went about as straightforward as I could hope.

Now, I've been monitoring the coolant level (and the other reservoirs under the bonnet) since the head gasket was reported to me, and it's been hard to draw any conclusions as the levels always seem to vary both up and down, but it seems none are consistently dropping so I guess we're in the clear there.
But whilst under the vehicle, I observed there's some kind of fluid leak that's seeping over the gearbox case and into the undertray. I noticed it by the copper-coloured droplet hanging on the bell-shaped housing, although I can't tell exactly where it's originated from. I guess this could be transmission fluid, although if it is, it seems remarkably clean for 3 years and 30,000km down. Would have been good to confirm what it is and where it's coming from, but about all I could do at this juncture was wipe off the drop as I put the car back together. Powershift transmission fluid change is due next year (every four years or 60K km) so maybe I'll be able to confirm more next service.




(Click to embiggen images)

I also noted there appear to be patterns of fluid stains in the lining under the bonnet. I'm quite unsure what these could be from. The mark on the left (driver's side) appears to line up with the brake fluid reservoir, but I got the brakes serviced a couple of months ago and the technicians there didn't advise of any issues.



Any thoughts what these could be, and how serious?

I was thinking that perhaps I should take the liner off and clean it up, then monitor if the marks reappear. Does anyone know if I can safely use degreaser to clean the lining material or is there something else I should use?

I was also thinking that perhaps I should take the vehicle to a proper mechanic who can verify what the leaks are (and maybe fix them too). Ideally we shouldn't have anything leaking. Should I prioritise getting some inspection done over waiting to find out over the next 12 months?

[cobrin]

the good news is, the oil leak isn't engine oil. Bad news is its transmission oil. Too small to do anything about it but clean it down and monitor it, along with trans fluid levels.


As for the Bonnet, it's likely it's from water externally ie. Windscreen, bonnet seal...small washer jet leak



If your inner OCD is triggered, a banister brush works well to remove it (wax on wax off style), stubborn stains may need fluid to some change, like water or Mr Sheen