Is200 Leak Through "overflow Pipe"

[HoodRich]

Hi guys,

Been a while since I visited this forum - recently started a new job which has been keeping me really busy.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I discovered a leak in my garage where my Lexus parks .......Its a clear fluid, but feels a bit slimy/oily to the touch. Its definitely not engine oil, nor is it brake fluid, nor is it gearbox oil. I placed a large masonite board under the car, to try to find out where the leak is coming from, as it does not leak every day - happens once in a while. At first glance, one would think its the Air Conditioner, but its not. Its Winter here in SA and I have not used the aircon for a long time.

When the fluid is left to dry on the concrete floor in the garage, it dries to a white, powdery stain.

I inspected under the car and found out that its coming from what appears to be an overflow pipe, situated in the wheel arch.......on the passenger side. I have no clue what this pipe is or what the fluid is. Any advice would be appreciated. See picture below of inside the wheel arch in question. You can see the pipe I make mention of.

The only thing that has changed recently is that I no longer use the car as my daily drive - I only drive it once or twice a week......mostly on weekends. The car is performing as normal without any warning lights on the dashboard.

Any ideas?

[Gruntfuggly]

It could be the sunroof drain pipe - I've never quite worked out where it comes out. Try pouring a small amount of water into the front part of the sunroof surround you'll see the drain hole when the sunroof is open...

[HoodRich]

Hi Nigel,

Thanks for the response. Good guess, but my IS does not have a sunroof. Besides, it hasn't rained here for months.

I cannot for the life of me figure out what this fluid is. It sometimes goes for weeks without leaking, but I still need to get to the bottom of it.

I used the car to work yesterday.....still driving as per normal with no issues whatsoever.

[HoodRich]

Ok, finally managed to trace the problem. Went to a sound shop to do a sound installation on my car and when they disconnected the Battery, they noticed it was leaking. Seems like just water, the guy says. Funny thing is, it's a sealed, maintenance free Battery and only a few months old!

I will take it back to the shop I bought it from.

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm just glad it's not my car itself that is leaking anything.

[Gruntfuggly]

A leaking Battery? I would never have thought of that! Maybe it was dropped at some point before being installed?

[HoodRich]

Makes two of is, Nigel..