Vehicle - Fluid Leakage/Seepage Information

Information IB02-14-S001

Fluid Seepage and Fluid Leakage

ISSUE DATE: JANUARY, 2002

Affected Vehicles
All Isuzu vehicles with fluid leakage or fluid seepage.

Service Information

A distinction needs to be made between fluid leakage and fluid seepage. A component that seeps is defined as a "slow or gradual diffusion of a fluid through a small opening". A leak is defined as a "fluid escape or passage through a breach or crack". The distinction is clear. Seepage is considered normal, and is usually characterized by fluid residue associated with road and under-hood debris that does not "ooze", travel, or migrate beyond the origin.

Leakage, on the other hand, is "fluid escape" that continues to travel and migrate beyond the origin and shows significant accumulation. Since the fluid escape is continuous, leakage will travel in a path and usually causes debris to left on the road and/or under the hood.

Fluid seepage is not a warrantable repair. Under certain circumstances fluid leakage may be a warrantable repair and MAYBE A result of component failure. To be a warrantable repair, the VEHICLE MUST STILL BE UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY.

Fluid leakage is a condition that must be isolated and repaired. There are many components on the vehicle that can produce leaks of:

^ Engine oil

^ Engine coolant

^ Power steering fluid

^ Transmission fluid

^ Front and/or rear differential fluid

^ Transfer case fluid

In order to properly isolate a leak, it is highly recommended to use leak dye (from Leak Dye Kit J-28431-6) in components that are in the fluid path or with fluid accumulation. Then, by using a Leak Detection Lamp or Black Light (J-42220), the fluid path can be traced to its origin. (Refer to the instruction guide of J-42220 and J-28431-6 for increased effectiveness of leak detection.)