Strange colored discharge from engine area (vehicle, AWD, head, transmission)

[JBrown]

2003 Toyota Rav4 , 186,000 miles, transverse 4 cly, AWD

I've maintained the vehicle over the years (original owner). About 3 yrs ago developed an engine rear main seal oil leak , rate approx a qrt of engine oil every six months. Stains the driveway a bit but at the coast of a cpl qrts of oil , sure beats the coat of pulling the whole pwr train out etc etc.

Yesterday on the drive way I noticed a large (12" x 20") amber fluid stain on the drive way...the color of Gouldens spicy brown mustard... feels "oily" , almost emulsion like, but it's been raining here so hard to tell.

Before I pull it into garage and see if I can get under it (I'm away from home at the moment)...

Any thoughts what this could be ?? Drove around the block a few times...all seems well...but clearly something isn't

thanks

[Bazzwell]

Oil mixing with the rain? Left my drain pan out in the rain by accident for a couple of days and I ended up with a mustard looking substance.

[unit731]

Smell test.
Taste test.


Oil or antifreeze or transmission fluid.
Easier to get to shop put on lift and check.

[Worren]

Amber usually means an oil/water mix. Like the op said or even something bad like a blown head gasket. Check the color of the oil on the dipstick.

[JBrown]

Wooren...good suggestion...first thing come day light...if oil looks like Mobil 1 mayonnaise I'll get car detailed , give it a new oil change and see a dealer for trade in value etc

I can't believe how quickly I got some great replies !!

thx

[unit731]

Originally Posted by Worren

Amber usually means an oil/water mix. Like the op said or even something bad like a blown head gasket. Check the color of the oil on the dipstick.

On second thought I agree with above. Well done.