So I bought an 2007 RDX with 147k on it from auction. Cool little thing. Obviously had no real clue the maintenance history if any. So I went ahead and changed out all fluids in the car with the OEM recommenced. Few weeks later, its getting hot. Determined the radiator was junk. Pink Milk like coolant. Swapped it out. RDX was good for another couple weeks.

I was slacking, a few weeks later it got warm again. This time it has zero coolant in it. I find a leak back near the turbo. I guess my question is what could this be? Its so tight back there I cannot figure it out. I do not have access to a lift. Just a jack and jackstands so its tough to really get under it.

Next question. Any tricks to getting all the way back to the turbo? I can can fit a few fingers back there. Ive searched the forums for both of the questions. Not finding much.

Thanks guys.

 

 

Not sure if the RDX has a separate transmission cooler but a lot of manufacturers have their transmission cooler lines in the outside tanks of the radiator. When a car comes into our shop and the coolant looks like a strawberry milkshake, that usually means there is an internal leak in the radiator, allowing your transmission fluid and engine coolant to mix. In my opinion, that's a bigger issue than just finding an external leak. If the external leak is where you want to start, I would clean up the area that you're suspicious of, drive it around for a bit then get as good of a look as you can to find and new wet or damp areas. I do believe that the turbo charger has a coolant feed to it, so it's possible that's where it's coming from, as you mentioned it being near the rear of the engine by the turbo. But like I said, having that pink milkshake looking coolant sets off alarm bells for me and would take priority over a leak.

 

OP, there are a few cases on this board with internal leaks, not an easy job to get it fixed, AND damage can be done already

 

Check the transmission cooler it’s a small one you can see under the main grille in front of the air conditioner radiator.

Then check the lines leaves it for leaks...

Also check for cracks in the power steering fluid plastic tank as well as the rubber hoses coming from it.