Strange Oil Leak

[87turbolook911]

So I go jack up the back of my car so that I can swap mufflers....I lifted the back end pretty high so that I can have good amount of room to take the mufflers out. All of a sudden I see oil dripping down from this area, a total of a few table spoons:

This bolt is directly below this silver cap thingy:

Here's a close up:

What is that?

So I lowered the car back down....no more oil drips. Started the car...no drips.

Needless to say I didn't proceed with the muffler swap. Too frustrated...

Hoping this leak isn't something major. FWIW my car does not leak anything normally.

Anyone have an idea?

[1999Porsche911]

So I go jack up the back of my car so that I can swap mufflers....I lifted the back end pretty high so that I can have good amount of room to take the mufflers out. All of a sudden I see oil dripping down from this area, a total of a few table spoons:

This bolt is directly below this silver cap thingy:

Here's a close up:

What is that?

So I lowered the car back down....no more oil drips. Started the car...no drips.

Needless to say I didn't proceed with the muffler swap. Too frustrated...

Hoping this leak isn't something major. FWIW my car does not leak anything normally.

Anyone have an idea?

Most likely oil leaked from above onto the shelf of the bracket. When you lifted the car, the angle increased enough for the oil to drip off the shelf.

Edited July 11, 2006 by 1999Porsche911

[slbates]

Possibly the fluid from the engine mount. I think they are fluid damped and the fluid looked really clean in your photos.

[87turbolook911]

Possibly the fluid from the engine mount. I think they are fluid damped and the fluid looked really clean in your photos.

It was sorta like engine oil, but then again it did have a funky smell to it. Kinda like old rubber.