Audi Repair: Audi, heater hoses, splash shield


Question
Hi, I have an 2003 Audi a4 1.8L Turbo Quattro. Has 80000k on it and have just noticed a pinky orange, mild sent and slightly oily to the touch liquid that appears to be coming from higher up on the engine and is fallowing down the trans. Its not oil,brake fluid,power steering or trans fluid. As I know all of these have specific oders and colors and none of them seem to match the scent of this leak. The only other thing I can think it may be is coolant. Would it be coming from the hose that runs to the heater core? I can see a build up on the passenger side across from the turbo. Are there heater hoses that run on that side? The coolant  in my car is a pinky orange so thats the only thing I can think of it being....

Answer
More than likely this is coolant.  There are numerous coolant pipes, either side of the engine so check the connections and you should find the problem.  You will see a dried powdery trail from where the problem originates.  Best done from underneath, so may have to remove the splash shield.
Good luck,  Jan