Running out of patience

[shirleylpn]

Recently my 3.0L '88 pathfinder started running bad while accelerating and rough idling sometimes. I thought there was water in the fuel so I bought some fuel additive and it the "symptoms" almost disappeared but this morning I discovered that some clear fluid is coming from the engine compartment on the driver side near the front. this "cylinder" looking thing is connected to the catalytic converter and I'm afraid that it to the shop will influence me to buy another vehicle which I do not want to do!!! Is this something that she can live with for a few years or should I take her to the shop? Any help from anybody would be greatly appreciated!

[Issac]

Hi, i a little hard for me to understand what is going on from your post.Clear looking fluid from that location is either brake or powersteering fluid I think.

Running bad could be a ton of stuff. Since the fuel additive helped, you may consider a fuel filter change or check at least the last time it was done.

The O2 sensor part of your question and CAT I can't help you with.

I think your going to need to find out if it is minor and then see if the cost offset. Sometimes a few $100 can by you a year. Sometimes it is thousands.

88 is pretty old.

[carnal_c30]

as far as the clear fluid I'm guessing is has to be coolant or water whatever is in your cooling system or possibly if its not really the front it could be condensation dripping out of your exhaust if you have a leak somewhere. It could be condensation form the AC system as well

Its difficult to give a good idea of whats wrong without knowing any of the service history, mileage, more details of when the problems occur etc etc