Engine smoke and leakage

[FrankH]

I've got a 2.5 diesel automatic
I thought I had problems with ATF leaking from the gearbox as each time I stopped there was a small patch on the ground afterwards and drips that formed on the gearbox sump. However it also appeared to be damp further forward.
I've changed the ATF, put a gasket on the sump(There was no gasket before!) and ruled that all out as a problem.
However the leakage goes on and I'm not sure what it is. I don't appear to be losing either water or engine oil.
It appears to come from high on the driver's side and visibly smokes when the engine heats up, as I discovered when I was getting the ATF level right and had to put the driver's seat back to do so. This is not the case on the other side. I think it's possibly diesel now but can't be sure. Any ideas?
In all other respects, the vehicle is performing OK.

[the laird]

Could be fuel pump front seals that are leaking.any rough running or cutting out?

[FrankH]

Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly.
I'll check out those seals.
Re your question. For a few days it suddenly failed to start first time as it always has for many years, but I think that was because I ran it very low on fuel and maybe it was not enjoying what was at the bottom of the fuel tank.
Once started, there were no problems and it has continued to run perfectly.

[The Great Pretender]

A leaky IP will not be full of fuel on start up from cold, this will cause miss firing and smoke.
The front seal doesn’t normally produce a leak when it is giving problems. The side or rear o rings are normally the culprit, however it is best to take the IP off and replace them all. It can be done without stripping the IP. If you do a search you will find it has been covered. Good Luck.

[FrankH]

Thank you so much. Domo aregato gozaimas! This is really helpful. I shall go on the search for how this is all done.....

[mikeonb4c]

Whereabouts are you, in case there's a good specialist nearby? Problem does indeed sound like injector pump. Common problem, I had to get my o rings changed a few years back.

[FrankH]

The very best- Allans (Allan Bugg) in Plymouth..... if you can get him to answer a phone / text message etc....!!!
Otherwise it's trying to find the time to drive the 40 -odd miles to see him. I do feel I'm getting closer to a solution and I've had a lovely time lying under my bongo for hours on end so far....