Stories similar to this one have been appearing all over the 'Net, recently:

"We have six G5Â?s all ranging from Dual 1.8Â?s to a Quad G5. Came in to work today and my computer, a Dual 2.5, wouldnÂ?t turn on. It would click on for about a third of a second and turn back off. Thought the power supply went on it. It was only a year and a half old. Disconnected everything and put it on the floor to try a different plug. I tipped the machine up to show a co-worker when another co-worker spotted liquid coming from the rear of the computer. NO WAY!! It was fine on Friday and untouched all weekend.Â?

Is Apple's much-touted liquid-cooling system defective?

The bad news appears to be yes - but the good news is that only a very few machines of a specific model seem to be affected. Apparently, the first 2.5 Ghz G5 models shipped with a Delphi radiator that had design problems. Apple seems to have been aware of the problem, because they delayed shipment for three months after the introduction of the new machine. Unfortunately, some units of the 2.5 Ghz models "slipped through the cracks."

If you have one of the first of this particular model, you first purchase an AppleCare policy immediately, as this repair could easily run $1,000 if your machine is out of warranty. Next, remove the side metal panel and inspect the bottom of the housing periodically. If you see something that looks like anti-freeze, use rubber gloves to clean (the fluid is HIGHLY toxic) and get your machine serviced immediately.