Green Liquid Leak?

[warrenpfo]

I was under the car this morning busy flushing the Brake fluid through and as I had finished the driver side front I noticed a small green drop of what looks like water but assume its to do with the aircon unit as i know the two pipes that come out at the back of the drivers front wheel are for the rear aircon unit.

Where would i check the level of this fluid to see how much has leaked out and to monitor the leak. Would i be right in thinking that the fluid is linked to the radiator and would just need topping up?? My concern being my ani freeze is pink and so cant see how this would work.

 

[nathanrobo]

Could be AHC although the tank is on the LHS with brake reservoir on the Rhs. What is the level like in the tank? It's not easy to see through the plastic, so worth giving a shake so that you can identify level correctly! Do you have a 1HD - FTE? Isn't that supposed to have the green anti-freeze? Is it worth checking all levels?

 

[warrenpfo]

Yes i have the 1HD-FTE engine and the AHC fluid is on the passenger side and is more a clear brake fluid rather than a green. Double checked and the coolant is pink mid way between low and full. The AHC fluid albeit Clear in colour is sitting at max.

I am 90% sure it got to do with the aircon as i know there are 2 pipes running down the drivers side as pictured above one carring gas the other a liquid.

I will get under and take a pic for you when i get back from the shops.

 

[nathanrobo]

That's great! Maybe Jon Wildsmith, Julian or Nor will chime in!

 

[warrenpfo]

Right I have got back underneath and had another look. It would seem that the pipe has been repaired in the past as there seems to be a join in the pipe or maybe its ment to be there but it looks like its leaking this green fluid.

Here is a pic lying on my back looking up. Drivers side wheel to the right and you can see the other big pipe below it in the pic which i assume carries the gas.

 

[Crispin]

That's aircon dye that they put in to, wait for it, find leaks I had mine filled by Dave. he added some of the green dye and the same thing: Green spots everywhere.

 

[warrenpfo]

Crispin

What does that mean??

Find the leak and see what can be done or is it a case of new section of pipe if that can be bought.

Is the dye in the gas?

What happens if i do nothing?? My thought is its winter and i wont need the cooling for some months to come or does it affect heating aswell and mam i going to do damage?

 

[nathanrobo]

Thinking back to when I've had AC problems (sorted by dealer under warranty), the workshop's explanation is that seals dried out and cracked, through non use. If this is true, having no gas in the system could cause seal cracking. On the other hand letting damp air in may saturate the dryer, which would mean that you regass and have cool but moist air.

Might be worth asking a specialist what he thinks!

 

[Crispin]

Yup, the the join where it's leaking from. Apparently can also be a split pipe. My leak(s) were from joints and mr-T said I must replace both pipes which came to around £450. Having a look at the diagram and there was an o-ring. For less than a couple of pounds, I had a new o-ring. It has yet to leak.

As for letting it leak until summer, someone who knows more could give a better answer. Knowing the the refrigerant, which contains the dye, also acts as a lubricant for the compressor, running it without gas could not be good. Letting it leak out and not using it for winter, can't hurt?

 

[warrenpfo]

All i need to know is so long as i dont use my air con eg cooling and just use the heating function i should be ok for now??

 

[Crispin]

So long as the aircon switch is off, you should be fine. Find the inspection eye in the engine bay. Normally near the front, on the aircon pipe. Little glass bubble with a tyre valve cap on it. Turn the aircon on, if you see green liquid in there then you still ok. It may be a very slow leak or weep.

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

Aircon dries the air as well e.g. when demisting with AC on, very handy in this country all year round! I would get it sorted sooner rather than later because you may end up with moisture in there once all the gas has leaked (which it may have already done) at which point you have to start worrying about corrosion I would at least talk to an AC specialist about it and see what they think.

 

[warrenpfo]

Thanks all i will through the week see if i can find an AC specialist in my area and get a diagnostic done.

 

[Nuclear Chicken]

It won't run if it runs of of gas as there is a pressure switch in the system. Running when low on gas can be problematic. and yes, there are oils in there too that lubricate so any fix needs to be done by a competent person. Refrig gas is seriously damaging to the environment so best try and sort it as soon as possible.

 

[warrenpfo]

Got in the car this morning and turned her on to see if i could run fans without the AC light on and have found this is a possibility which is great news.

I will do my best to get to an AC man this week but was wondering if it’s best to go to Toyota as they must have an AC man or do they outsource it??

I guess an independent AC specialist might be cheaper.

 

[Andrew Prince]

I will do my best to get to an AC man this week but was wondering if it’s best to go to Toyota as they must have an AC man or do they outsource it??

No, not best - Toyota won't do it better than your average specialist and probably worse. Depending on your dealer, chances are that they will either replace everything in sight (read ££££) rather than fix and if you insist on parts being fixed, they probably outsource.

I guess an independent AC specialist might be cheaper.

England have more chance of beating SA at rugby than Toyota being cheaper than an independent

 

[Chas]

I guess an independent AC specialist might be cheaper.

I've been using this company http://www.air-care-automotive.co.uk/home.asp since 2008, he does a good job, explains everything in words of one syllable that even I can understand, based in Elstead, Surrey but is mobile up to a 50 mile radius or you could drive to him.

 

[warrenpfo]

Gave your man a call, very friendly said best to get over to him and he will diagnose the problem for me otherwise he will gie me a call when in the area.

Top man will let you know how it goes.

 

[Chas]

Gave your man a call, very friendly said best to get over to him and he will diagnose the problem for me otherwise he will gie me a call when in the area.

Top man will let you know how it goes.