A/C oil leak

[XLT Lou]

Does the oil in the A/C system have a smell to it ? The underneth of her Explorer is covered with somekind of fluid that has no odor.It starts at the front diff and goes back to the tranny pan. Her A/C does not blow cold air and needs to be recharged every month. All other fluids are ok. Thanks

 

[mrboyle]

It has a slight odor to it, but it isn't a very strong smell like gear oil or tranny fluid. Next time you recharge the freon put in some that contains UV leak detection dye. Run it for a few days and then take it to a shop and ask them to check it with the UV light for signs of leaks. The repair is up to you, but it will let you know what or where the problem is located. FYI: PS fluid can also have little to no odor.

 

[Walnut777]

You can buy the die and UV light at your local parts store and find the leak yourself.
I don't remember the oil in my A/C having a smell, bit I do remember that it was neon green like antifreeze and when I got it on my hand it sizzled and bubbled, almost gave me a panic attack.

 

[TheJackal]

It doesn't have much of a smell.

If the system is leaking that much oil I wouldn't be running it too much, lest ye encounter the "black death." (Not sure if Explorers suffer from this problem, but why egg it on?)

If the oil is neon green in color it already has the UV dye in it. If it's kind of a brownish color than it doesn't. The sizzling you heard was the refrigerant gas escaping. I've got it on me with no ill effects, however when working with a charged A/C system it is a good idea to wear gloves because a good squirt of refrigerant can cause frostbite.

It's also very important that you wear safety goggles whenever handling refrigerant or working on a charged A/C system. You'll go blind if refrigerant gets in your eyes.

 

[XLT Lou]

From what I can see it's a brownish/black color but thats after it's flowed down the block,Looks like I have to call in a favor from my brother . He works in HVAC

 

[Blee1099]

I'd recommend a leak detector/sniffer.. Glacier and a few of us have this
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92514

 

[JohnJ]

Whatever you do don't let the AC oil get into your eyes. Eyewash won't rinse it out and you'll have blurry vision from the oil film for the better part of a day.