Strange LEAK near A/C Condenser HP Lines

[92BlackVette]

Facts:
My AC went out 2 weeks ago, checked for pressure on the lines and 0 LBs of pressure registered, so I was already under the impression a leak was present somewhere. I checked under the hood the day the AC went out and I saw no leaks anywhere, smelled NOTHING!

Fast forward to the present................

So I smelled a weird smell like that of coolant when I pulled in the parking lot so I did the, on the knees and watch for leaks test under the car, NOTHING!

Went inside, drove it home and opened the hood and WOW!

Pictures coming soon!

 

[92BlackVette]

The oil appears to be ESTER OIL, however I have never smelled it and I am not aware of its color! Would someone with experience in this please advise.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3450/sdc14085.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/3011/sdc14086.jpg

 

[LLC5]

Looks like weak coolant to me. Is your coolant level low in your resevoir, and your radiator? Be sure to check both when the engine is cold.

 

[92BlackVette]

Would you expect coolant to stay "wet" this long? (2 1/2 hours)? It was a hot engine, these pictures just taken.

 

[LLC5]

Yes, coolant doesn't evaporate.

 

[92BlackVette]

Well the leak came back and boy was it worse, the bad thing about it was the fact that it didn't happen at either idle or while running a operating temp. so I am at a loss on that one. Anyways so what I did in this case was bypassed the line in question.

The leak appeared to comfrom either the red or green arrow. I think the green arrow was the case though because I found coolant in the lip above my wheel well and not on the ground.

It has been bypassed with new hose but what do I do with the old line, can some one fix these crimped ends or where do I go to replace the ends?

 

[Curious George]

Well the leak came back and boy was it worse, the bad thing about it was the fact that it didn't happen at either idle or while running a operating temp. so I am at a loss on that one. Anyways so what I did in this case was bypassed the line in question.

The leak appeared to comfrom either the red or green arrow. I think the green arrow was the case though because I found coolant in the lip above my wheel well and not on the ground.

It has been bypassed with new hose but what do I do with the old line, can some one fix these crimped ends or where do I go to replace the ends?

You can cut the "Ferrule" off (the crimped end) carefully with a Dremel tool w/ cutting disc. Then pull the hose off and replace it. Use a good clamp on the hose to reattach and secure it.

CG

 

[92BlackVette]

Well I found the point of failure, the radiator. It was cracked and spraying coolant like a squirt bottle when I got home. JB-welded it for now, new rad. on Friday.

Thanks everyone!