White sandy substance mix with AC

[RED C-5 OF Jax]

I have noticed on my garage floor a white sandy substance mixed in with the water draining from my AC. Whats going on. The stuff does not smell. Battery is OK

 

[Justin_cv87]

sounds like ur car was a drug moving car or somthing :L

 

[singledad_9]

Is it salty, down there it is rather humid. Who knows, you might be picking up some salt out of the air.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

RED C-5 of Jax,

The a/c evaporator drain clogged on my 1999 C5 coupe, causing water to back-up and overflow into the BCM compartment. It ruined the computer and immobilized the car while I was out-of-state, on vacation. The drain was cleared by the dealer and the BCM replaced. The technician stated the drain had "junk" in it.

The last time I changed my oil I removed the small 90 degree rubber drain line. It was partially clogged with white grainy particles that had formed a "clump". I cleaned the drain and cut a larger opening on the end.

I do not drive on any sandy surfaces and the car is not driven during the winter, when salt is used. I suspect that the evaporator is coated with something that eventually falls off and clogs the evaporator drain.

 

[RED C-5 OF Jax]

Found Problem

The white substance was battery acid from my one and a half year old ACDelco Glass mat battery. Thats the second ACDelco to leak. Will be the last. Purchased an Optima Red Top Battery today at Pep Boys for $109.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

RED C-5 of Jax,

My original Delco battery also leaked acid (one of 18 separate defects during the first 20,094 miles).

The acid caused significant damage underneath the battery tray. There is a computer and vacuum lines under the battery tray.

You should remove your battery tray (4 bolts) and also the RF wheel/tire and fender liner. After that, make sure you nuetralize the acid or you will be in for a big repair bill.

The battery placment in the C5 is a very poor design. I can't believe the "professional" engineers designed this car.

Good luck.

 

[RED C-5 OF Jax]

99white C-5Coupe Thanks for the info. I removed the battery tray and observed battery acid on the frame. Mixed up some baking soda and water and it worked perfect. computer and cables OK. The leak had just started. Installed an Optima red top. Works great.

 

[DkBG]

RED C-5 of Jax,

The last time I changed my oil I removed the small 90 degree rubber drain line. It was partially clogged with white grainy particles that had formed a "clump". I cleaned the drain and cut a larger opening on the end.

Were you able to get at that drain easier from the bottom ? I couldn't get at mine from the top . Cliff

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

DkBG,

I was unable to remove the drain elbow from above. I raised the RF of the car with a floor jack/jack stand. It is very visible from underneath. I used a long, thin screwdriver to "pop" the rubber elbow off the plastic fitting. I used a small amount of dielectric grease on the inside of the elbow when I put it back on the fitting (after cleaning it out and cutting the end off).

It is very close to the engine and exhaust manifold. You should do this when the engine is cold.

Good luck.

 

[DkBG]

Thanks for the info . There have been other posts about that drain plugging and causeing computer damage , so I have been a little concerned about mine . Cliff