Question on fluid on garage floor...

[cada0311]

Hi all,

Just saw this big pool of fluid on the garage floor under my wife's 2002 LC. Checked the coolant levels, and they seem fine. What else could this be? I can see liquid in the rear passenger wheel well, but don't know what could be running there. The car has been sitting for 2 days, and this just appeared this afternoon.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[kruisinkid]

 

[Ayune]

What’s it taste like?

 

[bigredmachine]

probably rear ac lines went, looks like ac system dye

 

[Octous]

Looks like coolant. Did you check the coolant level I. The radiator not just the res?

 

[I Lean]

Looks like coolant. Did you check the coolant level I. The radiator not just the res?

If his coolant is "stock", it's not green. And it shouldn't be on the frame at the rear wheel--but there are A/C lines right above there if he has rear A/C.

So I'm with @bigredmachine on this one.

Edit: I've had to replace one of those lines on mine. It was leaking up near the firewall in my case though.

 

[Octous]

Your right stock coolant isn’t red. But aftermarket is sometimes green. There is also coolant running to the rear heater core ....

 

[I Lean]

Your right stock coolant isn’t red. But aftermarket is sometimes green. There is also coolant running to the rear heater core ....

Correct on both counts. Where is the rear heater core though? I thought it was in the center console area.

 

[KraziAzn]

All it takes is one simple lick.

 

[cada0311]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I checked the radiator and overflow, and they're both full (and the liquid looks reddish/brown rather than yellow). A little taste of it honestly didn't taste like much - just watery...from what I've gathered, that likely means it's not coolant, as that's a very specific taste?

Sounds like I'm dealing with an AC leak then, eh? My wife uses the AC a ton, year round, so maybe it's had enough. If that's what it is, will the AC fail to work completely? Is it safe to run it to test this theory?

Chris

 

[abuck99]

Second the A/C dye diagnosis. If the system has leaked out then you’ll risk damaging the compressor. Best not to run a/c until you cap the leak. Chase the source of the leak following the lines from the rear a/c forward see if that can be repaired. The lines to rear a/c can be capped off if necessary.

 

[Mauser]

Really looks like leak detection dye from the A/C system. If it is dye and you shine a uv light on it it will fluoresce.

 

[Leandro]

I had exact same leak a few years back. It's the rear AC lines. I fixed it with a Dorman splice. Then the next year a new leak appeared in the front.
I ended up capping the rear AC due to the extent of rust on the lines holders.

 

[cada0311]

Thanks much folks - I think I might inquire about capping the back AC line, rather than completely repairing it. Wife says she's ok with not having AC back there, and I have to assume the capping will be cheaper to have done, yes?

Appreciate the insights.

Chris

 

[bigredmachine]

If that's what it is, will the AC fail to work completely? Is it safe to run it to test this theory?

yes, the ac system will not work without the Freon in it, and yes because nothing will happen. the high/low switch will keep the compressor from turning on or shut it off if the pressure in the system is too low (under charged or leak in system) or too high (over charged or restriction in the system.

personally I would just cap it off, its going to be pandoras boxy back there with the corrosion that youll find around the fittings and youll end up replacing way more than just a line or o-ring

 

[Leandro]

Capping it is extremely easy.
See my post here
You need dorman kit for 5/16 and 3/4
When you take it to refill the freon, let them know you capped it, because the capacity now will be different.