Fluid Leak From Aircon?

[Meldrew]

When using the aircon in the recent very hot weather on my 03 Rav4 D4, there is water?, green tinted

fluid, dripping from somewhere at the rear left hand side of the engine, which forms a small pool when parked.

This does not happen when the aircon is not used, and there is no loss of water from the radiator header tank.

Anybody had a similar happening, or know the reason? the aircon is still working.

[shcm]

It's quite normal for aircon to drip water, especially when it's very humid. There's a drain tube about where you describe.

Not sure about the green colour, but I don't think you need to panic just yet.

Cheers

[St Thicket]

I know that there is water dripping from my aircon when it's used, and I always thought it was condensation.

I don't think there is any need to worry unless your aircon stops working.

[anchorman]

It's perfectly normal. When warm humid air hits the evaporator (cooling element) it immediately condenses on the surface just like a cold beer on a warm day. It is drained out under the heater which is just in front of the passenger's feet.

Don't worry!

[shcm]

Good grief...............three of us in agreement. Is this a record?

somebody mention cold beer? Thanks don't mind if I do.

[anchorman]

[Parts-King]

I have a feeling I'm not agreeing (theres always one!)

Why is it green is my worry?

Water from the A/C piping is just warm air that has iced up and then melted, it wont be green

What colour is the coolant in yours?

Kingo

[Meldrew]

I have a feeling I'm not agreeing (theres always one!)

Why is it green is my worry?

Water from the A/C piping is just warm air that has iced up and then melted, it wont be green

What colour is the coolant in yours?

Kingo

Coolant is dark blue/green, dripping water is tinged light green [very pale]

Victor

[Parts-King]

Hmmmmmm

I would be keeping a very close eye on the coolant level Victor, check it every couple of days on a flat surface and when the engine is stone cold

Kingo

[shcm]

I have a feeling I'm not agreeing (theres always one!)

Yeah, but that's probably more fun anyway.

....and you are now wondering possibly slightly weeping heater matrix?

[anchorman]

I think the fluid needs slightly closer examination but if it is only when the aircon is on then I suspect it probably is clear condensation. Either that or it leaks the whole time!

Things don't quite stack up.

[Parts-King]

It's the colour of the liquid that is worrying, With very minor leaks you dont see the fluid level dropping too often, it might take a while for the expansion tank to fall, thats why I say check it when stone cold, that way you could make a mark on the tank and watch it over a few days to see if it falls. I know you say it's at the rear of the engine, it could just be a minor leak from a pipe, check the ends for any sign of green fur around joints. If it had been nearer the front, I would have had a bet on a water pump weeping, RAV's are prone to pumps leaking

Kingo

[St Thicket]

How can you see that the fluid is tinted when it's on the ground?

Maybe it just looks tinted as the sun reflects in the asphalt or the dirt?

You should place a white surface underneath your engine bay... that way you can examin the fluid more easily before doing any major repairment.

[T V O R]

Does the fluid smell? Have you dipped your finger in it to feel the consistency/texture? Any fluid from the air con should be just clear water.

[anchorman]

How can you see that the fluid is tinted when it's on the ground?

Maybe it just looks tinted as the sun reflects in the asphalt or the dirt?

It sounds like this if it only does it with the aircon on.

[anchorman]

Does the fluid smell? Have you dipped your finger in it to feel the consistency/texture? Any fluid from the air con should be just clear water.

Just be sure next door's cat didn't go under before tasting!!!

[Parts-King]

Anchorman: Just be sure next door's cat didn't go under before tasting!!!

Classic !!! :D: :D: :D:

Kingo

[shcm]

Anchorman: Just be sure next door's cat didn't go under before tasting!!!

Classic !!! :D: :D: :D:

Kingo

Or possibly even "Vintage" - maybe depending on the year of the cat?

[Meldrew]

Does the fluid smell? Have you dipped your finger in it to feel the consistency/texture? Any fluid from the air con should be just clear water.

Just be sure next door's cat didn't go under before tasting!!!

Definitely only does it when aircon used, I am now placing saucer under drips so that the water can be

examined, if the cat drinks it and his toes turn up its from the radiator.

There is a chance there could be some oil stains on the drive which may tint the water.

Will keep you posted, and thank you all for your help and advice, its appreciated.

[Meldrew]

Theres nothing in the saucer, the !Removed! thing won't drip probably because the weather is cooler.

Will keep checking, although I guess this does indicate

its the aircon condensation. Heres hoping.