A/C oil leaking from the A/C compressor and its hose in 2003 Windstar

[sartre4]

Kindly, I jump on making thread but ask for apology because I may find in other threads and I am poor with the determination of the problem.

In 2003 Windstar LX (3.8 engine), I noticed a leak as yellow/green coloured oil/coolant in the area of A/C compressor and the hose that goes below the radiator to driver side (there is also a filter within the hose). I asked auto parts shop to replace it and found out that it comes as a hose assembly. I think the problem comes (leaking occurs) when I shut down the A/C while driving. I notice a leak in my garage coming from compressor through the hose at the belt side of the engine.

Could you give some explanation to solve the problem ? or Do ou have any practical method to fix it ?

Thanks for your effort and your interest is highly appreciated.

sartre (nick name)

akin

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by sartre4

Kindly, I jump on making thread but ask for apology because I may find in other threads and I am poor with the determination of the problem.

In 2003 Windstar LX (3.8 engine), I noticed a leak as yellow/green coloured oil/coolant in the area of A/C compressor and the hose that goes below the radiator to driver side (there is also a filter within the hose). I asked auto parts shop to replace it and found out that it comes as a hose assembly. I think the problem comes (leaking occurs) when I shut down the A/C while driving. I notice a leak in my garage coming from compressor through the hose at the belt side of the engine.

Could you give some explanation to solve the problem ? or Do ou have any practical method to fix it ?

Thanks for your effort and your interest is highly appreciated.

sartre (nick name)

akin

Hi

Sorry, but there really is no helping a leak in the A/C other than to replace the offending component - in this case that hose. The pressure in that line can run from a low of around 25psi to upwards of 350psi depending on whether it is on the pressure or suction side. If you do replace it you will need to get your system evacuated of freon first, change out the hose - may require special spring lock tools - and then have the system re-evacuated (vacuumed) and then re-charged with freon. If you are not pretty comfortable with the work and/or have never worked with A/C components you may want to have the work done. I did notice on Rockauto.com that there are several possibilities for A/C hoses (depending on whether or not you have rear A/C) so be sure you have the correct one.

Good luck

Let us know how it turns out.

[12Ounce]

The color of the oil that you described sounds like coolant to me. Are you losing coolant ... even slowly? (My coolant is a pure green ... wonder if you have mixed coolant?).

All of the refrigerant oils that I've used have been clear. I've had a leak with the pressure switch on that very ac hose you describe and the (original manufacturer's) oil made just an oily stain ... no color, on the hose near the switch. Bought a new switch and that solved that oil leak problem.

I still have a very small refrigerant leak somewhere. Until it gets worse, I'm just going to keep the system topped off with repair-refrigerant that has oil included in the can. Takes about a can a season or less. Unless you have a much larger refrigerant leak, you might maintain your system the same way.

[sartre4]

Thanks for the valuable description and direction and also for the website. I think I can not do it by myself ( as never involved with AC components before). However, I want to say something that not sure what the leak is (oil,freon/refrigerant or coolant) because it is green colored and I checked my engine coolant and it is yellow and it should not be engine oil. I puzzled because it is coming from the hose right besides to AC compressor. Anyway, I will take it to a mechanic and will repsonse to you what he did and told me about this...

And I forgot to tell you something. Yes I have rear A/C but it is not giving cold air backside. I use only front side so rearside people wait for the cool air to come them...

Thanks for your effort

Originally Posted by busboy4

Hi

Sorry, but there really is no helping a leak in the A/C other than to replace the offending component - in this case that hose. The pressure in that line can run from a low of around 25psi to upwards of 350psi depending on whether it is on the pressure or suction side. If you do replace it you will need to get your system evacuated of freon first, change out the hose - may require special spring lock tools - and then have the system re-evacuated (vacuumed) and then re-charged with freon. If you are not pretty comfortable with the work and/or have never worked with A/C components you may want to have the work done. I did notice on Rockauto.com that there are several possibilities for A/C hoses (depending on whether or not you have rear A/C) so be sure you have the correct one.

Good luck

Let us know how it turns out.

[sartre4]

Thanks for the questioning what the leak look like. I will get it checked and get back to you

sartre

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

The color of the oil that you described sounds like coolant to me. Are you losing coolant ... even slowly? (My coolant is a pure green ... wonder if you have mixed coolant?).

All of the refrigerant oils that I've used have been clear. I've had a leak with the pressure switch on that very ac hose you describe and the (original manufacturer's) oil made just an oily stain ... no color, on the hose near the switch. Bought a new switch and that solved that oil leak problem.

I still have a very small refrigerant leak somewhere. Until it gets worse, I'm just going to keep the system topped off with repair-refrigerant that has oil included in the can. Takes about a can a season or less. Unless you have a much larger refrigerant leak, you might maintain your system the same way.

[busboy4]

Hi again,

regarding the color of the leaking oil: I have a '93 Sable that I inherited. It too had an A/C leak that I could hear, and then see on a rubberized hose. It too was green, which seemed odd. When I purchased the replacement hose at NAPA, the guy I know there gave me a couple of ounces of dye to add to the refrigerant oil that I needed to add. It was bright yellow/green and would show using a leak light and googles if I ever needed to track a leak. Perhaps your system was opened before for a repair and dye added?

Just a thought

[12Ounce]

That's a good "thought", busboy. I've never used any of that leak detector dye. Good clue!

[sartre4]

you are absolutely right to think that way. Today, I realized it is dye in order to detect leak within the system. For more info you can refer the link : http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricant.../tsb/02208.pdf

as the other fellow indicates I need to replace the manifold tube assembly or hose assembly and will order it soon.

I will keep posting what is coming up....

Thanks

Originally Posted by busboy4

Hi again,

regarding the color of the leaking oil: I have a '93 Sable that I inherited. It too had an A/C leak that I could hear, and then see on a rubberized hose. It too was green, which seemed odd. When I purchased the replacement hose at NAPA, the guy I know there gave me a couple of ounces of dye to add to the refrigerant oil that I needed to add. It was bright yellow/green and would show using a leak light and googles if I ever needed to track a leak. Perhaps your system was opened before for a repair and dye added?

Just a thought

[sartre4]

Could you give me some internet sellers like "Rockauto.com" where I can find A/C hose which is appropriate to my windstar ?

thanks

sartre

Originally Posted by busboy4

Hi

Sorry, but there really is no helping a leak in the A/C other than to replace the offending component - in this case that hose. The pressure in that line can run from a low of around 25psi to upwards of 350psi depending on whether it is on the pressure or suction side. If you do replace it you will need to get your system evacuated of freon first, change out the hose - may require special spring lock tools - and then have the system re-evacuated (vacuumed) and then re-charged with freon. If you are not pretty comfortable with the work and/or have never worked with A/C components you may want to have the work done. I did notice on Rockauto.com that there are several possibilities for A/C hoses (depending on whether or not you have rear A/C) so be sure you have the correct one.

Good luck

Let us know how it turns out.

[busboy4]

Hi,
Rockauto is good, y2kford.com is a Seattle dealership that sells at a discount and your local NAPA auto store should also carry most anything you would need.

[wiswind]

www.rockauto.com

For a FORD dealer that has a online parts department, and good prices.
Y2K FORD, include your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with your order so that they can be sure to get you the correct part. Also, you can email them any questions you may have as to the part you are trying to order.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=214072