Oily liquid leaking from AC condenser

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ddangelo, Dec 7, 2021.

  1. ddangelo

    ddangelo New Member

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    Hi all,

    noticed a wet spot underneath the '08 Prius.

    looked closer and it's all wet around the AC Condenser High Side connection (lower passenger)

    did my compressor blow a seal and oil is leaking out, and then out of the condenser connection?

    thanks,
    dave
     

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    #1 ddangelo, Dec 7, 2021
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Have you confirmed wet spot is not coming from the system's drainage tube?
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Dec 7, 2021
  3. ddangelo

    ddangelo New Member

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    it's def coming from the condenser connection - can see the leak around the connection. It's a $115 part - just gonna replace and take to a hybrid shop to recharge and add more oil since a bunch leaked out.
     
    #3 ddangelo, Dec 9, 2021
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Might be better to take to an auto AC shop for refill instead. To add precise amount of oil and refrigerant you need to evacuate the system and measure it by weight in order to add the amount you need. The machines that do this best are very expensive and a hybrid shop will be less likely to have quality gear.
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Dec 9, 2021
  5. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Certainly looks like the connection in that pic. Maybe it's "just the O-ring", (it can happen)- or maybe both the line and condenser have corrosion damage at the O-ring and both parts have to be replaced. Won't know until you have the refrigerant recovered and take it apart.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 mr_guy_mann, Dec 9, 2021
  6. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Just be very careful. Cheap replacement condensers may be no bargain.

     
    #6 Georgina Rudkus, Dec 10, 2021
  7. ddangelo

    ddangelo New Member

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    Thank you for that info . . . there's a $116 one and a $250 one. There is no longer any refrigerant in there . . ..

    i'm going to replace myself, run a vacuum to make sure it's all sealed, and then take it some place to refill. i'd refill myself, but i think i might need to add oil.
     
    #7 ddangelo, Dec 10, 2021
  8. ddangelo

    ddangelo New Member

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    the condenser is $94 shipped from RockAuto . . . Denso. the vanes are pretty beat up - just gonna replace the whole thing since i'm going to have to take the bumper off anyways. any recs for what to lube the o-rings with?
     
    #8 ddangelo, Dec 10, 2021
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