Water pool when Bongo parked

ParkerNorris · Post by **ParkerNorris** » Fri May 25, 2007 8:30 am

Being ever vigilant to catch an overheating problem early, I've noticed a small pool of fluid under Mungo the last couple of days. I'm pretty sure it's aircon 'condensation', but would like a second (and third, fourth, etc) opinion.

I noticed it first the other day when Lara parked up at the end of the day. Within an hour the pool had evaporated. Yesterday, I went and had a look as soon as she parked up. There was a pool, and a drip. I tasted it, and it was water (ie not coolant). The pool is dead centre between the front wheels. The drips come from the black plastic moulded box, the one that sits below the ventilation air intake that has the cable mechanism (which I guess are the heater/ventilation controls).

I've only noticed it the last couple of days, which is coincident with running the aircon.

So, is this 'normal', or do I have to investigate further ?

neil/di · Post by **neil/di** » Fri May 25, 2007 8:39 am

Keep a very close eye on your coolant level to see if it goes down.
You can normally smell the antifreeze in the coolant when its hot
Good luck
Neil

daveblueozzie · Post by **daveblueozzie** » Fri May 25, 2007 8:44 am

i have noticed the same thing ,and as you have done used my air con for the first time in warm weather, panic panic panic but its only condensation as its only water (actually tasted it prob not the best thing to do ) not coolant, but keep checking your levels.

ParkerNorris · Post by **ParkerNorris** » Fri May 25, 2007 8:54 am

You've almost put my mind at rest.

Coolant levels fine, checked daily, if not more often!

Colin Lambert · Post by **Colin Lambert** » Fri May 25, 2007 12:00 pm

It is aircon condensation. If you catch it in a bottle before it hits the ground you can use it to top up your battery. (condensed water).
The first time (before I owned a car with air-con) I saw this puddle was in Florida and I made a right tit of my self. stopped oat traffic lighs on a 6 lane highway I noticed this ever increasing puddle forming under the car next to me. I yelled 'cos his window was up(!) and when he had wound it down I said in my best Brit accent , "I think your radiator is leaking!"
With a bored expression which said 'Stupid Limey', he said "It's the aircon!".
Did I feel a plonker or what!

OY! I'VE JUST NOTICED.WHO'S SHRUNK MY AVATAR?

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Fri May 25, 2007 12:54 pm

But if really worried, who not keep the aircon off for a suitably lengthy period and see if you no longer notice little puddles underneath. I'm very stingy in my use of the aircon in order to avoid higher fuel consumption, and I've missed having it on much so far this year. With teh wind deflectors on most Bongos, Its lovely driving along with the window open, even in rain (up to a point!).

Mike

ParkerNorris · Post by **ParkerNorris** » Fri May 25, 2007 12:58 pm

Mike

I've done exactly that. I've asked Lara not to use the aircon today (I hardly ever get to drive it now...), so we'll see when she gets home...

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Fri May 25, 2007 2:26 pm

mikeonb4c wrote:But if really worried, who not keep the aircon off for a suitably lengthy period and see if you no longer notice little puddles underneath. I'm very stingy in my use of the aircon in order to avoid higher fuel consumption, and I've missed having it on much so far this year. With teh wind deflectors on most Bongos, Its lovely driving along with the window open, even in rain (up to a point!).

Mike

Use it or lose it Mike!! - aircon should be used regularly, or the seals will dry out and the gas escape.

ParkerNorris · Post by **ParkerNorris** » Fri May 25, 2007 8:04 pm

Sorted...

No aircon, no condensation puddle

trevd01 · Post by **trevd01** » Fri May 25, 2007 8:15 pm

francophile1947 wrote:
mikeonb4c wrote:But if really worried, who not keep the aircon off for a suitably lengthy period and see if you no longer notice little puddles underneath. I'm very stingy in my use of the aircon in order to avoid higher fuel consumption, and I've missed having it on much so far this year. With teh wind deflectors on most Bongos, Its lovely driving along with the window open, even in rain (up to a point!).

Mike
Use it or lose it Mike!! - aircon should be used regularly, or the seals will dry out and the gas escape.

Have you measured what difference putting the aircon on makes to your mpg?

I have. None that I can detect. Our Bongo returns 24-26 mpg tank after tank. Long journey, short journeys, hot weather, cold weather.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Fri May 25, 2007 11:25 pm

Franco. Absolutely. I make a point of running it at least once a week for that reason.

Trev. No I havent and that is most interesting. I will try and do some tests (if I can be ar*ed - I might just take your word for it and relax!)

Mike

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Sat May 26, 2007 9:46 am

Having the window open usually costs more in fuel than the aircon does - not sure about with deflectors though, I suspect they may have already screwed any aerodynamics up.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Sat May 26, 2007 9:53 am

Another cause of a puddle in the centre front, can be the drain under the windscreen. After a misty night or short shower it can leave a puddle whilst all around is dry!!