Aircon leak - is it bad?

[jprenaud]

It's hot in France right now and I've had to use the aircon the past two days, I drove about 100km over 2 days.

This evening there is an obvious drip of water (does not look like coolant) under the front of the van. I traced the drip to where the two vertical pipes connect to what I think is the "heater matrix", shown as 6150 on the Lushproject diagram: http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... 02.html#23

There are a couple of screws that possibly could be tightened but I could not have a better look this evening. I am not quite sure how these 2 pipes seal.

I'm driving back to the UK this week-end and my question is: how bad is it likely to be? Do I need to try and get it sorted before the drive home? Would be a nightmare at the week-end and the ferry is on Sunday... Losing aircon is not an immediate concern although I would like to get it sorted obviously.

[g8dhe]

If it is dripping from the cooling matrix of the air con. then all is WELL!
In high humidity the cooling pipes will cause the extra moisture to condense out of the air, as cool air can't hold as much moisture, this than just drips to the ground. Not a problem.

[jprenaud]

Thanks, for the reassurance Geoff, music to my ears

How long can it drop after the vehicle/aircon is switched off? I was surprised as I only noticed the drip in the early evening.

[g8dhe]

Surprisingly its not something I have ever considered measuring

[teenmal]

These (aircon) pipes are sealed with "O" rings, some times a wee nip up if they are leaking, I am not saying that is your problem , but you need to physically dry the pipes start the engine switch on the aircon let it run for a wee while and check to see where the fluid is coming from.

PS also keep an eye on the header tank coolant level.

[jprenaud]

Thanks, coolant is definitely ok, no drop.

I left a container beneath the van last night, this morning there was only a very small amount of very clear liquid (water), 5-10mL or so.

All seems well today, drove another 200 km or so, aircon still working ok. Will look at cooling matrix when I'm back home.