Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

DMCmg on Fri January 07, 2011 4:41 PM

Year: 2008
Make: MG
Model: TF
Engine Size: 1800
Refrigerant Type: R134A
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Hi All

I have a 2 year old MG TF that has developed a leak. Its still under manufacturers warranty so they will fix it but I wanted to understand the problem first. I have the standard radiator in the car with what looks like a further radiator in front of it - the parts catalogue refers to this as the condenser - the air con pipes are connected to it.

I discovered a large pool of what appears to be a light oil dripping from the lower corner of the condenser (the car has not been in use over the last month so has not moved out of the garage) now as I understand it, air con systems do contain some oil but I am surprised at the amount.

Not sure if its relevant but I have noticed a strange smell in the garage like damp carpets!

Is this normal and a simple case of replacing the leaking condenser and re-gassing the system?

Thanks">

TRB on Fri January 07, 2011 4:46 PM

If that is oil from the condenser it a pretty large leak. That much oil loss would require some replacement in my opinion.

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NickD on Fri January 07, 2011 5:20 PM

Question of whether warranty would cover that if caused by a stone chip, but yes, either the condenser has to be repaired or replaced, system flushed, new dryer, correct amount of oil added and recharged with R-134a. Since I have concrete in my garage floor and it seeps, doesn't look like too much oil to me, maybe 2-3 ounces.

One good thing about the condenser it protects the radiator from stone chips, ever get one in your windshield? Problem is, nothing protects the condense, so I add a screen to protect that. Damned gravel along side of the roads, and if you get too close to a vehicle in front of you that can't stay on the road, bang. By too close, even the length of a football field. But could also be a defect in materials, good luck. Didn't know MG still made cars, use to have dealers here in the 70's, haven't seen any since then.

TRB on Fri January 07, 2011 5:58 PM

3 ounces of oil would be half what the system holds. Personally think running a compressor on 50 percent oil capacity is not a good thing. If this oil spot is post repair. I would be making a call to the shop for a follow up.

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NickD on Fri January 07, 2011 7:28 PM

One thing for sure, if that is AC oil, his system would be completely void of any refrigerant.

DMCmg on Sat January 08, 2011 6:50 AM

Thanks for the replies. I did wonder myself if it was damaged by a stone but the front spoiler/bumper continues under the car some distance and protects the condenser and radiator from below and the front air grille has a metal mesh to stop stones and this is not damage.

The oil itself is very light in colour and consistency - similar to brake fluid but its not that!

The car is not being used for now, when its on the road in spring time I will get it back to the dealer. I will make sure the air con system is not used until fixed.

NickD on Sun January 09, 2011 4:57 AM

If its a properly designed system, it won't turn on. If air is in the system, more damage can be done by waiting.