A/C condenser leaking...

[beer-toe]

I need some help guys, I have a leak and its dripping off my A/C condenser. I have searched with no results from T4R or any toyota related websites.
Platform, 99 sr5 v6 auto 4x4

Some back history.
Installed a B&M tranny cooler and secured to a/c condenser/radiator via zip tie. Several weeks later I noticed a wet spot in my driveway and saturation all over tranny cooler, condenser, and radiator. So I thought maybe tranny cooler lines are loose so I checked them and they were alittle and I also saw a small amount of atf leaking by, so I retightened it. But then the next day something was still leaking. So I decided to remove the tranny cooler and inspect it, upon inspection my tranny cooler did not look like it was leaking, so I thought weird, maybe it was just residual dripping from the day earlier.This time upon reinstalling tranny cooler I reinstalled via brackets and away from condenser.

Well of course few days later still leaking. I thought maybe the radiator could be the reason, cause it is also looks saturated, it is old and i did notice after I installed the tranny cooler with zip ties, some of the cooling fins were kinda beat up.

So now I have a fresh radiator, I remounted and secured the tranny cooler, and I used a hose to spray everything down and I also wiped everything off as best as I could to dry it off.

BAM! few days later im getting a leak again. This time I can identify fluid color, which resembles dirty yellowish oil.. HUH? upon inspection, radiator looks pretty and the tranny cooler doesnt look as pretty but its definetely not leaking. The old A/C condenser looks the same as always, wet, saturated, and covered in dirt. So that has to be source, it tends drip off the condenser and it collects where the front skid plate mounts, and drips off and also looks like it blows onto the bottom of the new radiator and trickles off that. I wouldnt have suspected the condenser because my A/C works with no problems.

Now do i have my facts straight, can a A/C condenser leak oil?
Is there a write up on replacing or has anyone done this?
What brand should I choose?

I tried everything I could think of before I throw more money on the wrong part.

 

[beer-toe]

crappy pictures i know. but its not easy getting in their.

black subframe is where it drips off, the other pictures is the condenser corner where it likes to drip from from. as well as the bottom of the condenser. you could see my fresh dry radiator with exception of snail trail on the bottom possibly from the condenser blowing onto it from driving. and you can also see my somewhat dry cooler, no active new water dripping off of it...

MIND YOU BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANNY FLUID ARE FULL AND NEVER HAD TO ADD TO IT

 

[nissanh]

Yes, when AC gas leaks it comes out as an oil.
How is your AC? Still flow cold air? You can check for freon gas leak by looking through the glass located on top of the AC filter. Have your AC on while engine is running and look for any bubbles under the glass. Lots of bubbles means less freon. Clear means either the system is properly filled or no freon in the system.

To remove the condenser, you have to remove your trans cooler, the hood latch, AC filter (install a new filter) and the in and out AC hoses. Replace the O-rings at these joints.

It is easy to fix the condenser and fill the system. You need a vacuum, AC manifold kit and R-134 gas. You can buy all these for around $130 at Harbor freight tools.

 

[beer-toe]

Wow.... Your awesome! I will check it out tomorrow in the morning.
Will it harm anything if I don't replace it the condenser right away?

 

[BamaDrewski]

As a guy that rebuilt his entire AC system - including the condenser - I would recommend you purchase a Denso replacement online at Amazon. If the condenser is shot, you could be vacuuming up debris into the AC system when the AC system is running. Should that happen, your entire AC system will be contaminated and create even more problems for you. Once even a little moisture enters your system, it can create a corrosive acid with the refrigerant. That acid will eventually DESTROY your AC system. It's not a big job to rebuild the system. It took me 3 hours.

I did an extensive write up on the AC rebuild and can attach the link if you need it. I have a 2000 T4R LTD 4WD and I can tell you, the condenser takes a beating over the years. Mine actually had pretty big holes in it when I took it off the rig.

I know you might not want to get into a total renewal of your AC system but if it has sucked in debris, you might just consider it. PM me if I can help in any way. I have all the part numbers. I used all Denso parts with the exception of the pressure switch. I used a "FourSeasons" brand pressure switch with absolutely no issues.

 

[BamaDrewski]

Just for reference, here is the DIY AC Rebuild write-up I did:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-replacement-2000-toyota-4runner-limited.html


I was intimidated by the prospect of doing my own AC system rebuild but with a lot of research, it really was a piece of cake.