Hi,

 

Is this 'oil like' leak from the air con unit?

 

Also is it an easy DIY part replacement without taking it to the garage.

 

Thanks

I'm not dead sure because I don't know Furbie air that well. I'd suggest taking it to an automotive air con specialist for a definitive diagnosis, not least because it's illegal to deliberately release refrigerant, which you'd need to do to change the part.

Looks like its the air-con pipe. Give it a clean, as you have photos, then keep a close eye on it. If its actually coming out, it will keep on doing it till there is none left and the air-con will fail to cool. (Have you noticed it not getting cold)?  It could also be "Splash-off" From a different leak or oil splatter. Hence the clean and watch advice. If it IS an air-con leak it will pay to get it done sooner, rather then later as if it runs out, it might damage the other components, compressor, etc. I would recon if its seals, thats a fairly minor job in comparison. They are usually subject to fail if the system is unused for long periods so they dry out or if the system is filled with gas but not lubricant.

The oil is carried around in the air con refrigerant.

If it was seeping you would run out of gas and stop working.

If it isnt working then it's proberly the seal.

If it is working I'd say it was probably when the the lines have been removed after a regas last time.

Best advice clean it of.

Also it is against the law to work on a a,c system if you don't havery a licence.

 

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated. I probably haven't used the air con for over 8 months or more.

I will clean and keep an eye on it.

 

Where is the best place to get it checked out? Air con specialist or auto garage.

@247 - Air con specialist all day every day. They don't do anything else, and have lower labour rates than most independent garages, never mind dealers who charge you for their showrooms!

On 12.06.2017 at 20:21, 247 said:

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated. I probably haven't used the air con for over 8 months or more.

I will clean and keep an eye on it.

 

Where is the best place to get it checked out? Air con specialist or auto garage.

Damage of tube not always should means leaks from air condition, because it is only cover. Greasy stains may be old and it would happend for example during previous service of your A/C. If you have to check tightness you should clean the greasy stains and going to A/C services. During service of A/C they usually add a bit of contrast. If your A/C installation isn't tightness you may find places of leaks if you have UV flashlight. Contrast which was added to installation will be shine in place of leaks.

@jacekpk - I would normally agree with your reasoning, but the oil looks pretty clean, certainly more so than the "fur" corrosion on the photographed pipes.