Coolant leak => AC cooling low

[shyster77]

Boxster-mates,

I need your insights here.

On the drive back this evening - 111F in Phoenix - the AC cooling was low. I also felt a bit of squeal coming from the behind the dashboard when the compressor was running - a mechanical-ish squeal. The engine temperature was near high 190s. After I parked the car, noticed the green coolant spots - not many or large - two or so (I've attached some photos).

Some history on the replacements so far,

1) 7/2009 - AC compressor was replaced

2) 7/2011 - Cracked coolant reservoir was replaced.

I don't see any coolant under the tank (as in attached photo).

Is my compressor again coming in for a replacement? What is the connection with the drops of coolant?

Please help :huh:

Thank you,

Soaking-in-Phoenix

Edited June 1, 2012 by shyster77

[shyster77]

After a bit more research, is that the freon that I see on my garage floor? The compressor kicks in normally. Any thoughts?

[Loren]

Looks like engine coolant to me.

Best check for a coolant tank leak.

[JFP in PA]

After a bit more research, is that the freon that I see on my garage floor? The compressor kicks in normally. Any thoughts?

Freon is a gas at ambient temperatures, it would not create a puddle on the floor. That is most likely coolant.

[shyster77]

Thank you very much for the prompt feedback, gentlemen. I was traveling and so couldn't respond back sooner.

The coolant leak seems quite sporadic since it hasn't occurred, since that day.

But the AC's cooling is almost none now. The compressor kicks in when switched on (as deduced from the rpm increase upon turned on) but, the air feels no different than without the compressor.

I suspect there may be a freon leak in the system - is the refill process to help determine a freon leak a DIY or should I consult an AC specialist - to diagnose the leak and fix it?

[JFP in PA]

It may be low freon, but the question becomes why is it low (if it actually is low). Unless you have the correct equipment, this is a project better left to the pros......

[Highlander]

Freon is a gas at ambient temperatures, it would not create a puddle on the floor. That is most likely coolant.

Yup, but the system contains a whole lot of lubricant with the freon. If there is a freon leak, you won't see freon, but you will find the leaky area wet with lubricant. I wouldn't think it would leave a puddle on the floor though. More likely just "wet" areas around the leak.

I definately second the suggestion to leave this to the pro's. There are a whole lot of things that can cause poor cooling and you need pretty specialized kit to find and repair them.

Good Luck!

[shyster77]

Thank you again for your prompt thoughts, gentlemen. I took it to my mechanic today and when he was charging the freon, the coolant started to leak again (there is no leak otherwise). The leak was originating from under the front bumper near one radiator - he felt there may be a bad hose or o-ring there but that can only be confirmed after he takes the bumper off. It will another day when he can do this. He felt this is not a typical repair on the Boxster - he runs a Porsche only place and has over 30yrs of experience on them. Have you heard of this kind of issue? The compressor on this car was replaced by him - 3 yrs ago - though I doubt this issue would have been exacerbated by it.

[shyster77]

Loren - the coolant tank was replaced for a leak, a few months ago - the leak now confirmed is coming from the front of the car.

[Loren]

Loren - the coolant tank was replaced for a leak, a few months ago - the leak now confirmed is coming from the front of the car.

You have at least two radiators in the front with incoming and outgoing hoses. Is the leak on one specific side?

[shyster77]

Front passenger side, from right behind the condenser (I thought) Loren. This is a S - I believe it has 3?

[Loren]

Then it is highly likely that the radiator or a hose is leaking there.

Inspection including removal of the condensor (move it out of the way not disconnect it) to inspect the radiator for small leaks.

See the bumper removal video or any of the DIY Tutorials on removing the front bumper.

[shyster77]

Sounds good, Loren. The coolant was consistently leaking when the freon was being pumped in - it seemed like the pressure from the latter when the compressor was on, was causing the former. Will look into removing the front bumper and then report back. The desert heat isn't helping looking forward to going to the garage until later in the evening.

[shyster77]

Thanks to a cooler day here - I was able to sweat a little less and get the front bumper off :)

Here is what I found - there is coolant fluid over the airduct for the central condenser/radiator and residue on the screw here and around the front part of the passenger side condenser area.

Also - since I've got the condensers and radiators visible - would it be alright to hose them down? I've removed most of debris with a brush but there is still some stuff in between.

Appreciate your suggestions here, Loren.

Edited July 5, 2012 by shyster77

[1schoir]

It's perfectly okay to hose down the radiators and condensers with a garden hose if they are already cold.

You can also use compressed air if you have that available to dry them so that you can pinpoint the source of the leak.

Regards, Maurice.

[shyster77]

Thank you, Maurice - I will hose them down, first thing tomorrow morning then.

The coolant leak began evident, when my mechanic was pumping in the freon, though the bumper was not off at that time.

Should I get a freon (or) compressed air kit to simulate the same? Where can I find one, if yes?

[1schoir]

You can purchase a "freon" recharge kit at any chain auto parts store such as Autozone, Pep Boys, Advance Auto Parts, etc...

If pumping in the additional refrigerant helps you pinpoint the source of the leak, then do so, but you don't want to be putting in refrigerant and having it escape into the atmosphere continuously. You definitely have to determine and seal the source of the leak asap.

Regards, Maurice.

[shyster77]

Sounds good, Maurice. Are the recharge instructions quite standard for any car or are there specifics that I will need to follow for the Boxster S?

The leak actually only happens, during the recharge and I'm hoping to use this to locate the source, otherwise the coolant doesn't leak.

Yes - I can't wait to get the car back on the road, with air. :drive: