Some sort of leak, but what?

[ekename]

Hi All,

Just got back from a little trip with the family and noticed some oil like substance on the floor in the garage right around the passenger door. Looked underneath and there is a tube of some sort that runs from the front of the car to the back which has a hole in it and I'm guessin that this is the origin of the leak. Can someone please tell me whats leaking and what the tube is. There are actually two tubes, a large one and a smaller one a little further toward the centerline of the car. The large one is the one which is leaking.

Thanks for any help.

Tim

[C4S Surgeon]

Oil lines?

[1999Porsche911]

There is one plastic line from each radiator to the engine that travels down the center of the underbody.

[ekename]

The line is really close to the side of the car so I don't think they are the radiator lines.

[ar38070]

Take a picture and post it.

[ekename]

I will when I get back home. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the A/C. I noticed after driving it last night that quite a bit of condensation had collected on the line.

[PTEC]

Your AC lines run along the passenger side of the car. If you were using the AC at the time, your low side line (large diameter of the two lines, the thinner tube is the high pressure side) can become very cold to the touch and therefore moisture can condense on them and water can drip off of them.

Can you see a hole in the line? I guess its possible some kind of road debris puntured the line and refrigerant oil is dripping out. Though, that would mean your AC definately would NOT be cooling.

Edited March 16, 2005 by PTEC

[ekename]

That must be what it is. I can see a hole in the line (the larger of the two). The A/C still seems to work okay though. Is there a patch kit for these lines or does the whole line need to be replaced?

[PTEC]

That must be what it is.  I can see a hole in the line (the larger of the two).  The A/C still seems to work okay though.  Is there a patch kit for these lines or does the whole line need to be replaced?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you have a hole big enough to see then your AC would definitely not be cooling, its just not possible. Is the ambient air cool enough to maybe make you think that it is? You will need to replace the line, as well as recharge the system with refrigerant. It sounds as if you will need to replace the line that runs back from the joint in the front right (passenger) side wheel well back towards the compressor to another joint in front of the passenger rear tire, but I don't recommend AC system work to anyone but professionals.

Edited March 19, 2005 by PTEC

[ekename]

Had a good look (with the aid of a flashlight) and determined that the line is not punctured. If just has a dent in it which explains why the A/C still worked okay. I guess this isn't the source of the leak and now I'm wondering if the leak is from the P-car as I've moved the car to another location and nothing has shown itself. Puzzling.

Tim