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Green fluid leaking after recharging A/C

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by AGonzalez90, May 27, 2021.

  1. AGonzalez90

    AGonzalez90 Junior Member

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    I have an 07 Prius. Ive been having issues with the A/C. When the temperature outside is cold the A/C works fine, but if the temperature outside is around 80 or higher it seems to blow hot air. I recharged the A/C with r134-a, which i have to do often which makes me think there is a leak. I was checking around to see if i could find the problem and i noticed a green fluid leaking out of what looked to be the compressor and it puddled on the concrete. It was also making weird noises. Any ideas what the green stuff is? and if that could be my A/C problem? I have a picture of the green stuff if anyone wants to see it.
     
  2. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    most likely lubricant or dye if you added R134a with additives.....

    R134a alone does not leave residue since it would just vaporize as it leaks out. You likely have a significant problem with the compressor and at an absolute minimum will require that to be replaced and the system cleaned and recharged. I would venture a guess that your heat works fine, but your AC is a train wreck. You are likely in need of professional evaluation and repair.

    There are several threads on the forum regarding Gen 2 A/C systems with tons of good info. A lot of it provided by AC professional @lech auto air conditionin
     
    #2 TMR-JWAP, May 28, 2021
    Last edited: May 28, 2021
    AGonzalez90 likes this.
  3. AGonzalez90

    AGonzalez90 Junior Member

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    Thank you for the reply! yes we've been looking at all the AC threads, and this forum has been of great help for our prius. Yes our heater works great, just the AC problems. and this is the first time this happens when we recharge it..
    In the summer last year we had to recharge like every month, and no leaks or weird noises. It works great for about a month only. This was the only time we've seen the light green leak.

    NO ONE in our area knows anything about Prius or Hybrids and I've seen in some threads that its not recommended to take it to just any mechanic. Closest hybrid mechanic is 3 hrs away, so were trying to see if we can get it done before we take it somewhere.[/QUOTE]
     
    #3 AGonzalez90, May 28, 2021
    Last edited by a moderator: May 29, 2021
  4. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    By definition, if you are having to frequently recharge the system you must have a leak. It also must be a significant leak, so you must get that taken care of. It is irresponsible to continually allow R134a to be discharged into the atmosphere via the leak.
     
  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    If you guys realized how much refrigerant is lost every day in "industrial" HVAC and refrigeration you would vomit on yourselves. His leak is a drop of water in Lake Superior........

    a bit like America where we want to spend a gazillion dollars to clean up the world. It's like you and me sitting in the corner of a swimming pool telling everyone we're not going to pee because we want to make a difference, but there's 800 people on the other end of the pool pissing up a storm. It makes some of us feel good, but the reality is that it's just wasted effort.