Oil residue on AC Compressor

[17MagMetal]

Hello fellow M6G nerds,

My car hasn’t moved in weeks because of life, but I noticed some oil residue on the AC compressor, the passenger side of the rack assembly, and on the timing cover on top of the crank pulley. It isn’t dripping and has been there for a while (it’s collected some shmoo which made it noticeable).

My car is a 17, and it’s understandably starting to get older however I’d prefer to address failing seals as they arise. Before I pick the car up and pull plastics to take a look does anyone have an idea what this may be? Thanks!

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[JakeLethal]

Hello fellow M6G nerds,

My car hasn’t moved in weeks because of life, but I noticed some oil residue on the AC compressor, the passenger side of the rack assembly, and on the timing cover on top of the crank pulley. It isn’t dripping and has been there for a while (it’s collected some shmoo which made it noticeable).

My car is a 17, and it’s understandably starting to get older however I’d prefer to address failing seals as they arise. Before I pick the car up and pull plastics to take a look does anyone have an idea what this may be? Thanks!

Did you check the seals? Could be a small valve cover seal that's been like that for a bit.

 

[17MagMetal]

Did you check the seals? Could be a small valve cover seal that's been like that for a bit.

I took a gander at the valve covers and it looks bone dry. I realize the leak is almost directly beneath the oil cap so it might be the result of some messiness on my end.

 

[JakeLethal]

I took a gander at the valve covers and it looks bone dry. I realize the leak is almost directly beneath the oil cap so it might be the result of some messiness on my end.

Best case scenario is just a little cleanup needed! haha

 

[17MagMetal]

Best case scenario is just a little cleanup needed! haha

Hopefully! I’m really at a loss, I can’t tell what else it could be.

 

[ORRadtech]

How well does the AC work? Where exactly is the oil residue on the compressor?
There's PAG oil in the AC system that can leak enough to leave a residue but not overtly affect the AC right away.
A photo might help narrow it down.

 

[DougS550]

How well does the AC work? Where exactly is the oil residue on the compressor?
There's PAG oil in the AC system that can leak enough to leave a residue but not overtly affect the AC right away.
A photo might help narrow it down.

Usually when a A/C compressor seal starts to leak, it usually leaves like a little dark dusty/dirty like oil film from behind the pulley. BUT, I do know my 19 GT had Green leak detection dye added from factory to my stock A/C system which would of course be easy to see and would verify you have a seal or line leak. Good Luck

 

[ORRadtech]

Hmmm, I didn't think dye was put in by the factory. If it is a black light would make quick work of checking if it's AC related.

 

[DougS550]

Hmmm, I didn't think dye was put in by the factory. If it is a black light would make quick work of checking if it's AC related.

Green dye and very bright. But I think the light they use (dont know what type, to make it easier to see exactly where the leak is.

 

[DougS550]

Green dye and very bright. But I think the light they use (dont know what type, to make it easier to see exactly where the leak is.
I just installed a FI Interchiller Stage 2.

 

[ORRadtech]

Green dye and very bright. But I think the light they use (dont know what type, to make it easier to see exactly where the leak is.

It's just a black light also called UV light. It causes the dye to flouresce. Lots of shop flashlights have one in the end.

 

[17MagMetal]

How well does the AC work? Where exactly is the oil residue on the compressor?
There's PAG oil in the AC system that can leak enough to leave a residue but not overtly affect the AC right away.
A photo might help narrow it down.

Works great. Residue is on TOP of the compressor, there is residue on the pass side steering rack and on the timing cover on top of the crank pulley.

Residue, very slight. It’s mild enough that nothing has dripped and it’s just collecting dirt.

 

[17MagMetal]

Usually when a A/C compressor seal starts to leak, it usually leaves like a little dark dusty/dirty like oil film from behind the pulley. BUT, I do know my 19 GT had Green leak detection dye added from factory to my stock A/C system which would of course be easy to see and would verify you have a seal or line leak. Good Luck

Hah this is my fear, alright. I’ll clean and watch it more closely.

 

[DougS550]

Hah this is my fear, alright. I’ll clean and watch it more closely.

That's exactly what I would do. Clean it with carbon or brake cleaner and check it in a week, if nothing two weeks. If it's going to leak, it will leak. And if your AC still runs cold, that's even better. Good Luck

 

[DougS550]

It's just a black light also called UV light. It causes the dye to flouresce. Lots of shop flashlights have one in the end.

That's what I figured. My local shop which charged my system said their refrigerant comes with dye and the use glasses of some sort.

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