Leaking Refrigerant ?????

[AirCooledHeaven]

Hi All

Got a 2004 DTI, just opened the bonnet to check the fluids and noticed a wet patch in the centre of the front radiator. Rubbed over it with the palm of my hand and the liquid is clear with no colour or smell. Also the wet patch is cold. The car hasn't been run for over 24hours and the coolant level in the header tank looks OK.

Tracing the tubing from the rad it appears that the front rad carries the aircon refrigerant, so now I'm starting to feel a bit gloomy. I'm assuming the refrigerant is leaking and the wet patch is actually condensation. Any ideas or comments?

There's no sign of any damage and the wet area is below the level of the front bumper, so not caused by impact?

So now the biq question, the car's under warranty and has full VSH, what's the likelihood of getting this fixed under warranty?? Or is a radiator one of those 'consumables' or 'wear and tear' parts that ain't covered. Just spent £300 getting a new alternator in my wife's car so can't stand another wallet bashing!

Cheers

Mark

[Gsi3.2]

you've got a 3 year warranty mate..so on a 2004 car you will still be covered..

if the refridgerant is leaking it won't appear as a liquid..it will escape in it's gaseous form..

if the water is present it could be residual remains of the last time it was run??

Take it back to the dealer..they can pressure test the system and check for leaks.. unless there is obvious collision damage then you should get it repaired under warranty

[VauxVeteran]

Its the coldness defrosting in the warm outside air, unless you are getting no cooling inside, dont worry about it, it's the same principle as misting windows if that helps explain it.

[bruceybonus]

I get this after running the a/c for a long time.. there was a previous post about it..
still pumping out very cold inside though..