Hello everone,

I have recently bought a 2000 Ranger that is apperently leaking some sort of clear fluid. Ive checked all fluid levels and all seems to be good. Its dripping some where from the forward right side of the engine. I haven't been able to pin point exactly where its leaking from. The liquid seams to be oily but it could be picking it up from the engin as it drips down. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have recently changed the oil which is when i noticed this drip. I have checked the oil plug and filter and neither seam to be leaking. Thanks for yalls help.

 

Its probably the Evap from the A/C Compressor - it will constantly cycle itself while the engine is on.. so even if your A/C is off it will still keep the temp down in its lines - causing some evaporation/condensation to drip.. The only other thing to do is check to see if its water of some sort :-p

 

I have the same problem on my 1997 Ranger but its leaking that clear oily fluid above my gas tank doesn't make since to me

 

I have never heard of the A/C system cycling on/off to keep the line temperature consistent.

When the system is commanded on by a switch or the computer (those vehicles with AUTO climate), the A/C system will turn on. The high side usually somewhere around 225-250PSI and low around 15-25PSI (depending on outside temperature and humidity). Now, if the system is too low on refrigerant, the system will not turn on at all. If too high, The system has sensors to shut down the system. If the system gets to high before shut-down, the compressor pop-off/relief valve opens and lets the refrigerant out to keep the system from exploding. When the system is off, the A/C system equalizes between the high and low side and the pressure is usually around what ambient temperature is, or around engine temperature if its hot.

The only part that is temperature inspected is the evaporator (to prevent freezing; a frozen evaporator allows no flow which doesn't cool the air) and the cabin (AUTO control settings). The lines are pressure inspected, not temperature inspected. Now, the system will turn on and cycle when the defrost is on which will cause condensation.

Now, a clear-ish, oily fluid may be really clean power steering fluid. Have any steering work performed? Clear tells me water, but clear/oily is like certain power steering fluid (like the Pyroil we used at the old dealer I worked at).


CTP3515: Are you rear shocks blown? I have seen shocks/struts leak so bad that they were dripping clear oil off the LCA.Some food for thought. Timothy343, that may be applicable to you, too, probably not though.

 

well in fords the compressor runs in all settings other than off and floor only(may be another one too)

 

So the clutch spins all the time? You sure its not a variable rate compressor and it appears to be spinning all the time but the internals are just basically bypassing creating no pressure in the system? I know about those compressors too. If the compressor is actually engaged and running when it wants to, that seems like a lot of drag on the engine and a waste in fuel. Doesn't make no sense to me.

 

^^^Guys this is not relevant to his question, just saying Lol. But the pulley free spins till the clutch is engaged. And it cycles on defrost and obviously a/c, not sure about just vent and floor.

 

Timothy I would check the a/c system. The oil in them systems is clear.

 

I just don't like giving people mis-information, and if I do, I don't mind editing it and having someone correct me, that way I know for future diagnostics and knowledge.

It may have turned into an irrelevant thread, but obviously the OP doesn't care. Any word from him? LOL.

 

I think it's a humidity thing as to why the compressor cycles constantly unless in the off position. I believe the actual a/c positions are recirculating air ? Could be wrong though, never looked in the owners manual to see.

 

LOL i don't think he's been on since he posted it.

 

What does it smell like? Is it oily on your hands?