Leaking light machine oil?

[Slysdexia]

Well, the GF just left, (she drives a '98 3.0 Ranger) and left a line of drips under where the radiator was on the driveway of what smells and feels like a light machine oil.

Now, we'd been noticing some inconsistent noise under high RPM (3-5k) with the A/C on (yes, even now, Georgia is trying to be A/C country) that I attributed to a belt in need of dressing (screeching, but so short it never hit full audibility) or the compressor, as it's had this odd habit of shutting off and refusing to function unless turned to OFF for at least 5 minutes. Turned off the A/C and the noise seemed to not occur (though it was so barely there when it WAS that I can't be sure).

All I can think of is the compressor leaking oil through that front seal behind the pulley, with the noise belt screech from near instant moments of insufficient lubrication. Doesn't smell like any other fluid in the truck, and is only slightly more viscous than than your favorite spray-lube.

Can't really do any real diagnostic work, as that truck (and it's keys) is now back at her parent's and she's back downtown at the school, so I'm just trying to confirm my thoughts as I formulate them.

 

[v8318cid]

I can sympathize with you about still needing A/C. Wouldn't go without it here in SC either. Supposed to be 90F this week around Thurs I think. Anyway, given the nature of the A/C compressor and the quantity of oil it contains, its unlikely (though not impossible) that any sizable amount of oil would make it to the ground unless it was hemorraging(sp?) oil, in which case it probably would have seized by now. I suppose its possible your condenser could be leaking a little as well, although the quantity it would lose is in question. Have you noticed any drop in performance from your A/C since this started? Given that '94 should have been one of the first years for 134a refrigerant, any significant loss of pressure should have resulted in a noticible difference in output temp. Anyway, would love to know what you find out, when you find out.

 

[Slysdexia]

The questions aren't about MY truck but about the girlfriend's '98 3.0. My compressor is just abused and worn out (operated for who knows how long with two too many shims in the clutch, leading to lots of shaved metal, and it sounds as if a bearing is too large, as the compressor makes a knocking noise when in use.

 

[v8318cid]

Yeah, I caught that it was your girl's truck. Just got my wires crossed... Anyway, as I said at the end, would love to find out what was wrong once you do solve the problem.

 

[Robert_1967]

is the A/C compressor near the power steering pump?? if it is then it could be power steering fluid.




Robert