Oil on Ac condenser ?

[HECTOFL5TYPER]

Was removing the intercooler, came
across oil in the condenser by the filter. What could be causing the leak.?

 

[AZCWTypeR]

Wash it off and see if it reappears. If there's a pinhole leak in the AC, it may take months to reappear.
I've had excellent luck with Honda's, but one of the few problems was a leaking AC sight glass on an '87 CRX Si. The leak started slow and progressed to where I could feel it leaking after recharging. Car was beyond warranty, so I replaced the parts and had a technician vacuum and refill the system.

 

[LogicalCC]

Was removing the intercooler, came
across oil in the condenser by the filter. What could be causing the leak.?

I just dealt with this same issue (picture attached). It’s definitely a condenser leak. Take it to the dealer and have them repair/replace under warranty.

I took it to the dealer with the bumper off to prevent any headaches and put the stock intercooler back on.

What year FL5 do you have?

 

[HondaHoon]

Car had less than 3K miles. Same issue. Replaced condensor myself. Purchased the vacuum pump, A/C manifold, refrigerant and oil, and did the full service myself.

The one my car came with was made somewhere other than Japan. The Honda one I installed was made in the USA. I am hoping I get at least a little more life out of that one. These are definitely a terrible design and need recalled.

 

[HECTOFL5TYPER]

It’s a 2025 with 7k miles. I have used the AC about 4 times. I usually roll with widows down. I really don’t want to dealer to touch my car. I might consider doing this myself. The only thing that discourages me is the oil.

 

[jtlctr]

This is interesting because I seem to have a mystery oil leak, and the A/C condenser is my prime suspect. After I pulled my car from storage a couple of weeks ago, I noticed an oil stain on the ground after parking it overnight. I found a streak of oil under the splash pan beginning from the area beneath A/C compressor (which didn’t seem to be leaking) back about 3 feet. The engine was bone dry and even after taking the pan down in that area to look around, I could find no origin of the leak. The only thing I couldn’t get a good look at that night was the condenser and that’s the only place it seemingly could have come from. I wiped the oil off and so far haven’t seen it return, but I better do a more thorough inspection. My A/C is still working for now.

 

[HondaHoon]

Add approximately 50ml when you add your refrigerant with a large syringe into the system.

 

[jtlctr]

Car had less than 3K miles. Same issue. Replaced condensor myself. Purchased the vacuum pump, A/C manifold, refrigerant and oil, and did the full service myself.

The one my car came with was made somewhere other than Japan. The Honda one I installed was made in the USA. I am hoping I get at least a little more life out of that one. These are definitely a terrible design and need recalled.

How much did it cost to buy the tools, refrigerant, and oil? I was thinking about paying a shop to evacuate and refill the system, but replacing the condenser myself. I think I can muster up enough trust to let someone evac and refill lol. But if the equipment isn’t expensive, I’d consider buying it.

 

[HondaHoon]

I invested in the tools because I like to service all my vehicles. No shops I trust near me. I live remote. It was in the middle of winter. I was in the process of doing all the mods to take a stock car to over 540whp now. So for me it was worth the investment. It was a few hundred dollars. I cant remember the amount. I bought ICON from Harbor freight. A/C manifold and vacuum pump.

I just released the gas myself. You are going to have to make at least two trips to the shop if you have them evac the system. Then you plan to replace the condensor. Then return for the recharge.

 

[jtlctr]

Thanks for the info! It’s sad that so many of us are willing to pay out of pocket for something that could be free. I used to work in an auto shop, so I know how bad it is, not to mention all the stories I’ve heard about techs messing up jobs as simple as oil changes. Hell, I don’t even feel comfortable letting the car go in for state inspection! Last year, my car came out with a greasy shift knob. Lol. Like, if they can’t be bothered to wash their hands before getting into a customer’s car, I certainly don’t want them attacking bumper covers, etc.

 

[LogicalCC]

It’s a 2025 with 7k miles. I have used the AC about 4 times. I usually roll with widows down. I really don’t want to dealer to touch my car. I might consider doing this myself. The only thing that discourages me is the oil.

I hear you. I am very skeptical about the dealers too. Which is why I took the car bare and requested to speak with the tech that would be servicing the car.
It ended up being a good experience and the tech was very knowledgeable. I was able to go into the shop as well while they verified the diagnosis.

I too have a 2025 and it had less than 3k miles on it and A/C never gave me an issue. I was noticing some streaks on the bottom of the splash shields that wasn’t making sense, but when I found this leak, it cleared up all my questions.

 

[jtlctr]

I was noticing some streaks on the bottom of the splash shields that wasn’t making sense, but when I found this leak, it cleared up all my questions.

Damn, I think you just confirmed my suspicion. I was hoping it was just something like a little spilled oil from the last time I removed my oil filter, but I knew that wasn’t the case.

 

[HECTOFL5TYPER]

I hear you. I am very skeptical about the dealers too. Which is why I took the car bare and requested to speak with the tech that would be servicing the car.
It ended up being a good experience and the tech was very knowledgeable. I was able to go into the shop as well while they verified the diagnosis.

I too have a 2025 and it had less than 3k miles on it and A/C never gave me an issue. I was noticing some streaks on the bottom of the splash shields that wasn’t making sense, but when I found this leak, it cleared up all my questions.

Exact same thing happened to me, removed the splash shield around 3k to do the first oil change. Noticed some oil streaks in the splash shield. I called the dealer and told them about it, they said it might be oil residue from the motor being new. Idk I might risk taking it in. I have the bumper off hopefully making it easier for the tech.

 

[HECTOFL5TYPER]

I invested in the tools because I like to service all my vehicles. No shops I trust near me. I live remote. It was in the middle of winter. I was in the process of doing all the mods to take a stock car to over 540whp now. So for me it was worth the investment. It was a few hundred dollars. I cant remember the amount. I bought ICON from Harbor freight. A/C manifold and vacuum pump.

I just released the gas myself. You are going to have to make at least two trips to the shop if you have them evac the system. Then you plan to replace the condensor. Then return for the recharge.

What parts did you remove in order to replace the condenser ?

 

[LogicalCC]

Exact same thing happened to me, removed the splash shield around 3k to do the first oil change. Noticed some oil streaks in the splash shield. I called the dealer and told them about it, they said it might be oil residue from the motor being new. Idk I might risk taking it in. I have the bumper off hopefully making it easier for the tech.

Do it. The techs were appreciative with having the bumper off already. Easier to diagnose and less risk of damage to anything else. Made for a faster repair.

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