Was just under my truck and noticed this orange fluid dripping off of the AC compressor. It doesn't really look like the engine coolant. Any ideas? I'm taking it into the dealer today, but always like to have some educated guesses before someone works on the truck. Is the oil in the AC compressor orange?

 

That is the oil out of your AC system , not sure what oil these trucks use , but PEG oil is very common , and not something your likely able to get at the hardware store , let the dealer fix it. Kinda sounds like the front seal in your compressor bit the dust.

 

Thanks JKM, that's what I was thinking. Only 7200 miles on it. I'll let you know what the dealer says. If it is the compressor, I hope it is just a fluke.

I'm a little sensitive to things going wrong after owning the 6.0L Powerstroke. I had to sell it because it was always in the shop.

 

It sounds like it was just a fluke , I have never seen one leak before , but i know it happens.

 

JKM,

Thats a Goooooddd Avatar...looks just like ya....

 

Ok . . back from the dealer. It WAS the lower radiator hose. They said the clamp was broken (didn't see that), and it was leaking coolant. They put a new clamp on it and topped it off. The color of the fluid looked different than the engine coolant through the plastic. Anyway, I'm pleased it wasn't anything more serious. Thanks for your posts.

 

No problem , what kind of coolant is in the 3rd gen trucks? Mine is green , i assume there is red or orange in the new ones?

Doc , thanks , you do know who that actually is right?

 

Do tell, please.

 

You have got to be kidding right? That's BUBBLES! From the tv show (and they now have a movie) The Trailer Park Boys. Try googling it.

 

Uh yeah, I know who that is....Im still in Canada ya know...

 

Their show is filmed about 3 hours from me , haven't managed to make it there , yet, but bubbles and the guys show up here at the bar once in a while un announced.

 

It is most likely extended life coolant. The stuff I am use to is red and looks orange when there is a small drip.

 

A/C leak detection dye?

 

That's what i figured , i just did not know that the new trucks were coming with it from the factory.

Timmy- He already figured out it is anti-freeze , and the dye is only visible under black light.

 

On the invoice, they said they replaced the clamp AND the hose. It is the same hose. My Ford dealer always did the same thing . . . saying they replaced parts when they didn't. They just charge the company for the parts and labor . . . . we wonder why the US companies are having a hard time turning a profit.

Anyway . . . thanks to everyone for your posts. I drove it 3 hours home the other day after the fix, and no leaks!