Clearing out A/C condenser drain holes

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by MPost, Jul 20, 2005.

  1. MPost

    MPost Guest

    I believe the drain holes where condensate from my air conditioner drains
    are plugged up. I don't see any water dripping on the ground when I run the
    A/C and I get a faint smell of mildew when I first start up the fan.
    Unfortunately, my Chilton's manual doesn't show where these holes are or how
    to clear them out. Can anyone give me some pointers and/or point me to a
    diagram on the internet?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    MPost, Jul 20, 2005
    #1
  2. MPost

    Mikus Guest

    I had a musty smell awhile back and fixed it without any disassemble or
    work.

    Try this first:

    Close all the vents on the for the AC.
    Put the Fan on full.
    With the vents closed, the back pressure of the air may very well blow the
    drains clear.

    I also poured some bleach down there to kill the mold and muck.
     
    Mikus, Jul 20, 2005
    #2
  3. MPost

    Mikus Guest

    Oh yes, I also believe you need it on reticulate.
     
    Mikus, Jul 20, 2005
    #3
  4. MPost

    Art Guest

    Bleach is a bad idea. Residue may damage coils. Lysol spray is better
    choice or purchase foam designed for the purpose from car dealership. I am
    surprised that back pressure could clear it.
     
    Art, Jul 20, 2005
    #4
  5. MPost

    Skip Guest

    I'd be worried about using bleach, especially when your drains are
    clogged, unless you enjoy the smell of bleach :) There are commercial
    products made specifically for this, you dump it down the vent intake in
    front of your windshield. As for locating the drains, can't help you
    there....
     
    Skip, Jul 20, 2005
    #5
  6. MPost

    MPost Guest

    Interesting idea. I tried the back pressure technique, but unfortunately, it
    didn't work for me. Any other ideas on how to locate and clear the drain
    holes?
     
    MPost, Jul 21, 2005
    #6
  7. Didn't see what model is being discussed - when I drove a 97 I pulled
    the blower motor (3 screws) and poured a little water down the ducting
    from the motor location towards the condenser housing and it dribbled
    out in the engine bay from a black rubber L-shaped do-dad located low on
    the firewall about midway. When I had the warm and fuzzies it was
    draining, I sprayed some (a lot) of anti-bacterial windex down the same
    vent. It worked for a long while. I also paid to have it down at the
    dealer - lasted maybe a little longer and smelled a lot cleaner (don't
    know if that was just fragrance or the dealer did a more thorough/better
    job).
     
    Jonnie Santos, Jul 21, 2005
    #7
  8. MPost

    Mikus Guest

    Now that you mention Lysol, It was indeed what I put down the vent, Not
    Bleach.
    It had been long enough since I did it, that I forgot.
     
    Mikus, Jul 22, 2005
    #8
  9. MPost

    MPost Guest

     
    MPost, Jul 22, 2005
    #9
  10. MPost

    MPost Guest

    My car is a 93 SC-2. I'm a little surprised Chilton's doesn't show how the
    drain works...sounds like a pretty basic operation that lots of people would
    want to do for themselves.
     
    MPost, Jul 22, 2005
    #10
  11. MPost

    Semi Head Guest

    Plugged or Clogged AC drain hole?Possible fix:

    What is very common is that the condensation from your vehicles
    evaporator is NOT leaking out from the bottom of the black plastic
    housing that has the evaporator inside.
    There is a small drain HOLE or small drain TUBE that is located under
    the evaporators black plastic housing that is PLUGGED UP with leaves,
    debris, etc,etc.

    You need to take somethin SOFT such as a plastic soda straw and climb
    under the vehicle with a flashlight and locaate this HOLE or TUBE.
    It should be about the size fo yout little finger. Insert the SOFT
    PLASTIC straw up into this HOLE or tube and you will wind up with a WET
    HAND and armpit.
    NEVER EVER use a SCREW DRIVER or a STICK as you can poke a HOLE in the
    aluminum evaporator and you will be spending $400.00 to have it
    replaced.
     
    Semi Head, Jul 26, 2005
    #11
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.