Now here's a funny thing

oldie · 17th June 2017, 22:29

Having had the brakes fixed (different thread) I went for a drive today, 90 miles round trip. It being quite warm I had the a/c on auto set to 16 degrees. Windows and sunroof partly open. If there was something interesting on the radio I would turn off the a/c and then later back on, frequently. The a/c isn't particularly cold by comparison with my other cars so probably requires a bit of t.l.c. However, imagine my surprise when nearly home I saw quite a lot of white vapour coming from all four fascia vents. I couldn't smell burning so assume it to be water vapour but I don't really know what it may be. I stopped, had a look around, couldn't find anything in particular, continued the remaining half-a-dozen miles. No recurrence. Help appreciated.

Avulon · 18th June 2017, 09:51

If it were me I'd go get the AC system pressure tested. Hopefully you opened the windows and aired out the white vapour without breathing too much of it. Water vapour is steam so unless it was hot then it's more likely to be escaping A/C refrigerant. However do also check your coolant level when the engine is cooled down. (and leave the A/C off for now).

Tip: when it's hot and you turn the A/C on - yes it's noisy with the cabin ventilation fan at full blast, but once down to temp the fan usually goes to it's slowest and is barely audible - turning the A/C off just means that it's going to get noisy again when you turn it on. either turn the radio up a little or manually control the fan speed so you've got constant A/C in hot weather - it's less stressful for the whole system.

HarryM1BYT · 18th June 2017, 10:55

White vapour with no smell would suggest it was water vapour. I have never seen it, but maybe there was very high humidity, and your a/c was cooling the air enough so as to cause it to condense out? Just as you might see a cloud of mist fall out of a freezer when the door is opened.

oldie · 18th June 2017, 11:21

I've just, hopefully, fixed the sun-roof drains. It may be that on a fine warm day the under-carpet lake had made the cabin more humid than usual.

17th June 2017, 22:29	#1
oldie Loves to post Connoisseur SE v8 auto '54 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: West Sussex Posts: 488 Thanks: 105 Thanked 56 Times in 41 Posts	Now here's a funny thing Having had the brakes fixed (different thread) I went for a drive today, 90 miles round trip. It being quite warm I had the a/c on auto set to 16 degrees. Windows and sunroof partly open. If there was something interesting on the radio I would turn off the a/c and then later back on, frequently. The a/c isn't particularly cold by comparison with my other cars so probably requires a bit of t.l.c. However, imagine my surprise when nearly home I saw quite a lot of white vapour coming from all four fascia vents. I couldn't smell burning so assume it to be water vapour but I don't really know what it may be. I stopped, had a look around, couldn't find anything in particular, continued the remaining half-a-dozen miles. No recurrence. Help appreciated.

18th June 2017, 09:51	#2
Avulon This is my second home 1.8t Tourer Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tanelorn Posts: 4,830 Thanks: 956 Thanked 1,148 Times in 916 Posts	If it were me I'd go get the AC system pressure tested. Hopefully you opened the windows and aired out the white vapour without breathing too much of it. Water vapour is steam so unless it was hot then it's more likely to be escaping A/C refrigerant. However do also check your coolant level when the engine is cooled down. (and leave the A/C off for now). Tip: when it's hot and you turn the A/C on - yes it's noisy with the cabin ventilation fan at full blast, but once down to temp the fan usually goes to it's slowest and is barely audible - turning the A/C off just means that it's going to get noisy again when you turn it on. either turn the radio up a little or manually control the fan speed so you've got constant A/C in hot weather - it's less stressful for the whole system. __________________ Need a T4 ?: T4 Owners Map thanks to Stevestrat ( use at your own risk) Where?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanelorn Mods/Retrofits: PCV vortex 'filter'; bluetooth; inline thermostat; reversing sensors; plenum spyhole ; headlamp washers ; Diy mp3 player replacing CD multichanger; FBH with remote; Headlamp washers; black/chrome front grille, rear blind; Xenon projectors To do: puddle lights; 2 Din cd/nav to fit; boot release button

18th June 2017, 10:55	#3
HarryM1BYT This is my second home 75 Contemporary SE Mk II 2004 Man. Sal. CDTi 135ps, FBH on red diesel, WinCE6 DD Join Date: May 2010 Location: Leeds Posts: 17,273 Thanks: 2,160 Thanked 2,061 Times in 1,586 Posts	White vapour with no smell would suggest it was water vapour. I have never seen it, but maybe there was very high humidity, and your a/c was cooling the air enough so as to cause it to condense out? Just as you might see a cloud of mist fall out of a freezer when the door is opened. __________________ Harry How To's and items I offer for free, or just to cover the cost of my expenses... http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...40#post1764540 Fix a poor handbrake; DIY ABS diagnostic unit; Loan of the spanner needed to change the CDT belts; free OBD diagnostics +MAF; Correct Bosch MAF cheap; DVB-T install in an ex-hi-line system; DD install with a HK amp; FBH servicing. I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

18th June 2017, 11:21	#4
oldie Loves to post Connoisseur SE v8 auto '54 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: West Sussex Posts: 488 Thanks: 105 Thanked 56 Times in 41 Posts	I've just, hopefully, fixed the sun-roof drains. It may be that on a fine warm day the under-carpet lake had made the cabin more humid than usual.