Does freon have an odor...?

[fkovalski]

I am trying to decipher my A/C problem. See thread https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/3rd-generation-ram-forum-no-engine-transmission-discussions/194216-c-clutch-not-engaging.html#post1877126 for initial discussion.



My question is this: Does freon (or whatever enviro- friendly stuff they use) have an odor? I am noticing that ther is an odor present when I am in the "defrost" position but not in the other comfort settings. It smells kinda' sweet but it is not the distinctive antifrezze smell (unless the A/F is now different than the old stuff... ??)



I am noticing no film on the inside of the windsheild... and a pressure test showed no leaks. I am thinking (hoping) that there is no leak in the heater core.



BUT... what if there is a leak in the evaporator or condenser... . whould that leak be accompanied by an odor... See sig below.



Thanks,

-frank.





.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I may have a dead odor sensor, but have messed with various system recharges and compressor swap-outs, and never was able to detect an odor from freon as far as I can recall...

 

[BILLVO]

The newer antifreeze potions do smell different than the old green stuff. The old ethyl glycol was definately sweet smelling and tasting. the newer propylene glycol was about the same but not as pronounced and come in different colors. Sometimes confused with extended life antifreeze. Now the new Organic based coolants are changing a lot.



As far as freon having a smell. No it doesn't but if it leaking out of a system it will smell like the oil that is in the system. The closest comparison would be what Mineral spirits smells like.

 

[bnbrown]

If it is R-134a it does have a slight odor, just hmm vented the pressure out of my AC system so I could replace the heater core and evap, was not a very strong smell, it could have been the PAG oil rather than the refig. but in any case there was a slight scent to it, kinda sweet I guess. AC should operate in all blend positions except only panel and only floor I believe. I think the AC system also is loaded with a dye that is visible under black light. might want to look around for any signs of that if you are losing pressure.

 

[LMcCary]

If it has air and/or moisture in the system, it will smell acidic or sour.

 

[JohnCooper]

If the leak in the refrigeration system is big enough to smell either the 134a or the oil, you would have stopped blowing cold air a long time ago!

 

[fkovalski]

... you would have stopped blowing cold air a long time ago!

It actually did stop the cold air a few months ago (September- ish). I am noticing the symptoms when wanting to use the defog/ frost now in the winter months.



i was thinking of taking the rad cap off to "sniff" the odor to try and compare to what I smell in cab to determine better what the smell is.



I have an appt. with the dealer in 10 days.

 

[LMcCary]

Again, if you have or have had a leak and the system was not flused, the leak will smell sour or acidic. As refrigerants mixed with air, mositure and heat forms Formic Acid. The oil will be very dark in most cases.

Thanks

 

[BDuffy]

no smell to refigerant,but oil can smell like coconut 134a uses synthetic oil