Weird thing happened today

[paccool]

Had somthing happen today that I'd thought I'd see if it happened to anyone else.



Was sitting at the bank today using the ATM. Truck had not warmed up all the way when I got there and was idling. All at once it gave a growling/hissing/rattle sound that came and went. Smoke or steam started billowing up from the under the hood, my first thought was the head gasket let go completely and I pulled away from the ATM and stopped to take a look. Popped the hood and the smoke (not steam but white in color and not much smell)was coming from the passenger side down low. Was making a hissing noise. There was oil spray all over the fender well cover. Didn't smell or look like engine oil or transmission fluid.



The noise quit so I headed for home, about 3 miles. Engine temp normal, oil pressure normal, transmission fluid level normal and still nice and red. I thought it might be the air conditioner popped a line but it still seems to be working fine.



The engine mount behind the AC compressor is covered with oil. Does anyone know if there is a over pressure valve in the AC compressor that may have opened and caused this? After I got it home and looked at everything, we drove it to the local Home Depot about 10 miles away to get some fencing and the truck worked fine, no noise or problems.



I hate it when it does this sort of thing. I'd rasther have it let go and show me what the problem is now, not going down the road in a remote area!

 

[DValentine]

I got the bright idea last summer to put on two electric fans, and do away with the stocker. To make a long story short... . the fans didn't draw enough air at idle through the condenser. Pressure would build up and blow off. This experiment also cost me a head gasket, as I got her really hot on a hard pull out of Denver. You are right... there are pop off pressure releases in the system. The first time it happened I thought I blew a radiator hose... . as with yourself, the truck was not moving at the time.



I think there is no major damage, as my AC still works.



Dave

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Hey Stan... . were on the passenger side... front/rear ... . ?????



Has the AC compressor seized up?? Double check your coolant level/colour as well as the ATF color/level/smell.

I wonder if you've pooched the heat exchanger depending on were your closest leak location is... ???

Did you split that little rubber water hose down low on the front passenger side????



pb...

 

[paccool]

Bob, that was my first guess at what happened but after it stopped, all is normal. I can't find or hear a leak anyplace. It only lasted for 15 or 20 seconds and then quit. The problem area was down low on the passenger side, seemed to be about 6" back from the front of the engine around the front side of the motor mount. Sprayed oil on the fender liner as well as up to the hood. Not a lot but a few oil spots scattered around.



My real concern is I'll drive the truck up to Ponci's when he does the head and cam work and I don't need it crapping on me going up. If I make it all the way up there, I'll have him take a look at it to see if I missed something. Is about a 3. 5 hour easy drive.



Dave, did it blow a thin film of oil out?



Stan

 

[DValentine]

Yes, the AC system has oil in it.





Dave

 

[1stgen4evr]

Pop off

Yes there is a relief valve on the AC system. It is on the back end of the AC compressor and it will let go if the head pressure goes too high on the AC. You can't see it from the top side. Slide under the truck and look between the two tube fittings. It screws in and if you want to replace it, you have to draw down the system. Some systems have a one time relief that doesn't reset. These will reset but remember that you have lost some freon and will get reduced output from the system. The oil loss is a factor as well.



A really hot day and idling was when my 92 released the first time. They exhibit virginal characteristics in that once they pop, they aren't as strong and will release under lower pressure.



OK, I thought about the last sentence and changed it a bit. No snickering from the back of the room. Anyone needs a better explaination will have to PM.



James

 

[paccool]

:-laf :-laf :-laf ROFLMAO



OK, I won't make any comments, but you need to know you are getting off easy! Of course there may be someone else that won't let it go this easy.



What kind of noise does this make when they pop off? The AC system guys, not what James was talking about!!



Stan

 

[1stgen4evr]

noise

I only talked about the AC. :-laf



As for the noise, it is a lot like the release of gas under pressure that is intense and expelling from a small orifice sort of like- - - . I better shut up.



James

 

[steveinaz]

Electronic temperature cycling switch?

I replaced my Electronic temperature cycling switch and cured this problem. It's a temperature probe in one of the ac lines at the fire wall. Part #56005783, about $60. 00 for list price.

Mine would suck freon in the intake and would sound like a rod was coming loose! SteveinAZ

 

[RWWinslow]

I have never laughed so hard as to that analogy of an A/C relief lifting . . . . :-laf

 

[cyborg]

A really hot day and idling was when my 92 released the first time. They exhibit virginal characteristics in that once they pop, they aren't as strong and will release under lower pressure.

James

That one slays me.

I was going to add something about my ex, but thought better of it.

 

[jdurham]

Geez James... :-laf :-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

And there you have it..... totally twisted, demented, wacked out, lunatic fringe, psycho-nauts and still, STILL they can control the obvious "open door" to official finger shaking-dom..... that's my guys...





pb... .

 

[PToombs]

I think James needs a girlfriend, anybody got a fat sister they wanna get rid of? Just kiddin' we'll give you whatever we can find! :-laf Gosh I love this place! A laugh a minute and informative too! Hey PB, will you do the honors if we can hook him up?

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Ooooooooo... ... ... ... hey I ain't "hitched" anyone in a long time... . sure, what the heck I'll have a wack at it... . let's see..... I know I got my motorvehicle manual here somewere... .



pb... .