AirCon refridgerant or Coolant - how to tell?

[PuffsBack]

Dumb question, I have a small amount of fluid leaking from either the rad or the aircon condensor. Maybe a thimble full per day - is there any easy way to tell of its AirCon refridgerant or coolant? There is a bit of residue on the chassis from the dripping which looks like bright green. Again I can't say if its dye in the refridgerant or the colour of solidified coolant.

[Big Ashy]

It's unlikely that it's refrigerant gas, it may be refrigerant oil which mixes with the refrigerant round the system but that is usually yellow/gold in colour. If the system has had a leak on previously, some companies use a fluorescent dye to detect the source of the leak but it is unlikely to pool and drip onto the floor, more than likely coolant IMHO

[RichB]

It might be condensation dripping from the a/c. Anyway dip your finger in and taste it for a start. See if it's glycol or not.

[Funk]

I'd go with coolant too from the description given.

[PuffsBack]

OK cool, thanks gents. I am guessing its coolant too as 1) The coolant was very low and 2) It smells like coolant. I just didn't know if what was in the AirCon system had a similar look and smell. But the leak is very small

[pmessling]

The taste test is always good but it falls on its arse when its battery acid that has dripped whilst charging onto the garage flooring.

[RichB]

pmessling said:

The taste test is always good but it falls on its arse when its battery acid that has dripped whilst charging onto the garage flooring.

Well, I used to do it to test brake fluid vs oil but I guess battery acid has a rather distinctive taste too

[PuffsBack]

Typical, stopped now! Will save the taste test for if it returns