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Another strange noise AC slush

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by psvines, Jul 3, 2019.

  1. Jul 3, 2019 at 2:40 PM
    #1
    psvines

    psvines [OP] Well-Known Member

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    A couple of days ago I noticed a new noise, sounds like pouring sand or small pebbles.
    It seems to be behind glove box but hard to tell as the driver. I hope to take passenger tomorrow to better determine the location.
    It only occurs when turning left.
    I’ve emptied the glove box and checked the air filter and blower, all are clear.

    Went on a drive with passenger. I think it is air conditioner related, sounds like slush. It seemed to not occur after the system was off for a bit.
    It has been VERY hot and humid this week.
    The sound is behind or below the glove box.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2019
  2. Jul 4, 2019 at 8:49 AM
    #2
    psvines

    psvines [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Is this the AC drain? Should liquid be dripping from it when running the AC?
    It doesn’t appear to be clogged, or at least the first 5”.

    DEA44205-81FB-4A5D-B632-ED7EFC2FCB9D.jpg
     
    tcjacado likes this.
  3. Jul 4, 2019 at 9:50 AM
    #3
    Grossomotto

    Grossomotto Complete 3rd Member

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    Water runs out while AC is on and for awhile after you turn off the engine.

     
    CusterFan likes this.
  4. Jul 4, 2019 at 9:59 AM
    #4
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    Here in Illinois since it has turned hot and humid, the water will evaporate before it runs off the frame. I have to raise the hood to see if mine is dripping. Going to do the "A/C drain mod" so I don't have to raise the hood. :)
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2019
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  5. Jul 4, 2019 at 10:15 AM
    #5
    psvines

    psvines [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, was just reading the mod, looks worthwhile and fairly easy.
     
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  6. Jul 4, 2019 at 11:07 AM
    #6
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    Yeah it is easy going in thru the fender well area but I think a guy will still need to get under the truck to feed the hose thru the frame. I may try to route mine out the rubber flap in the fender well and put a cable tie on the frame to hold the hose. I'll figure it out once I get the hose/clamp I ordered on Ebay.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECuFyZeW1z0

    This is the same guy that done the video.


    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-on-frame-with-a-c-drain-mod-fix.444138/#post-12942289
     
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    #6
  7. Jul 4, 2019 at 1:32 PM
    #7
    Palmer812

    Palmer812 Well-Known Member

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    That is how I did mine. It was super easy.

    D6DAB26F-6776-4E59-B77E-7C307A2B6826.jpg
    0330C8D1-B8C1-44FA-92D4-47A1A3914082.jpg
     
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    #7
    SilverII likes this.
  8. Jul 4, 2019 at 5:14 PM
    #8
    Ronzio

    Ronzio Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like your low on Freon bro...the pouring sand is air bubbles in the system you got a leak.
     
  9. Jul 4, 2019 at 7:56 PM
    #9
    The_Devil

    The_Devil Well-Known Member

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    Ok, so I have experience with what you describe. I have an FJ cruiser that has had this happen a few times.

    Wasps!

    They pack the AC drain tube with mud and eggs that can grow into larvae.

    You have to stick in a wire etc to break them up, and it will drain a good 16 to 20 oz of grossness. At least in the FJ it had rubber floors.
     
  10. Jul 5, 2019 at 3:50 AM
    #10
    psvines

    psvines [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was able to insert a wooden dowel at least 5” without finding any blockage; I doubt insects went any further in. But thanks for the idea.
     
  11. Jul 5, 2019 at 4:56 AM
    #11
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    Best way to check if you have blockage in the a/c drain line is with a air gun on the end of a air compressor hose. Works like a charm. :thumbsup:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfXyo7a2F9A
     
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  12. Jul 5, 2019 at 5:10 AM
    #12
    The_Devil

    The_Devil Well-Known Member

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    In the FJ, I would have to pull the tube into the cab, then straighten out and maybe get approx 9" with a rod normally used for running wires down a wall.

    The video above seems cleaner and better.

    Good luck but you described my situation exactly. Are you seeing water drain out the tube when AC is on?
     
  13. Jul 7, 2019 at 4:46 AM
    #13
    psvines

    psvines [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Wow, a great start to the day. A short blast of air into the drain tube released a cup of fluid. I’m assuming later today I’ll no longer hear the pouring slushy sound.
    Thanks to all for the tips.
    And I stood there watching it all drain onto the frame; time to install the AC drain mod.
     
    LayZ808, The_Devil and CusterFan like this.
  14. Oct 11, 2022 at 10:57 AM
    #14
    MarkerJax

    MarkerJax New Member

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    Thank you!! Just did same with an air pump and got a good amount of water. I guess I should have done one of those AC refresher cleans the stealership recommended.
     
    LayZ808 likes this.
  15. Dec 7, 2024 at 3:48 PM
    #15
    LayZ808

    LayZ808 New Member

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    Wow Thankyou, this helped me also. Same issue followed that video and worked perfectly. Thx
     
  16. Dec 7, 2024 at 7:46 PM
    #16
    FunknNasty

    FunknNasty Well-Known Member

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    Damn, I just noticed what op described yesterday, to a tee. We'll work on it tomorrow. Thanks guys!
     
  17. Dec 8, 2024 at 6:52 AM
    #17
    shark56

    shark56 Well-Known Member

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    After I did the drain Mod I put a small piece of wire mesh in the hose to keep out those pesky wasp.
     
    boston23 likes this.
  18. Dec 9, 2024 at 8:47 PM
    #18
    Antboooy

    Antboooy Well-Known Member

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    I've had the same symptoms you described op, a couple times actually. Something is clogging the A/C drain. Causes accumulation of water up the system near the blower motor that's behind the glove box, I've had it to the point water was leaking onto the floor of the front passenger side.

    What I do whenever this occurs is use a little nasal aspirator(baby snot sucker), shove her in the drain hole, get a nice seal. Then I give it a good few pumps. It breaks the clog up the line and she starts squirting like a very excited woman.

    I have A/c drain mod as well, one of the first mods I did. Doesn't stop clogs.
     

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