Small oily bits of foam from vents..Advice?

[rjirvine]

I know this isn't the "exact" forum to post to because it refers to a 1988 truck, but I think the question is generic enough to try:

 

My 1988 K1500 std cab 4x4 has very small pieces of black oily foam blowing out of the side vents and defroster grill. They are small but extremely oily, if you got one on your clothes and tried to rub it off, you'd get an oil streak and a chance to brush up on your curse words.

 

I really dont want to pull the whole heating and A/C unit out from under the dash to investigate, but am afraid I might have to. I thought I'd ask on here for some kind of miracle "quick fix" first.

[mmmikkke]

Sounds like some sort of oil has invaded your evaporator where the air is cooled by the a/c, and the foam seals in the ductwork have been attacked by the oil. Could be a leak of the refrigerant (it has oil in it). Has your a/c needed a recharge recently?

[denalitwin]

 

I agree sounds like a refrigerant leak (evaporator core, oil settles at bottom, where leaks usually occur).....if not, maybe a coolant leak (heater core)...

 

either could saturate the foam seal......determine what is on the foam pieces, or maybe you already know which could be leaking......does AC work well or adding to coolant system?