Originally Posted By: srowe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Came across a damaged condenser, looked like fins were frozen but were dry (and warm). There was an oxidation residue and some corrosion to the fins. It appears that the unit may have been frozen at one time.
Originally Posted By: srowe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Sorry I was not more descriptive.
This is a condo unit, what you cannot see is the shrubbery in front. The unit is installed on a slab...mulch has invaded the area after all the heavy rains last week. This unit is really not subject to any outside destruction.
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Corrosion from salt air will also show up at the base of the coils, as the salt collects at the bottom as it flows down with the water. Very common condition here on units within a mile or so of the beach or bay.
Originally Posted By: srowe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Larry … are you serious … the tenant has a dog and the a/c is first unit closest to door (Only 10 feet). Pretty handy for Rover to waddle over and lift.
hmmmmmmm
I would say salt air may be it except the other three units have no corrosion at all. Wouldn't the others show some signs as well?
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
srowe wrote:
I would say salt air may be it except the other three units have no corrosion at all. Wouldn't the others show some signs as well?
I couldn't see the other units front facing, but if the have no corrosion, dog pee is a good possibility. On the other hand, wouldn't dogs mark all of the units too....they mark everything else 
Originally Posted By: lkage This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
srowe wrote:
Larry ... are you serious ... the tenant has a dog and the a/c is first unit closest to door (Only 10 feet). Pretty handy for Rover to waddle over and lift.
Yes, I'm serious. I've actually seena dog in action with that result.
-- "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
Originally Posted By: cbottger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Have seen this type of corrosion many times on the aluminum fins it is caused by excessive moisture. The weep holes in the bottom of the unit are plugged with leaves or the moisture could very well be in the form of dog urine. In any event moisture is the culprit
– Don’t argue with an idiot someone watching may not be able to tell the difference.
Originally Posted By: jsmith10 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Judging by the rust on the unit I’d say Charley hit it right on. The image I see of the unit it looks like it’s setting directly on the concrete almost level with the grade.
"Ground mounted unit on level base min. 3" above grade" (IRC-1413.1)
Minimum, should be evaluated by a qualified technician.
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Looks like classic dog urine damage. One dog pees on it then every dog in the neighborhood has to mark the spot too. Kind of like men do when we go camping or fishing or stock car races or even cooking out in the back yard. The ammonia in the urine reacts to the aluminum fins. See this often especially in fenced in back yards where a dog stays fenced in.
Originally Posted By: jhugenroth This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It’s not just the moisture in the pee, it’s the acid and whatever else is in there. Hey, if it can kill grass, it can corrode the soft aluminum fins on the condenser.
Originally Posted By: Jay Moge This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
could be dog pee. i’d be more inclined to guess that its leaves building up into a pile or wall against the a/c and staying wet. seller probably cleared it up before you got there. lots of leaves around in the pic.