Print Page - How do you swap the a/c evaporator?

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 15, 2010, 12:10:13 PM

Daminc and I discussed it lightly a while back. What's the best way to swap out the evaporator?Mine has been open to the elements for about three years.I have a new one in the box,and figured I may as well swap it when I start installing the other a/c components.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: ProTouring442 on April 15, 2010, 01:11:54 PM

It's kind of like doing a heater core, only worse.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: Kitz Kat on April 15, 2010, 05:51:44 PM

Put the parts on, have the the vac checked if holds your good, for piece of mine replace it, that way you know it's all new. go for it rip the dash up!!, sorry you asked ic.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 15, 2010, 06:26:28 PM

I know I have to pull the dash and get the casing out,bit how does the evaporator come out of the casing? Jerry and I thought you have to cut it out.....if so,how would one re-seal it,or is there another way?

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: 85cougar on April 15, 2010, 06:36:08 PM

I replaced my son's at the same time as the heater core for the sake of already being there with the case on the bench. I followed the service manual procedure and used strip caulk after cutting the case on the lines in the case. I can type it out if you want, there's also screws to be installed if I can transfer the pictures. Let me know

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: 88turbo on April 15, 2010, 08:00:31 PM

there has to be another way to get the box open than to cut it. getting past the sealer is going to be the biggest pain..

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: daminc on April 15, 2010, 08:32:03 PM

this is the only way in Vinnie.... cut between the lines, and reseal it using a seam sealer.
I'll send you the instructions tonight.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee79/daminc/parts%20to%20sell/IMG_6823.jpg)

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 15, 2010, 08:54:12 PM

Thanks Jerry.After the tears dry,I'll read it.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: daminc on April 15, 2010, 09:03:18 PM

Sorry for the bad news. I looked for a long time for another way. the book even says to cut it there, and seal it

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: daminc on April 15, 2010, 09:05:40 PM

BTW.... only the 87-88 boxes have to be cut. the earlier ones screw together apparently. (according to the manual)

EDIT sorry for the mis-info........... 83-84 boxes are the only ones that unclip, or unbolt

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 16, 2010, 06:57:23 AM

Well,at least I get to do it the hard way.Nothing makes me happier.I'll appreciate it so much more this way.LOL.Thanks.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: daminc on April 16, 2010, 07:22:02 AM

It's going to make you a better man this way Vinnie. lol
Be very careful with the dash....You probably already knew that.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 16, 2010, 05:19:18 PM

Yep,I've had to change heater cores a few times....that's why I am really fast at it now (I really am).It's too bad that I had to go through a lot of agony to get that good.LOL.Oh well,I gotta do what I gotta do. Thanks Jerry.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: jkirchman on April 16, 2010, 06:04:40 PM

That is so stupid. Why would they cram something like that in there and then make you have to cut the stupid heater box to get it out? I guess because it was cheaper to build it that way?

I hope you can get it taken care of, Vinnie. I paid a mechanic to replace the one in my car when I was having the heater core done. I figured as long as they were in there, why not? Did not know how involved it was.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 16, 2010, 07:54:23 PM

I can do it just fine.............I just hate to have to.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: daminc on April 16, 2010, 08:41:32 PM

They made them that way, because they didn't expect the cars to be around long enough to repair them.
Think about it. These cars are getting pretty old, and we keep putting them back together like they're only 10 year old cars.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: Beau on April 17, 2010, 02:34:18 AM

How often does an evaporator fail?

I'd clean it out with compressed air, water, and such, get it good and dry, and reuse it. Hell with cutting up a heater box. Been there, done it...wasted a good one. F*ck a bunch of that.

The one I have now is good ( I DO know for a fact) and when I finish things up, the inlet/outlet for the evap will be plugged off, in case I ever put AC back in.

I'd clean the thing up really good before I'd hack a box up, Vinnie. ;)

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 17, 2010, 07:05:59 AM

I can try to blow it out and see if there's anything that comes out.As I stated,it's been open for 3 years,and I know a lot of moisture has gotten in there over that time.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: daminc on April 17, 2010, 08:36:26 AM

Then I would blow it out... Unpack that compressor and put it to good use, my good man...

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 17, 2010, 04:52:25 PM

So,you think after all this time it would still be good?

By the way,I got the compressor out and I'm getting it ready to clean up and detail.I smoothed the mold lines on the bracket,painted it with the charcoal gray whel paint,and installed a new steering pump and stripped and repainted pulley.I wish I could show pics,but for some reason,I can't upload pics on this computer anymore.When I find a way,I will.I've been making progress and can't share.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: daminc on April 17, 2010, 05:35:56 PM

you could blow it out, and then pressure test it for leaks...

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: softtouch on April 17, 2010, 06:09:56 PM

You may want to try to eye ball in there to see if any bugs have built a copuppies in there before you blow it out.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: daminc on April 17, 2010, 07:32:10 PM

hmmmm..... good point

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: dominator on April 17, 2010, 07:49:48 PM

The evaporator does not absorb moisture,as long as you blow it out and there are no holes in it, it will be just fine.
Your reciever/dryer is what cannot be left open to the elements as it has a moisture absorbing desecent bag and would be no good if left open.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 17, 2010, 10:52:23 PM

The receiver/dryer is brand new with the lines and capped from the factory.I HOPE this thing can remain in the car.I'd love to not have to pull the dash.I have too much going on.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: Beau on April 18, 2010, 02:44:16 AM

Well, I'd give it a hell of a try first...easier to clean it out (or try to) than to pull a dash, heater box, etc.

Good luck man...let us know.

Title: How do you swap the a/c evaporator?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 18, 2010, 04:14:16 PM

I'll post the findings....eventually.

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Technical => Misc Tech => Topic started by: vinnietbird on April 15, 2010, 12:10:13 PM