Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

[whiteMaro]

Hey guys. I just got my car back from the shop for a AC leak. Shop said they were unwilling to fix the leak which was coming from the Evaporator core because it would take too long and that it required a $300 tool to disconnect it. So i'm on the job now.

What tool was he talking about? Is there really a special tool needed? I read a post on here about being able to remove it without removing the dash and I'm going to attempt that route myself this weekend. I'd really appreciate some tips and maybe a little how-to on removing this guy. Am I removing just the core from the black box or do I need to removed the whole black box just to get to the core? Anything I should be careful about or avoid? Any help would be awesome.

Thanks

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

nab a haynes manual...it explains what exactly needs to be done...there is a piece of metal on the firewall I believe you need to cut...Im pretty sure you do not need to take apart the dash, but you do need to get under the glove box dash part...if there is not enough room for you to work, you could always take out the passenger side seat so that you can lie flat in the car while working under there (depends on how flexible you are)

You should make sure the system is empty before you start any work...not sure that there is a special took...never heard of you needing one...

[whiteMaro]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

Thanks Letzride. I was planning on removing the seat so I'm glad you also see it as a helpful option.

I have a Chiltons manual but i'm not sure if it has the steps in their. I'll have to check it out. I have no idea what tool the guy was talking about. All he said was that the manual said he needed an tool to detach the evaporator and that it would cost him $300 to buy it.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

well I think Kristen has removed hers, as well as a few more people, mines coming out when it warms back up, and I get some time...so I highly doubt thats true...

[whiteMaro]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

Ok, I got the Core and picked up a haynes and read it over. I see no real challenge it doing this but I do have a few questions.

Now, after I get it all back together the manual says to use 1 ounce of R-134a compatible refrigerant oil with a new evaporator. What is this oil and where do I use it? Do I just pour it into the Evap before I install it? It also says to have the system "evacuated" after I put in the oil. How is this done?

Last question. Can Joe Monkey-McWrench walk into an California auto parts store and pick up a 134a charge kit? Legal stuff aside, can Joe walk in and buy a kit with 134a cans? Are they going to ask for a license or something?

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

Ok, I got the Core and picked up a haynes and read it over. I see no real challenge it doing this but I do have a few questions.

Now, after I get it all back together the manual says to use 1 ounce of R-134a compatible refrigerant oil with a new evaporator. What is this oil and where do I use it? Do I just pour it into the Evap before I install it? It also says to have the system "evacuated" after I put in the oil. How is this done?

Last question. Can Joe Monkey-McWrench walk into an California auto parts store and pick up a 134a charge kit? Legal stuff aside, can Joe walk in and buy a kit with 134a cans? Are they going to ask for a license or something?

not sure where the oil goes, since I have only taken my ac out...you should be able to buy teh recharge kit in the store...we have em at Canadian tire...but you don't have that store...so whatever your automotive shops are should have it...should be in like a spray can type kit with a hose...should be sitting on the shelf, so no licence required...

You may need to take it into a shop to have it evacuated...not sure if they sell a kit for that...

[whiteMaro]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

blah, ok I just found a site on how to evacuate the system. I guess it means flushing the system of any moisture, oiling it and putting a vacuum on the lines. The Manifold Gauges are only around $50 but the pump is going to cost a couple hundred. Not worth buying the tools for just one charge. I'll just take it in and have it charged by a shop.

[whiteMaro]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

OOOhhhhhhhh Maybe that was the $300 the guy at the shop was talking about. Maybe he did not have the tools to do an Evac. Not sure why he said it was a tool to take out the system.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

most shops should be able to do it...its R134a was commonly used in cars...its not a specialty tool per car...it should be universal as far as evac and charging goes...

[whiteMaro]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

Ok now I'm really confused. My co worker just called her family who owns a shop and they said "if he already replaced the part himself there is no reason to evacuate the system." Does evacuating mean taking out the old R-134a for disposal or is evacuating serve a different reason?

[whiteMaro]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

Screw it. i'm just taking it in. Its not worth all this doubt and headache just to save a few bucks.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

Ok now I'm really confused. My co worker just called her family who owns a shop and they said "if he already replaced the part himself there is no reason to evacuate the system." Does evacuating mean taking out the old R-134a for disposal or is evacuating serve a different reason?

I beleive it is to take out the old R134 ****...you cant "legally" empty it unless someone removes it for you.

[99v6bird]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

I'm no expert, but I think the R134 leaks out and air and moisture get in the system.
I think the "evacuation" removes the air and moisture from the system by creating a vacuum, then the fresh R134 goes in.

[timthescarred]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

Oil comes in a small can and is inserted into the system exactly the same as the refrigerant is. It is use to keep the internals of the AC system in good shape, you can pick up a can where you buy the r134a, or you can get mixed stuff which is r134a + oil.

It is legal to recharge your own system and thus r134a can be bought straight from the shelf with no license.

Evacuating is necessary anytime you replace a part though so you may see if you can pay someone to evac for you

[ssms5411]

Re: Evaporator Core swap. Special tool needed?

All the recharge kits come with 3 freon cans which have 2oz of oil already in them and the pressure gauge to attached to the system., my dad and I replaced my A/C line and canister, had it off for maybe 30 minutes and then recharged it. Worked great A/C got to about 30-40 degrees coming out of the vents using about 2 cans, had 1 lefted over from the kit. Got it at Nappa for $80 I think something like that. And for the old A/C freon, well it just left the system and went bye bye, Oh well , I could do worse things.LOL

Also make sure your A/C is on MAX setting it sucks the freon in quicker. Learned that petty quick.LOL