Few AC/ Heater Questions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
Few AC/ Heater Questions
I have to replace my heator core and from the looks of it, I should replace my AC hoses while I'm in there. (1978)
Question 1: Can I get to the Heater Core from inside the engine bay? It looks like there is a removable panel in front of it.
2: From the looks of it the only reason my AC doesn't work is because there is a leak in one of the hoses. What else could be broken/ leaking?
3: In my Vette catalog there is an Evaporator Core for $330. What the hell is that and why is it so much? Where is it and what are the odds of it being broken?
4: What is the drier bottle and what are the odds that I will need to replace it?
5: What are the odds that my condenser will have a leak?
Thanks fellas!
If anyone can answer any of these ques I'll appreciate it. 
Question 1: Can I get to the Heater Core from inside the engine bay? It looks like there is a removable panel in front of it.
2: From the looks of it the only reason my AC doesn't work is because there is a leak in one of the hoses. What else could be broken/ leaking?
3: In my Vette catalog there is an Evaporator Core for $330. What the hell is that and why is it so much? Where is it and what are the odds of it being broken?
4: What is the drier bottle and what are the odds that I will need to replace it?
5: What are the odds that my condenser will have a leak?
Thanks fellas!
If anyone can answer any of these ques I'll appreciate it.
Last edited by enkeivette; Nov 24, 2005 at 07:05 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh NC
Heater core removal from inside only in a '78. You don't need to remove or go near the refrigerant section.
The best plan is to replace the heater core now--and since you'll be removing all the a/c ductwork, refurbish/reseal them at this time.
Then, spend the winter months saving up and buying, a piece at a time, all the components for your a/c system. You'd be amazed at the savings you can find on them if you take your time and shop around. Ebay is a great source--Carquest is too. I have been real happy with Corvette Central's stuff too.
Replacing the whole system in one go will mean trouble-free cool driving for years to come.
The best plan is to replace the heater core now--and since you'll be removing all the a/c ductwork, refurbish/reseal them at this time.
Then, spend the winter months saving up and buying, a piece at a time, all the components for your a/c system. You'd be amazed at the savings you can find on them if you take your time and shop around. Ebay is a great source--Carquest is too. I have been real happy with Corvette Central's stuff too.
Replacing the whole system in one go will mean trouble-free cool driving for years to come.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
If your A/C is working, why would you mess with it too? Just replace the heater core and hoses and be done with it. While you have the inner HVAC box out it would be a good time to reseal it, but I'd leave the A/C stuff alone unless it is already non-functioning.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Originally Posted by torqvette
I have to replace my heator core and from the looks of it, I should replace my AC hoses while I'm in there. (1978)
Question 1: Can I get to the Heater Core from inside the engine bay? It looks like there is a removable panel in front of it.
The Heater core is in the housing on the inside of the car. You will have to at least seperate the evaporator box (engine bay side) from the firewall to fish the core tubes out. You can see the tubes coming out under the evaporator housing.
2: From the looks of it the only reason my AC doesn't work is because there is a leak in one of the hoses. What else could be broken/ leaking?
Almost anything could be leaking, hoses, seals, compressor etc.
3: In my Vette catalog there is an Evaporator Core for $330. What the hell is that and why is it so much? Where is it and what are the odds of it being broken?
Chances are your evaporator is OK. You can take it out and have it checked at a radiator repair place. New ones are available from AC Delco for less than $200.
4: What is the drier bottle and what are the odds that I will need to replace it?
The drier will have to be replaced because the system has been open.
5: What are the odds that my condenser will have a leak?
The condenser can be pressure checked on the car.
Thanks fellas! If anyone can answer any of these ques I'll appreciate it.
Question 1: Can I get to the Heater Core from inside the engine bay? It looks like there is a removable panel in front of it.
The Heater core is in the housing on the inside of the car. You will have to at least seperate the evaporator box (engine bay side) from the firewall to fish the core tubes out. You can see the tubes coming out under the evaporator housing.
2: From the looks of it the only reason my AC doesn't work is because there is a leak in one of the hoses. What else could be broken/ leaking?
Almost anything could be leaking, hoses, seals, compressor etc.
3: In my Vette catalog there is an Evaporator Core for $330. What the hell is that and why is it so much? Where is it and what are the odds of it being broken?
Chances are your evaporator is OK. You can take it out and have it checked at a radiator repair place. New ones are available from AC Delco for less than $200.
4: What is the drier bottle and what are the odds that I will need to replace it?
The drier will have to be replaced because the system has been open.
5: What are the odds that my condenser will have a leak?
The condenser can be pressure checked on the car.
Thanks fellas!
If anyone can answer any of these ques I'll appreciate it. 
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
If you are going to rework the AC, now would be a good time to change to the sanyo compressor & switch to R-134. However, I see that you don't really care about the AC. IMO I would ditch the compressor, dryer & condensor. The compressor robs minor amounts of hp, unless you have the belt removed, if so then why have it in the way. The condensor restricts some airflow through the radiator. You can piece the AC back together or get a new one from Hot Rod Air for $1150.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by markdtn
If your A/C is working, why would you mess with it too? Just replace the heater core and hoses and be done with it. While you have the inner HVAC box out it would be a good time to reseal it, but I'd leave the A/C stuff alone unless it is already non-functioning.
If you do decide to ditch the a/c, my pet peave is people who hacksaw the pipes at the evaporator and pull the compressor. If you do it, do it right and make it look good-get it all. Save the old stuff for the next owner, complete a/c stuff is getting harder to find.