Evaporator Replacement
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Evaporator Replacement
My A/C died a few months ago and I took it to a repair shop yesterday and determined the leak is in the evaporator core. The repair cost $1100 is a lot but reasonable based on parts and labor estimate - if you play you must pay. However, I want to be informed on the job and what it entails. Can anyone give me a summary of what it takes to remove and replace the evaporator?
Last edited by beearthwise; May 17, 2007 at 05:38 PM. Reason: posted to wrong forurm chould be C5
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA Pennsylvania
I'm dismantling an 88, mostly with a sawzall. These newer cars were designed as tho-aways, hardest sumB to work on I ever seen. My advice is to replace the heater core (get the highest quality one you can find) while you have everything apart.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
The evaporator is on the engine compartment side of the firewall, replacing it will not give you access to the heater core. I did mine with the engine out, and it was trivial. With the engine in, I'd guess it's tough as hell to get the cover off and R&R the core. Especially if you still have a stock exhaust and Cats. My guess is you'd have to remove the passenger side exhaust manifold to get the access.
Last edited by scranage; May 17, 2007 at 07:46 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,931
Likes: 3
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
The evaporator is on the engine compartment side of the firewall, replacing it will not give you access to the heater core. I did mine with the engine out, and it was trivial. With the engine in, I'd guess it's tough as hell to get the cover off and R&R the core. Especially if you still have a stock exhaust and Cats. My guess is you'd have to remove the passenger side exhaust manifold to get the access.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Remove what's in the way and go at it (and for stock, the head and header can stay on): wheel well, fender, EST module, washer, blower motor, heater hoses and bypass to the manifold. Keep it raised up so that the bolts underneath are accessible. Split the case and remove each half of the case separately. Unbolt the two lines and remove the Core. Transfer Low Pressure Switch to new Core and install in reverse order. Add coolant and then suck all the air and moisture out of it and recharge. Core is about $250 retail, accumulator $80, new orifice (if the core didn't include one) $9, oil and gas 60 Bucks, plus a gallon of coolant. If a shop knows what they're doing (they don't make money if they don't), it's over and done with in 2 or 3 hours max and that includes sitting for a half an hour to make sure it holds a vacuum. Assume a flatrate of 6 hours and multiply by whatever is being charged in your area.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
It's easier with the head off - but it's not something you can't accomplish on a Saturday afternoon. Like most things, undo a bolt, drink a beer, undo another bolt, drink another beer, and so on and so forth.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Damn I would do this for a case of beer if you lived nearby.
Its way easier than it looks...that being said I took apart alot of cars before,including the Vette I used to own.So im used to it.
Cant get over the idea it can be over a 1,000 bucks to do it...whew...but if you feel better and can afford it,then its your choice..nothing wrong...I would shop around or make calls...maybe someone is assuming you got a Vette and is loaded with money...hence the corvette tax owners feel because of the car they drive.
Its way easier than it looks...that being said I took apart alot of cars before,including the Vette I used to own.So im used to it.
Cant get over the idea it can be over a 1,000 bucks to do it...whew...but if you feel better and can afford it,then its your choice..nothing wrong...I would shop around or make calls...maybe someone is assuming you got a Vette and is loaded with money...hence the corvette tax owners feel because of the car they drive.
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Joe Kucinski1986, 75, 79, c5, canister, core, corvette, evaperator, evaporater, evaporator, replace, replacement, replacment, vette
