1988 Evaporator Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
1988 Evaporator Question
Hey guys, quick question..
How useful is the repair kit for an evaporator in an 88? The metal line that comes out of the evaporator and connects to the condenser hose has been crossthreaded by someone before I owned the car, and I have a leak there. I'm not sure if I can remove just that metal line and replace it, or if I'll have to replace the whole evaporator.
As an aside, has anyone ever replaced an entire evaporator in under 2 hours?
How useful is the repair kit for an evaporator in an 88? The metal line that comes out of the evaporator and connects to the condenser hose has been crossthreaded by someone before I owned the car, and I have a leak there. I'm not sure if I can remove just that metal line and replace it, or if I'll have to replace the whole evaporator.
As an aside, has anyone ever replaced an entire evaporator in under 2 hours?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
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From: San Diego, Ca
Re: 1988 Evaporator Question (Tourney3p0)
Napa makes a kit to repair it. You need to make sure that no metal chips find their way into the system when you cut off the stripped fitting and the best way to do that is to remove it anyway. A small pipe cutter, with the orifice in place, would probably work best, but theres really no room to work with one & a cutter can easily bur the inside of the aluminum inlet which will have to be opened backup. That leaves you at the mercy of a hacksaw - messy - or a plumber's cord saw. Also, GM Evaporators have a reputation for core leaks which absent a leak test with an electronic tester, they can't be seen until you get the passenger side housing off. Replacing the Evaporator in 2 hours? Maybe if the right head is off. Easiest to accomplish by taking each side of the housing out separately - passenger side first. If you do replace, be sure to seal the housing to firewall, both halves and where the lines enter the housing. Otherwise it won't be as efficient and water may find it's way into the passenger's compartment when it rains or you wash the motor.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 715
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: 1988 Evaporator Question (SunCr)
Thanks buddy, I appreciate it. Hopefully I'll be more learned in the ways of the Corvette evaporator after tonight.
If my evaporator is bad (which is a very real possibility), is there any way I can tell before I get the old one out (but have the housing off)? I'd feel pretty dumb to use a repair kit on it only to find out I'll need a new one anyway.
If my evaporator is bad (which is a very real possibility), is there any way I can tell before I get the old one out (but have the housing off)? I'd feel pretty dumb to use a repair kit on it only to find out I'll need a new one anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: 1988 Evaporator Question (Tourney3p0)
Frost on the windshield with a little oil slime is one indicator. The stock unit is filtered with a foam mesh on the blower side. A/C oil destroys its and if it goes on long enough, you'll notice reduced air flow and warmer temps. You may also get a few little pieces of foam, usually through the defroster vent. Since it's in on the blower side, it's impossible to see until the housing is off. The best way to check it is to have an a/c shop stick the probe from an electronic tester in the vents. If it's leaking, the alarm goes off. Takes about 2 seconds, so if they won't do it for free, 10 bucks should cover their time & effort. Unfortunately, the Vette Evaporator ain't cheap. 200 bucks or more at your local dealer. The Last Detail, http://www.tld-corvette.com lists it for about $180. The a/c delco web site states it comes with the case. If they mean the housing, I suppose that justifies the price, but there's really no reason to replace the housing. There are two available and as I remember, the only difference is the clocking of the low pressure switch. One is at 90, the other about 45 degrees from vertical. Either one should work.
