AC Evaporator issues

[94_302]

Well my dad took my car while I was at work to this place and they added the dye into my AC system. For the next two weeks the car ran great nice and cool. Then today it was hot out and the ac was cool but not cold and nothing near ice cold. This was with everything on max. So my dad and I go back to the place he originally took it and he says my evaporator has a leak. It not that big but not that small either. He said it would be about 560 to fix. According to him its like a 100 dollar part and the rest is all labor for pulling off the dash. He then goes on to say he almost would hate to do it because its in such nice shape that the dash probably won't fit all nice and tight when its all done. Also he has never done it on this type of car so we came back home and now Im trying to find out is that a decent price or is this something I might be able to do on my own. Im also considering just adding a little refrigent everytime its loses it cool. Since the car is really only driven during the summer and not much more than that.

Then I also noticed that the car was sitting pretty well into the "M" getting close to the "A" on the temp gauge. I do have a 180* thermostat and Im wondering if these two are related. But I was also thinking that it may just be a normal 5.0 in traffic on a hot summer day. I usually dont drive the car in much traffic, but even when I have been caught in a little bit It usually wont ever go past the begining of "M".

 

[mo_dingo]

That sounds about right. 9 hours labor appx to swap the evaporator in our cars is reasonable, if the guy reinstalls the dash 100% correct at it doesn't squeak afterwards.

It's a royal PITA job and you should have your heater core replaced at the same time, as it will have to be removed anyway. Don't want to pay for the labor twice.

That sucks that your evap is leaking, b/c that is the worst part to have a leak, as it's a PITA to remove.

Just adding freon everytime it leaks is a bad idea. That is a good way to get dirt/debris/etc and clog your evaporator orifice or gum up your compressor.

Bite the bullet & just replace the evap, whether you do you it yourself or pay is up to you.

But like I said, replace your heater core while you are there. And a ford dealership might be a good idea in this case, as you have some sort of management to bitch to if your dash starts to creek and squeel afterwards.
Scott
Scott

 

[Ar_sn95]

Find a A/C supply house in your area, there is a new product out that you can put in and it will seal a hole in your system not sure the price but it will be cheaper then replacing the coil.

 

[SQUEEZE&STROKE]

I just pulled my ac evap out and it wasnt that big of a deal...I do however have my windshield removed! With a windshield in, it would be a pain. The dash itself is only held on by 4 or 5 nuts/bolts. My evaporator is used but in really good condition. If you want it I will sell it to you for $20 plus shipping (relatively small and lightweight. I removed my whole ac system and this was the last piece to go. Le t me know, it might save you a few bucks in the end.