AC Evaporator leak

These are the A/C lines, make sure the system is empty before disconnecting them.

 

Yep, that's it! Thank you!

 

Thank you! Yes, it is empty! I'm done for the day. I'll get back at it tomorrow morning.

 

Well, I've got it all taken apart and replaced the evaporator and heater core. Still have to put the expansion valve on and reassemble this mess. Then I'll replace the condenser. Nowhere near as organized as I'd like it. Let's just say it has been a bit frustrating.

 

Great Job!

 

Thank you! It looks like I can put it all back together and then worry about the expansion valve and condenser. I know it is supposed to remain "closed up" to keep everything dry.

 

Do you know if I can re-assemble everything and then replace expansion valve and condenser? I don't want to remove the seal from the new evaporator or condenser until I'm ready for refrigerant, if I can avoid that.

 

Condenser you absolutely can, it's out front.
Expansion valve would be easier to do while it's apart as it's recessed from the firewall but it still can be done after.
I wouldn't be overly concerned about uncapping the evaporator as there's nothing in there to absorb mositure, the condenser on the other hand has a desiccant bag in it that is there to remove moisture from the system.
Don't forget to add a bit of PAG 46 to the system when you are done and to pull a vacuum on it before charging.

 

When I replaced my condenser, the FSM called for 1.4 oz of pag oil.


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-ac-condenser-replacement-tips.495755/

 

Thank you! Where do I put the PAG 46?

 

Add about an ounce to the evaporator and condenser, it will find it's home. On a properly charged system refrigerant carries the oil around the system with it so it will get distributed.

Yea FSM says 1.4 oz each, I think that would be too much since total oil charge is only about 5.6oz
Figuring out how much oil to add to an A/C system when replacing individual components is always a guessing game because there's so many variables.

 

Agree.

That seems about right though... typically oil pools in the low spots in the system (condenser especially), so 1.4 + 1.4 = 2.8 leaving another 2.8 in the rest of the system... so maybe 2 in the compressor and .8 distributed around the hoses.

 

I also added a little dye to the system, it make it real easy to find a leak in the future with a UV light.

 

I appreciate it folks! I just got back from Auto Zone with some R134 PAG 46. Gonna put 1 oz in evaporator core and 1 oz in condenser. (or should it be 1.4 oz in each) Then I think I 'll be ready for re-assembly. By the way, when I removed the seal from the new evap core, it was under pressure. Just a big release of "air". (I hope it was air) So it is currently exposed to my atmosphere.

 

Yea it's always a hard call for me, maybe I overthink it but I do know too much oil and cooling performance is reduced and too little oil and the compressor doesn't get enough lubrication.

 

Pretty normal, A/C components are usually pressurized with Nitrogen to keep air and moisture out during shipping.
How are you planning on pulling a vacuum on the system?

 

Lube up that condenser seal washer real good with pag oil.

 

I will either rent the equipment from Auto Zone and do it myself with the aid of youtube, OR, I'll take it to a pro for that part.

 

Those are your main components to DIY. They might be difficult to get from AutoZone, so you might find yourself choosing between pro and those... which is a hard call.. a pro might cost the same amount and if all goes well, you'll never need to deal with it again... if not, it might be best to buy the tools.

You absolutely will be able to handle the rest of the job DIY if you so choose - you've already proven that by being able to get the dash apart.

 

The main reason for me doing this myself is to save money. But, Vacuuming and recharging the system will cost about $180 at a shop. Refrigerant at auto zone is $40 each and I'll need 2 cans. If I'm only saving $100 by doing that part myself, it may be wiser to let the pros do that part. I don't know. According to the video I saw, it looks a fairly simple diy job. Your thoughts?