$1200 for evap / exp valve- seem reasonable?

ive had 2 shops try to find the leak in my AC system. They can't, say it must be in the evap. I got a quote for $1200 for replacement of evaporator and expansion valve. That seem right to you guys? Would you pay $1200 for AC on a 140k mile truck? West wa climate doesn't require AC but it sure can be nice during east side trips...

 

Have you priced the parts and thought about doing t yourself?

 

Honestly, im a big DYI'er, and would try to source a part off a junker and do it myself. I would be very leary of spending that kind of cash without a guaranteed fix.

I think you can hook a bike pump up to the fill fitting and listen for the leak yourself.

Edit: i think autozone has dye kits where you can find leaks with a black light.

 

Oh yes it has been through three rounds of die tests. I'm waiting on quote from wrecking yard now for part alone.

As far as I understand it requires the complete disassembly and removal of the dash. $800 labor at the shop.

 

How long does it hold charge? If it goes flat instantly should be easy to find.

 

It passes the gross leak at the shop. Takes about 1.5 weeks to bleed off enough to stop blowing cold, which is less than a 1psi drop.

Anyone know a way to check where the refrigerant would pool of the evap was leaking? It has to be going somewhere. Any way to only partly disassemble interior to check?

 

Refrigerant doesn't pool. The oil might. It would be in the bottom of the housing behind the dash. The one the condensate drain runs out of.

A simple sniffer can pinpoint the location pretty easily. Just run it up the condensate line to get close to the core.

I'd be considering another shop. Unless you just don't know all they've done, it sounds like they are guessing. And I think their labor is nuts.

And unless you were DIY and flipping the truck, I'd never use used parts in that location. Too hard to access. If the truck is a keeper, buy new bits.

Also, you need a new accumulator now as well. The system has been open to atmosphere.

 

I've had it at toyota dealer and reputable independent who specialize in toyotas. Dealer couldn't find the leak so I called the independent who said oh toyota dealer doesn't know what they're doing we will find it. They've had it three times now still can't find the leak. It has dye in it so if I can find the spot the oil would pool there would be lots of dye. Suffice it to say it has probably had 6 hours of shop time trying to find the leak. They say since they can't find it it must be in evap.

I'm not familiar with the housing, is it something I could crack open to check for oil? There is no dye marking on the condensate tube either. I don't know maybe it's magical refrigerant.

Toyota quotes $1300 to do the job (parts + labor). You think it could be done without removing dash? I'm tempted to pull one from wrecked so I can learn how the dash comes apartZ