getting to a/c evaporator

Topic: getting to a/c evaporator (Read 965 times) previous topic - next topic

getting to a/c evaporator

February 16, 2009, 06:55:03 PM

Ever since I switched from my IHI turbo to my Holset turbo, I havent been able to keep refridgerant in my A/C system for more than a week. I have put both red and green dye in the system, and cannot find anywhere in the engine compartment that has any dye coming out. I havent checked the condenser, mainly because that would require pulling the FMIC and I dont see any reason it would be leaking behind that since it was on there before I did the turbo swap. Is there any easy way to get in there to check the evaporator, or do I have to pull the whole dash? My chilton was no help

getting to a/c evaporator

Reply #1 – February 16, 2009, 07:20:27 PM

You have to pull the dash and cut the heater box open.

getting to a/c evaporator

Reply #2 – February 16, 2009, 09:11:46 PM

well, I guess I will try changing a schrader valve before I do that. Sucks you have to cut the box open to get to it

getting to a/c evaporator

Reply #3 – February 16, 2009, 09:34:15 PM

If the evapourator is leaking that bad you might see dye or oil coming from the drain hole in the firewall. Other than that, it'd probably be easier to take the car to an A/C shop that has a leak detector - they can tell if there is refrigerant leaking into the heater box. Might cost ya $40 or so, but it'd be worth it to not have to take that dash apart...

getting to a/c evaporator

Reply #4 – February 16, 2009, 09:47:12 PM

yeah. I'll change that schrader valve and hopefully it just had a little dirt in it when I refilled the system. System wouldve been fine had I not had to remake a line that went directly in front of the turbo inlet. If that doesnt fix it, I will probably see if I can get someone to find the leak before I tear that dash apart because that looks like a major PITA.

getting to a/c evaporator

Reply #5 – February 16, 2009, 10:05:28 PM

Probably leaking at o-rings where the lines connect.
Very common problem in older fords and not very noticeable.
Had 3 birds that all needed the o-rings changed.
You don't have to cut the heater box open just unbolt the two halves.
If it was your evaporator you'd smell it inside the car when the a/c is on,i doubt it's that.
The lines make much more sence since you said you had to refit one.

getting to a/c evaporator

Reply #6 – February 16, 2009, 10:42:05 PM

I have looked at all the connections right down to the springs, and changed some o-rings and it still leaks. Unless I didnt get the compression fittings tight enough yet

You can see the line right in front of the turbo inlet. I was worried it could be the evaporator because I thought it may have cracked one of the lines when tightening it or something. I havent smelled anything in the car with the a/c on which I thought I wouldve smelled something.