Accessing Evaporator Core (1 Viewer)

[elmariachi]

Does anyone know/recall if I can drop only the bottom half of the plastic housing to access the evaporator core without taking the entire core out along with it? I want to clean mine to kill the last lingering evidence of the PO's cigar smell. I tried dropping it and couldn't get it to come loose and the FSM isn't helpful. I actually removed the entire unit and core to replace a faulty orifice a few years ago just up the road from the entry gate to Area 51 in Nevada, but the intense 110* heat, agony of the job and overall trauma has since created a mental block.

 

[RavenTai]

you can gain some access to the core if all you want to do it spry it simply by removing the fan, bunus you can also clean the fan blades with trap a lot of dust and presumably also smells.

I have removed the evaporator box (after the dash was removed) but never opened it so I cannot help you on that one.

 

[elmariachi]

you can gain some access to the core if all you want to do it spry it simply by removing the fan, bunus you can also clean the fan blades with trap a lot of dust and presumably also smells. I have removed the evaporator box (after the dash was removed) but never opened it so I cannot help you on that one.

I got the fan out, and I did separate the upper and lower halves about 1/2". But I think the core has to come out to get the lower half to drop. I did manage to run my hand up into the box and wipe some of the fins off, but I'd really like to get after it with a toothbrush and some cleaning solution.

 

[Scamper]

You won't get the lower half off without removing the entire cooling unit; the lower half just won't clear the evaporator. I'm actually surprised that you were able to drop the lower half without removing it all...it would have probably been easier to just pull the entire unit!

If you're trying to clean out the evaporator, you'll need to remove it all anyway since the only way you will be able to clean the evaporator is to remove it at the firewall, and it's only going to come free if you pull the entire cooling unit. I think that's all kind of redundant, but...you have to pull it.

While it's a bit of a PIA to remove (especially the top nuts/bolts...unless you have girl hands) as you've already attested to, it's not very difficult. Besides, there are nooks and crannies in that box that the PO probably stashed some cigars just for you .

 

[elmariachi]

While it's a bit of a PIA to remove (especially the top nuts/bolts...unless you have girl hands) as you've already attested to, it's not very difficult. Besides, there are nooks and crannies in that box that the PO probably stashed some cigars just for you .

I really don't want to pop open a working A/C system. Of all the 80s I have had, this is the only one with supercold A/C...my luck I'd never get it back.

I already found the good dentist's cigar stash. It, along with about 15 of those really pricey stainless steel dental picks, were between the back and lower seat cushions on both seats.

 

[CJF]

15 of those really pricey stainless steel dental picks.

Can I have one??

Curtis

 

[CJF]

Hey, seriously this time,

I seem to recall some product that was supposed to *really* clean the evap. and housing; you'd spray it in, and it'd foam up like crazy, etc. Anyone heard of/tried this?

Curtis

 

[Riley]

I recall Christo (Sleeoffroad) mentioning some product to clean out the AC & heater with. I can't really remember much more than that.

 

[Truckasaurus]

The stuff is called Lubegard Kool-It Evaporator & Heater Core Foam Cleaner, 6 oz. Goes for around $8-12 per can, available online. (I Googled it.)

Who wants to be the test dummy?

Let us know how it goes!

(Very minor hijack...removing those little 'skirts' from the back of the front seats. Two little plastic push clips, some velcro and you can take them off and wash them. And get ready for the waterfall of dentist picks, food, cigars, kids toys, etc.)

 

[elmariachi]

The stuff is called Lubegard Kool-It Evaporator & Heater Core Foam Cleaner, 6 oz. Goes for around $8-12 per can, available online. (I Googled it.)Who wants to be the test dummy?

Cool, I am going to find a can and try it.

(Very minor hijack...removing those little 'skirts' from the back of the front seats. Two little plastic push clips, some velcro and you can take them off and wash them. And get ready for the waterfall of dentist picks, food, cigars, kids toys, etc.)

How do you think I found my bonanza of smashed cigars and dental pics? I even found a $20 bill.

 

[RavenTai]

$20 bill, cool, all I found was kids toys, gum wrappers, french fries and pennies

I did find a $20 taking apart a stu seat recently.

there are some past threads about another chemical kit, I cannot remember the name,