Cleaning AC System and Evaporator

[TheNorskmann]

Not sure if this thread is active anymore or not. I have a '95 LC with a manure smell coming from the AC. Smells like a barn. Can anyone show pictures of where the evaporator core is on this particular LC? I have the BG product to clean it. Just want to make sure I do it right. Thanks.

 

[izzyandsue]

Dont have pics, but its the black thing you see when you remove the glove box. I removed the visible screws and that was enough space to wedge a small flat screwdriver to separate the top and bottom, the insert the little hose and spray the can. Worked perfectly.

 

[TheNorskmann]

izzyandsue, thanks for the response after such a long time between posts on this topic. Did you remove the screws and wedge the tube in rather than opting to drill a hole like has been mentioned on this thread?

 

[Brentbba]

I drilled the hole and screwed in the fitting BG provided. Pics in this thread should point you to the location you after! Your '95 will be the same as the pics shown.

 

[izzyandsue]

izzyandsue, thanks for the response after such a long time between posts on this topic. Did you remove the screws and wedge the tube in rather than opting to drill a hole like has been mentioned on this thread?

Thats correct, there is enough give in the plastic housing to not drill if you don't want to. The tube is pretty small and long, so can be inserted and pushed down. Then plug it to the can and let the foam flow. I saw a little foam working its way through the tiny hole where I wedge the screwdriver, so that was positive response that the foam was working its way up and hopefully cleaning the system. Worked for me.

 

[TheNorskmann]

Okay. Nice. Thanks izzyandsue and Brentbba for the help. Much appreciated.

 

[TheNorskmann]

I'm still at it with getting rid of the barn smell inside the LC. I used the BG product and there is minimal improvement at best in the smell inside. It might just be a function of a 22 year old vehicle that sat on Maryland's Eastern Shore and was used mostly on weekends during duck season. BUT, in case I do have other options are there things I might also try in order to freshen it up a bit? It may require removal of the evaporator core which I'd rather not do. Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

[Rifleman]

The Norskmann, The only way to eliminate your "barn" odor, is to open up your evaporator core, and clean it by hand. I've done this job a few times for customers, that came to me with "smell problems" just like yours. You'd be shocked at what you'll find packed onto a 20 year old evaporator core. I've seen the fins packed full of dirt, hair, and here's one you really don't want your family breathing, black mold. I cleaned one for a customer once, who use to let his duck hunting Golden Retriever ride in the cab with him. He came in, and said that his wife was complaining that every time she ran the AC, that it smelled like a wet dog was riding in the cab. I had to laugh when i opened up his evap core, i cleaned enough Golden Retriever hair off his core to cover a mini retriever! YMMV

 

[Gafjz80]

Where did you buy the product?

 

[TheNorskmann]

@Rifleman I'm a rookie at the car stuff but enjoy working on the rig even with my limited know-how. Opening up the housing and pulling out the evaporator core seems beyond my ability. But maybe not. I don't know. Is there a thread on how to do it?

Also, after I used the BG product, a pretty good amount of stinky brown water came out the AC discharge line.

Thanks for the help.

 

[TheNorskmann]

@Gafjz80 I bought it from my local service station near my house. I don't think the company sells it retail. I believe you can look on their website and it will show the local shops that sell it. I think I paid $29.95 for the kit.

 

[JLH911]

Bumping this for a hot California summer and my LX450 letting out a funky smell form the vents every so often.

 

[jdayment]

I just bought a can of frigi clean off of ebay another one popped up this morning just wanted to pass it along. BG FRIGI FRESH CLEANING KIT | eBay

 

[ZackR]

If its bad the only way to really clean the evaporator is to pull it out. You will be amazed how much gunk can accumulate in there. Pop in a new expansion valve during the reinstall for good measure.

 

[flintknapper]

The Norskmann, The only way to eliminate your "barn" odor, is to open up your evaporator core, and clean it by hand. I've done this job a few times for customers, that came to me with "smell problems" just like yours. You'd be shocked at what you'll find packed onto a 20 year old evaporator core. I've seen the fins packed full of dirt, hair, and here's one you really don't want your family breathing, black mold. I cleaned one for a customer once, who use to let his duck hunting Golden Retriever ride in the cab with him. He came in, and said that his wife was complaining that every time she ran the AC, that it smelled like a wet dog was riding in the cab. I had to laugh when i opened up his evap core, i cleaned enough Golden Retriever hair off his core to cover a mini retriever! YMMV

^^^^^^^^^^^^ Exactly. Most folks would be surprised to find all the junk that accumulates in the bottom of the evaporator housing. Honestly...its easier to just REPLACE it than to try to clean one. They aren't expensive. Its also a good time to replace the TXV.

Pumping in a little foam cleaning agent is NOT going to remove the crud in the bottom. That build up is what corrodes the bottom of the evaporator (usually in the corner) and which results in a leak, which results in replacing the evaporator anyway.

97 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser A/C Evaporator - Climate Control - Denso, GPD, Nissens, UAC, Front - PartsGeek

 

[ZackR]

To get an idea of how much crap can accumulate in there fill up a pint glass with dirt, feathers, pine needles, mouse fur, etc. For some its two pints worth. The spray cleaner would be better as an annual service on unit thats clean to start with.

Not mine but you get the idea:

 

[JLH911]

If its bad the only way to really clean the evaporator is to pull it out. You will be amazed how much gunk can accumulate in there. Pop in a new expansion valve during the reinstall for good measure.

Yup, if I continue to have that smell, I will access the evaporator and clean it with some a/c coil cleaner and vacuum it out.

 

[Pike]

Local Toyota dealership had many of these in stock for $31. Instructions are to spray it up through the A/C condensation drain tube in the engine bay. I found that behind a heat shield by the downpipes, one screw and pull it back. No drilling needed inside the truck or fittings/caps. Mold smell gone and replaced with soapy heaven.

Youtube instructions here: Genuine Toyota A/C Refresher Kit - YouTube

 

[JLH911]

Anyone know if the evaporator can be accessed without opening the a/c lines? Can the plastic housing be removed to a point where one could clean out the evaporator, but not lose any refrigerants by having to open the lines to the evaporator?

 

[flintknapper]

Anyone know if the evaporator can be accessed without opening the a/c lines? Can the plastic housing be removed to a point where one could clean out the evaporator, but not lose any refrigerants by having to open the lines to the evaporator?

Nope, several screws and a few clips (on the housing) that you could never access without pulling the unit.