Found the leak in my AC system (1 Viewer)

[Kernal]

My AC hasn't worked for a long time so pulled the evaporator box from behind the glove box and found yellow dye (put in the system awhile ago) on the evaporator and maybe some on the expansion valve. It appears the core sprung a leak and maybe some from the expansion valve O-rings. Took the photos with the camera set on Vivid which accentuates any colors present, the yellow isn't as obvious just looking at it in daylight.

 

[Danimal92sport]

Ew! I don't have leaks, but I have a bit of a musty smell the next trip after running the AC. I suspect my evaporator looks similar...

Do you park the rig outside?

 

[Kernal]

My truck is going on 19 years old and 328,000 miles, parked outside for most of that, never had much of a musty smell with the AC or heat on. The photos show the intake or dirty side of the evaporator, the other side looks much better.

 

[94SRUNNER]

Kernal...are you doing a full AC rehab?

 

[CruiseOrlando]

I have a feeling that's where mine is, too...

Are you getting a new OEM evaporator or are you going aftermarket on the replacement?

I've debated replacing the box as well - the foam on mine is done. I guess I could just rebuild it.

 

[1972FJ55]

I checked a couple weeks ago and Denso was out of stock. At that time, there were two available on Amazon. One went to a fellow MUDDER I was trying to help out and the other is now gone. I have access to aftermarket evaporators from a couple different suppliers and I'll call Denso on Monday and see if they have an ETA on theirs.

 

[Kernal]

I'm in the search phase for parts, have a new dryer and expansion valve on the shelf, checking around for a Denso evaporator but might go with the Toyota part. Plan also to replace the relay inside the box, maybe also the resistor. I'm assuming the compressor is still good, but then IDK. Have a set of Santech green O-rings, part #MT2580, has anyone used this brand before (the original O-rings are black rubber)?

 

[Timpanogos Slim]

Are these parts 'rare' or are you just a stickler for OE parts?

rockauto has a "GPD" brand evaporator core for $86

 

[Kernal]

Saw the GPD evaporator this morning and sent an email asking where their parts are made, won't use Chinese kerapp for these AC parts, too much of a pain to replace again anytime soon. IIRC RockAuto had a Denso evaporator listed a couple of months ago, must have sold out.

 

[Kernal]

Cleaned the evaporator with dish soap and water, found yellow deposits of sealant and UV dye, knocked a couple of clumps off and found a few holes, apparently from corrosion.

 

[94SRUNNER]

I'm in the search phase for parts, have a new dryer and expansion valve on the shelf, checking around for a Denso evaporator but might go with the Toyota part. Plan also to replace the relay inside the box, maybe also the resistor. I'm assuming the compressor is still good, but then IDK. Have a set of Santech green O-rings, part #MT2580, has anyone used this brand before (the original O-rings are black rubber)?

Kernal...I recently placed an order with Jorge @ Coolstream and picked up a new Denso drier and a set of o-rings which were the Santech green o-rings. I used one of themto get the system back on-line and so far so good!

 

[Kernal]

Good to know, thanks.

 

[Timpanogos Slim]

Saw the GPD evaporator this morning and sent an email asking where their parts are made, won't use Chinese kerapp for these AC parts, too much of a pain to replace again anytime soon. IIRC RockAuto had a Denso evaporator listed a couple of months ago, must have sold out.

*shrug* people used to have the same attitude about japan.

you can get any level of quality out of china - from perfection to excrement.