2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission AC Evaporator Question

[surfbeetle]

I know that there's lots of posts here about what a P. I. T. A. it is to change out the heater core and the AC evaporator. I am not looking forward to it. Anyone know who's got the best price on both the heater core and the evaporator? Mopar Parts for Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep: MoparPartsAmerica has the evaporator for 193. 20 and the heater core for 165. 00. Also, I read somewhere that also I should have a (damper?) on hand when I do the job. I am not sure on that one, any advice? It sure sucks having 100+ degree temps this week and no A/C.



I haven't officially nailed down that it's the evaporator, but before the A/C totally died, I was hearing a whistling noise on that side of the cab which now has since ceased. I was told one way to check for leaks was to use a vacuum pump and a stethoscope to listen for the noise where the air is entering the system.



Thanks in advance.

 

[WKruger]

Give any of the parts stores a try? Like Napa, Carquest, etc.....

 

[B.G. Smith]

I wouild try NAPA also, I used to do some AC work and I got lots of evaperators from them. The noise you heard may just have been the refrigerant going through the unit after it got so low that it was mostly in the gas state. I doubt that you could hear the leak with the vac. method. Best way to find leak is with electronic detector. Where are you located? I don't know aboput a "damper", you will need to replace the receiver/dryer to get the seller to warrant the evaporator. bg

 

[chuckwilson]

check a/cparts.com they have heater core & evaperator for less than $200. 00 (ac delco parts) !!!!!!!!

 

[Bob4x4]

With 134 the best leak detection method for small leaks is uv dye,you can be sure what is leaking

 

[surfbeetle]

Thank you all for your posts, now to get time to fix it...

 

[surfbeetle]

So I did some investigating and found that the pressure switch on the line coming from the compressor was loose and backing out of the fitting. I took it into a Radiator and AC place and asked them to check the system and tighten the switch. They evacuated the system and recharged it with dye, freon and oil. The thing works like brand new. They were not able to find any other leaks. I will see what happens and if it fails again, I just go back and they will put the black light on it. Hopefully it will be okay.

 

[hammersley]

do us a favor ---

ducyment on video/digital photos all the steps... this would be great

 

[surfbeetle]

Fortunately for me, I don't think that I will be doing that nasty job. So far the a/c is working after tightening the fittings and a recharge.