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Old 07-03-2019, 09:54 AM #1
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A/C Evaporator cleaning

Just a heads up for anyone who feels that their almost 20 y/o A/C system isn't as cold as it could be.

This past weekend I used a couple of cans of evaoprator cleaner on my A/C system. The kind you spray up the condensation drain line. And my A/C system is definitely much colder now. I didn't take any before/after thermometer readings, so it could all be placebo. But I would put money on it that my system is colder now. We have been experiencing 90+ deg temps here in MD for the past week or so. Historically I have have the A/C on full blast just to keep the car cool. Now I only need it about about 50-75%.

I got the cleaners off of a big name online retailer (not sure what the rules are for pushing specific sites or products). I bought 1 can specifically made for cars that came with a nozzle and tube attached, and then 2 cans of generic evaporator cleaner and just used the nozzle from the first can.

I have a 99 v6 w/ no real A/C issues, and initially got the cleaner for my wife's 04 v8 condensation line clog and figured I'd give my car a cleaning as well. After seeing the inside of my 15 y/o house A/C evaporator coil last year I can only imagine what my car looked like.

I tried to get the official Toyota cleaning kit from my dealership, but they refused to sell it to me. They had the products, but said it was only offered as a "service". And my local big name auto parts stores had no idea what I was talking about. So to the internet I went. All said and done, I think it was about $40 total for both cars (I also got some air freshener spray), and it was definitely worth it.

If you are looking for a cheap and easy way to try (no guarantees it will work for you) and get you A/C system a bit colder, I can't recommend it enough.
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Old 07-03-2019, 11:18 AM #2
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I use the $6 can of fin cleaner at Walmart made by Frost King. Works well. After the cleaning of the condenser I have seen the high side pressure drop by as much as 40psi while the system cools better as well.

For everyone who owns a home, do the same as well to keep everything running well.
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Old 07-03-2019, 11:56 AM #3
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I don't believe there any rules in regards to naming products we've used on our rigs...at least under car car/cleaning forums guys mentioned all kinds of name brand products in regards to what they feel works best.

personally my 99 is in exact same boat as yours was and myself id like to know what you used as all brands are not created equal and I like the sound of the results you got. im sure lots of products work but id prefer not to spend extra figuring it out...

this is on my 4runner todo list...
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Old 07-03-2019, 01:08 PM #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by garn79 View Post
I don't believe there any rules in regards to naming products we've used on our rigs...at least under car car/cleaning forums guys mentioned all kinds of name brand products in regards to what they feel works best.

personally my 99 is in exact same boat as yours was and myself id like to know what you used as all brands are not created equal and I like the sound of the results you got. im sure lots of products work but id prefer not to spend extra figuring it out...

this is on my 4runner todo list...
On Amazon I bought 1 can of Lubeguard 96030 Kool-it Evaporator and Heater Foam Cleaner for $16.42. And 2 cans of Frost King ACF19 Air conditioner coil foam cleaner for $5.98 ea.

The Frost King cans are about twice the size of the lubeguard (same basic cleaner), but only come with a standard spray nozzle. The Lubeguard comes with a hose attachment that lets you snake it up the condenser drain tube. I used the Lubeguard first on my wife's truck, then just took the hose adapter off and put it on the frost king can for mine.

There are a few videos on youtube if you do a quick search. It only took about 5 min to do.

A couple of tips. The OD of the hose is a lot smaller than the ID of the condenser drain. I just put on a pair of gloves and kind of pinched it closed around the hose. Otherwise a lot of the foam just comes right back out. Some foam will still leak out, and that is ok there is plenty of it, and I didn't want to put any real pressure on the system.

I got the idea over on the 4th gen forum when trying to solve a wet passenger floor issue.

Please Humor Me: Is This the 4th Gen A/C Condensation Drain?
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Old 07-03-2019, 11:56 PM #5
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I used a some Wrigley's Extra gum I'd chewed up to sorta seal off the little hose pushed into the drain tube.
Gotta try some A/C fin cleaner on the condenser as well.
To try to eliminate the old musty odor, I used a can of the official Toyota stuff.
1 can wasn't enough. Next time I bought this stuff https://www.amazon.com/FJC-5914-Foam.../dp/B002EAKX88
which appeared to be what the Toyota stuff really is, except cheaper.
Before I did the second pass, I removed the blower motor, and using a mirror to see into the evap chamber, sprayed most of a can of CRC Lectra-Motive cleaner directly onto thr evaporator assembly, and then used about a can and a half of the FJC stuff by the conventional method through the drain tube.
After all this the odor was 97% quelled, but I plan to do it again as a preventative and...yes, if possible, I'd like a little more cooling power out of the A/C.
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Old 07-05-2019, 10:52 AM #6
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thanks for posts, great information and appreciated!
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Old 03-28-2023, 05:56 AM #7
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Here is a homemade solution you can make to clean the evaporator coil with built-up dirt. You just need water, dishwashing liquid, and baking soda. Dish soap should be added to a small bowl of soapy water and ample amounts of baking soda.
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