A/C Evaporator help please

[xStePheNyz]

the AC stopped working on my 2001 T4R so i brought it in to the valvoline place. They recharged the system and then 3 days later it stopped blowing cold again. So they recharged it again and replaced the caps. 3 days later it stopped blowing cold again so they ran the dye through it and found no leaks and told me I need to replace the evaporator.

Does anyone have a write-up on how to do this project? They said they don't do repairs of this kind at the valvoline place and the fellow told me it's probably a $50 part but the dealership had charged his ladyfriend about $600 for the labor. I don't have $600 for labor so I'd like to try and do this myself so any advice or write-up would be very much appreciated!

 

[FdcCal]

How do you know it is the evap? The leak could be anywhere. I would have an experienced AC tech find the real source. Replacing any major AC component, while the R&R may be relatively easy, properly recharging with the correct oil amount requires some knowledge and equipment.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Go to a dedicated AC shop for a second opinion. I would imagine there are a myriad of them in FL. If there is no leak, then where did all the 134a go?

I am pretty sure the dash has to be pulled to get to the evaporator. Not fun.

 

[xStePheNyz]

the fellow at the valvoline place said it was the evaporator. but said they do not do work like that. so i called my mechanic, who does do work like that, and explained the problem and he said it sounds like the evaporator.

 

[Kenjan]

you can find some write ups on this on the web

its not really that hard but the evat is the most important

prob around 60 to buy it

ive done it and its no fun

you have to have the system drained by a pro ---unless u have the setup at home ---

read this

How to Change a Toyota Evaporator | eHow.com

if you were closer i would do it for a full tank of gas n oil change lol

oh i did mine 2x ---about a year later the clutch cycling pressure switch went out ---lol

 

[Socco]

Dude, Forget what the oil jockey said and the diagnosis your mechanic made over the phone. Take it to a place that actually does mobile A/C. If they ran (UV ?) dye through the system and "found no leaks" then why replace the evap? Sounds like everyone wants to change parts without investigating the problem.

 

[Kenjan]

If you still want to do it urself then I would change the dryer also
But a leak test should be done again n you can do it
Put dye in and get a uv light aka backlight to find the leak
It's going somewhere prob under the dash

Also crap can build up in the lines esp if it leaks
Or the compressor could be bad

Sure u can find the prob

Summer is here get ready to pay if not