Evaporator Core Leak Advice

[pchain]

My '03 Limited with 232k miles needs an Evaporator Core replacement according to my mechanic. This requires gutting my dash - huge job and around $1000 to complete because of labor.

Do I get the work done given the high mileage of the vehicle? If I do get the work done, since the dash will be torn out what other things should be done at the same time?

My original goal for this 4Runner was driving it at least 300k miles. Other than regular maintenance and a couple calipers this vehicle has been solid mechanically. However I constantly am wrestling with intermittent check engine, VSC, Trac off lights, which i still refuse to be believe the cats are bad. Always a struggle to pass emissions tests.

What are your thoughts or suggestions as to what I should do? Get the work done or buy a new 2018 4Runner? lol

If I were a wealthy man i wouldn't need to ask, I would already have a new 4Runner!

 

[AuSeeker]

It all depends on how it runs for you now and how happy with it you are, if it runs great and you're happy with it I would do the replacement and with the mileage I would also replace the heater core since it's right there with the evaporator, that should only add the cost of the core, which isn't outrageous and a small labor charge, all in all it will cost you less than a 6 months of new 4Runner payments.

Also you didn't mention if it's a V6 or V8, if a V8 and you haven't done the timming belt and water pump within the last 20,000 to 30,000 miles you may want to figure that cost in in the near future, if it's the V6 you'll most likely make 300,000 with having to do the timming chain.

 

[pchain]

if it runs great and you're happy with it I would do the replacement and with the mileage I would also replace the heater core since it's right there with the evaporator...

...Also you didn't mention if it's a V6...

I am very happy with it and it is running great - best vehicle I've ever owned. It is a V6. Thanks for the advice!

 

[bunzz]

It's labor intensive but it isn't difficult. I've never done an evap core replacement but the factory service manual is pretty detailed. If you have a weekend, a pal, and tools you can knock this out. There's a thread on here somewhere with detailed photos as well. Here's when I did it, complete with tape to label where everything goes.

 

[pchain]

It's labor intensive...

Holy smokes! That is impressive and depressing at the same time!!!! lol This is way beyond my level of patience.

 

[AuSeeker]

It's labor intensive but it isn't difficult. I've never done an evap core replacement but the factory service manual is pretty detailed. If you have a weekend, a pal, and tools you can knock this out. There's a thread on here somewhere with detailed photos as well. Here's when I did it, complete with tape to label where everything goes.

Holy smokes! That is impressive and depressing at the same time!!!! lol This is way beyond my level of patience.

That photo is proof why it costs so much to replace a $100 part, and also why I suggested doing the heater core at the same time, another $100 or so part, sorta killing to birds with one expensive stone, instead of another expensive stone later on if the heater core starts leaking!!

Also there are several other major pieces that still need to be removed that are still in place in that photo.