A/C evaporator bad, any tricks to change it?

[alan]

Hi,
I usually just lurk and read, but I need a little help and this is the best place to find it. I have a 96 coupe w/ LT4, and automatic Air Conditioning. The evaporator leaks and needs to be replaced. I was wondering if anybody has done this and learned any tricks to going about it. It doesn't look too bad, but i always seem to learn tricks and shortcuts as I'm doing it. I could use any guidance that anybody that has done it might know. My son works at a tire store and can have it sucked down and recharged, but I want to do this myself.
Thanks for all the info you have all posted as of now, I have learned a lot here, and hope someday i can be of help to somebody.
Thanks
Alan

 

[Ken]

I'm embarrassed that you haven't received a reply to your question yet.

I know nothing about air conditioning or I'd attempt an answer.

Hopefully, this "bump" will get you some more exposure and maybe some help. I moved it to the C4 Technical forum as well.

 

[jsinga]

Your 96 has R-134a right?
Do a auto AC search.
There are air cure epoxy sealants, not the cheap stuff at AutoZone. That will seal very slow leaks.
I haven't seen them but I have seen advertisements, (take them for what you will) from AC shops that swear by them. The stuff is the first order fix for older merceedes since an evaporator replacement is nearly what the car is worth. The kit goes for @$50.00
May cure your problem.

JS

 

[G Winter]

I am new to corvettes so really don't know anything about the work itself. the main thing is keep the lines clean. While you have it open there is usually a restrictor valve with a screen in the low presure side somewhere usually close to , or even right at the evaporator. Be sure to replace the O rings on the connections you take apart, might not be a bad idea to replace them all while you have the system open. I would have responded right away if I had know someone with experience on vettes wasn't going to post. Possible you have it all done by now?.

 

[nyernga]

If you have access to getting it vacumed and recharged, I'd do that first to see how much of a leak you really have. Auto a/c's WILL leak a very small amount over time through the hoses fittings etc. If it's not a large leak, it may not be worth the time, effort and expense to repair, especially if you can get it recharged at a nominal cost.
As for replacing the evaporator, I know on my 88 it's time consuming but not that difficult. I'm not sure about your year though.

Len