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Replacing AC Evaporator 70 Cutlass

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Old Oct 14, 2012 | 06:49 PM
  #1  
keverson's Avatar
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Replacing AC Evaporator 70 Cutlass

I replaced all AC components but the evaporator. Had the system vacuumed and guess what is bad!!! I have never replaced one of these. Any tips from your experiences? Thanks!
Old Oct 14, 2012 | 08:37 PM
  #2  
Ozzie's Avatar
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From: S.E. Louisiana, so far still in U.S.A.
Exclamation Proceed with care!

First be very sure that the evaporator is leaking. You said that you vacuumed the system. I don't know how to tell where the leak is by only applying a vacuum. Assuming it is leaking:
1. The EPA doesn't want you to discharge the refrigerant into the atmosphere. You're supposed to be certified and have the correct tools to work with the refrigerant.
2. The system must be discharged to continue.
3. Disconnect everything attached to the right hand filler plate and remove the plate.
4. Disconnect refrigerant lines from the suction and expansion valves.
5. Cover all connections to keep out crud & moisture.
6. Remove screws securing the evaporator case. Remove case & evaporator.
7. Separate the case.
8. Remove expansion valve.
9. Remove clamps securing the valve and evaporator pipe.
10. Disconnect all lines and remove suction valve.
11. Remove the screws securing the evaporator to the case.
To assemble, reverse the procedure. Always use two wrenches when loosening or tightening refrigeration fittings. Flare nut wrenches are best. Use refrigerant oil on all connections. Add the correct amount of oil to replace what was lost in the old evaporator (usually 3 ounces). There are different quality evaporators on the market. Try to get a good one so you don't have to redo the job in a short amount of time. If you can get the kind with copper tubing it has less chance of leaking. And if you're watching the certified man charge the system be sure to wear safety glasses in case of a blowout. Liquid refrigerant in the eyes will damage them.
Old Oct 15, 2012 | 04:34 AM
  #3  
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From: Maryland
Here is a thread that covered the replacement of the evaporator along with a lot of other work. This should give you a good idea of what you are facing. Since I assume your car is fully assembled, you will need to remove the the passenger side wheel and wheelhouse to gain full access to the evaporator box under the hood. And if you decide to do this project, I would also replace the heater core and the blower motor too. You will have the blower motor right in front of you and the heater core is just a few more steps to get it out. The heater core replacement is also covered in this same thread.

If you do replace the heater core and if yours is original, you will likely find a brace that is soldered between the 2 tubes coming off the heater core. The replacement heater cores do not have the brace. I would suggest unsoldering the brace from the original core and solder it onto the new one. It does add stability to the tubes.

Brian

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...storation.html
Old Oct 15, 2012 | 05:48 AM
  #4  
keverson's Avatar
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Sounds like a big job! Thanks for the replies. They may have done more than just vacuum the system. They showed me right where it was leaking. The new part arrives this week so I will get to work. Good suggestion on the blower motor and heater core!
Thanks
Old Oct 15, 2012 | 05:39 PM
  #5  
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It only took about an hour to remove the evaporator box. Not bad at all. The new evaporator from The Parts Place will be here Thursday, then it all goes back together.
Old May 5, 2024 | 04:11 PM
  #6  
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Evaporator Replacement

Saw this old post on your replacement. Did you remove the entire cover box? I tried just the engine side and it will not clear on my 1969.
Old May 6, 2024 | 01:28 AM
  #7  
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From: Northern VA
Originally Posted by Ron Gardner
Saw this old post on your replacement. Did you remove the entire cover box? I tried just the engine side and it will not clear on my 1969.
The OP hasn't logged into this site since 2013, so don't expect an answer.
Old May 6, 2024 | 06:16 AM
  #8  
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Joe actually he did and semi confirmed what I thought. He said he was able to remove the right half but took it all off to replace the heater core too. So I am not sure since the heater is interior I believe, But I think pulling the fender side will allow enough room to tilt it away and open to pull the evap out and stick the new one in. I have made a lot of inquiries to clarify and no one had clear direction so I am shot gunning and disassembling until it is clear.

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