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A/C Evaporator.

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Old 06-30-2018, 08:48 PM
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Default A/C Evaporator.

Hello I have a 1986 Buick Century Limited with the 2.5L 4 Cylinder. I'm wondering if anyone has changed the AC Evaporator core in this car. Can anyone help me with a link to a video or web site or something, Please.

Thank You in advance
Aaron
Old 07-01-2018, 02:03 AM
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I'm betting there isn't a video available for this.

I believe you have to take a lot of the dash apart in order to replace the evaporator in this car. Once you replace the evaporator, are you ready to evacuate and recharge the AC system?

What is the original problem that it is having?
Old 07-01-2018, 06:01 AM
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The heater core is inside on these A-body cars (1982 - 1996), but the evaporator is serviced from under the hood.

I found an old post from an A-body website that claims it is only booked as a 2.5 hour job;


Disconnect battery ground cable, then discharge A/C system.
Remove air cleaner assembly.
Disconnect A/C heater module electrical connectors, then harness straps. Move harness aside.
If equipped, remove heater hose routing bracket and resistor from cover, then vacuum tank.
Disconnect liquid line at evaporator inlet and low pressure line at evaporator outlet.
Dismount alternator and move away from module, if necessary.
Remove evaporator core cover retaining screws (loosen bottom screws only), then remove evaporator core cover.
Remove evaporator core.
Reverse procedure to install.

This is one of the few more routine services that I haven't performed on these cars!
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Old 07-01-2018, 06:08 AM
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Also keep in mind that the AC system should be evacuated by a trusted qualified A/C repair shop.
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Old 07-01-2018, 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by CathedralCub
I'm betting there isn't a video available for this.

I believe you have to take a lot of the dash apart in order to replace the evaporator in this car. Once you replace the evaporator, are you ready to evacuate and recharge the AC system?

What is the original problem that it is having?
The entire AC system was Brutally removed by a hack calling himself a mechanic. The Evap core lines that come out into the engine bay through the firewall were cut off with bolt cutters. I was given the car for free and gave it to my son who needed a second vehicle. I've bought all the replacement parts to put back in the car so my son has AC
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Old 07-01-2018, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by CorvairGeek
The heater core is inside on these A-body cars (1982 - 1996), but the evaporator is serviced from under the hood.

I found an old post from an A-body website that claims it is only booked as a 2.5 hour job;


Disconnect battery ground cable, then discharge A/C system.
Remove air cleaner assembly.
Disconnect A/C heater module electrical connectors, then harness straps. Move harness aside.
If equipped, remove heater hose routing bracket and resistor from cover, then vacuum tank.
Disconnect liquid line at evaporator inlet and low pressure line at evaporator outlet.
Dismount alternator and move away from module, if necessary.
Remove evaporator core cover retaining screws (loosen bottom screws only), then remove evaporator core cover.
Remove evaporator core.
Reverse procedure to install.


This is one of the few more routine services that I haven't performed on these cars!
Thanks. This info is almost word for word what'* found in the Chilton'* manual. Problem I'm seeing is that the engine appears to be in the way of that type of removal. I will get some pics and try to post them. I think the above person who said dash removal seems to be the more realistic way
Old 07-01-2018, 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Adubtc


Thanks. This info is almost word for word what'* found in the Chilton'* manual. Problem I'm seeing is that the engine appears to be in the way of that type of removal. I will get some pics and try to post them. I think the above person who said dash removal seems to be the more realistic way
I went back and looked at the whole engine bay. I created my own problem, hard to explain it but I think I got it all figured out. Thx
Old 07-02-2018, 06:55 AM
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Let us know what the issue was.

Also, please use something descriptive for post titles. Simply using "Help please" doesn't work, thanks.
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Old 07-02-2018, 08:55 AM
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Default Evaporator Core

Originally Posted by Mike
Let us know what the issue was.

Also, please use something descriptive for post titles. Simply using "Help please" doesn't work, thanks.
My son was helping me, he had pulled the front bracket that holds the engine to the radiator core support. The engine had rocked back against the evaporator core case that mounts to the firewall. I didn't see the engine rock back so I presumed everything was in it'* correct spot. Thx everyone for your input
Old 07-02-2018, 04:46 PM
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Yes, I believe the evaporator is accessed from the engine compartment......not that bad a job...

Obviously, the whole system has been exposed to dirt/moisture....a flushing may be necessary....

Was this already converted to 134a or is it still R-12? That can open another can of worms.....


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