Evaporator replacement, advice needed V8V

[Greathey]

The ac evaporator has finally given up the ghost. I now need to remove the entire dashboard to access the defective article

I would really appreciate any advice as to what be aware of before embarking on this major repair

I'm planning to adapt a replacement evaporator from another vehicle since OEM isn't really available

My car is 2008 4.3 with the original centre console and navigation

I have previously removed the centre panels

[stevenichols]

Shame you haven’t had a response as I’m in a similar situation. AC works for a few days after being regassed, but then fails. I’ve had a new A/C radiator, replacement pipe work, dye added, but nothing shows.

I think it may be the unit in the dashboard, but as you say, not an easy job and very time consuming. I am happy to do it myself rather than pay an “expert” thousands. It’s a case of knowing where to start!

[LTP]

stevenichols said:

Shame you haven t had a response as I m in a similar situation. AC works for a few days after being regassed, but then fails. I ve had a new A/C radiator, replacement pipe work, dye added, but nothing shows.

I think it may be the unit in the dashboard, but as you say, not an easy job and very time consuming. I am happy to do it myself rather than pay an expert thousands. It s a case of knowing where to start!

Probably teaching you to suck eggs, but start by getting a workshop manual, and accept that the entire console and dash will have to come out - the dash mostly comes out as one unit, bolted to the A-pillars and the floor.

[Greathey]

stevenichols said:

Shame you haven t had a response as I m in a similar situation. AC works for a few days after being regassed, but then fails. I ve had a new A/C radiator, replacement pipe work, dye added, but nothing shows.

I think it may be the unit in the dashboard, but as you say, not an easy job and very time consuming. I am happy to do it myself rather than pay an expert thousands. It s a case of knowing where to start!

Hello Steven

I found a mechanic who reluctantly agreed to disassemble the dashboard and inspection the evaporator. The prices for labour alone will surely hit thousands but it has to be done and I love this car. I'll take some pictures and note any tricky bolts as work progresses hopefully without accidents

[Greathey]

LTP said:

Probably teaching you to suck eggs, but start by getting a workshop manual, and accept that the entire console and dash will have to come out - the dash mostly comes out as one unit, bolted to the A-pillars and the floor.

Hi LTP

I'll take this note. Luckily mine is a roadster so there's some room to maneuver

[LTP]

Greathey said:

Hi LTP

I'll take this note. Luckily mine is a roadster so there's some room to maneuver

They load it in horizontally through the door aperture with a special fixture at the factory, whether coupe or Roadster. I don't know if taking a door off would help you as it's fitted doors off down the line - that should be pretty easy as I think the hinges come apart, so it's strut off, disconnect the multiplug, remove the hinge nuts (I think) and lift off the door. Again - workshop manual will tell you. You should only have to take off one side.

[Greathey]

[AM4884]

I am surprised the evaporator failed. I could imagine the TXV going bad (common) and the piping comes into the firewall where it is located. But wow, that is major surgery! I hope it fixes your issue.