I have a 1999 intrepid overseas and the A/C developed a leak in the line about 5 years ago. Rusted out. Had not the chance to replace it since I don't get a chance to go overseas often. I purchased all the components to replace all parts including compressor but have a question about the evaporator. Since it's been open for over 5 years, will it be necessary to change out the evaporator? The leak did not originate from there but the metal line, passenger side leading to dryer. Thank you for any advice.
A/C evaporator condition, to change or not
Steve57
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I have a 1999 intrepid overseas and the A/C developed a leak in the line about 5 years ago. Rusted out. Had not the chance to replace it since I don't get a chance to go overseas often. I purchased all the components to replace all parts including compressor but have a question about the evaporator. Since it's been open for over 5 years, will it be necessary to change out the evaporator? The leak did not originate from there but the metal line, passenger side leading to dryer. Thank you for any advice.
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Moisture (absorbed from the air) in the a.c. system is considered the enemy, but I don't know if the harm only manifests itself in an operating system filled with R134A and PAG oil, going through temperature and refrigerant phase changes - or - if the harm also occurs in a static non-operating system, IOW, is hygroscopic PAG oil soaked with moisture corrosive to aluminum? If you can convince yourself that the moisture is harmful only in a system that is in use, you may be OK simply flushing the evaporator out to remove old moisture-laden PAG oil and possible bacteria.
However - irrespective of those concerns, just like the leaking corroded metal line that you experienced, it is also very common for evaporators in our cars to fail (develops corrosion leaks from condensed moisture on external surfaces just like on your metal line that failed) after less than 10 years of usage. If you plan to keep the car a while, (even ignoring the unknowns/uncertainties of my first paragraph) it may be wise to consider that your evap. is on borrowed time and replace it. Probably not what you wanted to hear because of the extra work of removing your dash, etc.
Opinions and insights from others would be welcomed.
Thank you Peva for replying. Very informative, as always. I researched how the evaporator comes out of the vehicle and decided for now only to flush the evaporator and replace all the parts (hoses, lines, dryer, condenser, compressor, etc). If there is a leak in the evaporator, then I'll replace it. Since it is a major job, I'll do it only if necessary. Replacing hoses, vacuuming, charging, I have done on my other vehicle. Not difficult. I would like to keep the Intrepid until it quits. Great running car.
Replacing the water pump, chains, tensioners in '02 was easy. You guided me through it. Wanted to thank you. Upcoming work after A/C is replacing all suspension parts. Have all new parts. I was told by European mechanics to dump the vehicle. Not worth fixing. Not listening to them. Love the car, at least I'll have a hobby.
Again, thank you.
Replacing the water pump, chains, tensioners in '02 was easy. You guided me through it. Wanted to thank you. Upcoming work after A/C is replacing all suspension parts. Have all new parts. I was told by European mechanics to dump the vehicle. Not worth fixing. Not listening to them. Love the car, at least I'll have a hobby.
Again, thank you.
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20,249 Posts
You're welcome x2. đź‘Ť
"I researched how the evaporator comes out of the vehicle and decided for now only to flush the evaporator and replace all the parts (hoses, lines, dryer, condenser, compressor, etc). If there is a leak in the evaporator, then I'll replace it. Since it is a major job, I'll do it only if necessary."
Not a wrong decision. It is an informed decision with awareness of the risks and unknowns.
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