|
|
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Best way to clean out the A/C evaporator and heater core?
Hi guys,
I've been searching on this topic, but wanted to get some 'live' advice. My A/C and heater has a nasty musty smell when in-use. I suspect that the fins on the a/c evaporator and/or the heater cores are probably coated with build-up over the years, just like my other cars. With the other cars, I have a way to open up the "input" side of the evaporator/heater and gently clean it off, usually with a garden pressure sprayer that has a very dilute mixture of Simple Green and water. I usually finish off with clear water until everything is clear. Works wonders. What are the options WITHOUT tearing apart the dash and removing the evaporator. I've read the threads on that, and it is way more effort than worth it for just cleaning things. I have read that people remove the blower assembly and then go in with a sprayer that way. Is that the only method? Best method? Thoughts? Thanks, Packman
__________________
83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige 189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too! |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
I can't speak for the W123 but on my W126, I removed the knee bolsters and had access to the evaporator so I could stick a pressure washer wand in there. I used the pressure washer at a manual car wash. First, I soaked the evap in coil cleaner.
__________________
1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors. 2003 S430 - 107K 1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+. 1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K. Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
I have used the lubegard evaporator cleaner on a chevy impala and 2 toyota camrys with success. The stuff draining out the evaporator was like ink
__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model) 1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017) 2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017) |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
It sounds like a reasonable first approach... but was hoping for something better... Packman
__________________
83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige 189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too! |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________
1991 F250 super-cab 7.3 IDI. (rebuilt by me) Banks Sidewinder turbo, hydroboost brakes, new IP and injectors. 2003 S430 - 107K 1983 300SD - Tanoshii - mostly restored ~400K+. 1983 300SD - Good interior. Engine finally tamed ~250K. Monark Nozzle Install Video - http://tinyurl.com/ptd2tge |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Access through the blower assembly is the only reasonable way to access the evap and heater core.
Coil cleaner or simple green would do well, coupled with the garden hose.
__________________
Eugene 10 E63 AMG 93 300te 4matic 07 BMW X3 14 Ford F-150 Fx2 |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
people swear by the toyota kit. if you have a toyota dealer nearby they should have it. its a two part kit, a foam cleaner/spray and then a spray mold reducer/eliminator. i'm sure there are equivalent products sold elsewhere.
__________________
1981 NA 300D 310k miles |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
A suggestion
Scrubbing bubbles for evaporator core cleaning.
http://www.scrubbingbubbles.com/Pages/default.aspx?sid=SEM_G_328.kw9364 Be sure to remove the carpets. .
__________________
ASE Master Mechanic asemastermechanic@juno.com Prototype R&D/testing: Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Dynamometer. Heat exchanger durability. HV-A/C Climate Control. Vehicle build. Fleet Durability Technical Quality Auditor. Automotive Technical Writer 1985 300SD 1983 300D 1984 190D 2003 Volvo V70 2002 Honda Civic https://www.boldegoist.com/ |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Thanks, Packman.
__________________
83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige 189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too! |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Tear it all apart, it will give you the chance to replace any bad pods and all the foam that lines the flaps in the heater box.....this way you will have it working as it was attended....I am currently doing this to my euro...
__________________
|
#11
|
||||
|
||||
Answer
Quote:
Quote:
A vacuum pump is handy for moving the air blend doors, to assure total flooding. Remove the plugs, allow to drool / drip for an hour, plug the drains, flood the box with water, drain, repeat as needed. .
__________________
ASE Master Mechanic asemastermechanic@juno.com Prototype R&D/testing: Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Dynamometer. Heat exchanger durability. HV-A/C Climate Control. Vehicle build. Fleet Durability Technical Quality Auditor. Automotive Technical Writer 1985 300SD 1983 300D 1984 190D 2003 Volvo V70 2002 Honda Civic https://www.boldegoist.com/ |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
1) Where are the plugs? 2) How do you flood the climate control box? i.e. where and how do you spray the scrubbing bubbles? 3) How do you use the vacuum tool to manipulate the blend doors? 4) How do you flood the climate control box with water? Sorry to be such a noob... is there a pictorial? Thanks, Packman
__________________
83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige 189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too! |
#13
|
||||
|
||||
i cleaned my evap in my w123 and my dad's old w123 with foaming coil clean from home depot. i dropped the blower and was able to completely clean it. i used my garden hose sprayer on different patterns to get all the crap out and kept my shop vac running to prevent the water from over flowing if the condensation drain were to clog. did the same on my w126. i would not keep the garden hose spraying for long periods as the water can't drain as quickly. also make sure your condensation drain isn't rotten as you will flood your car. if you stick a crevice attachment on your shop vac, you can get all the leaves, ect from the back corner but be very careful because you can easily damage the fins. as for the heater core, i wouldn't worry because the evaporator has probably filtered everything i stuck my phone in there to take pics and see if i missed any spots too! these pics were from the w126...
__________________
83 300CD- sanden, dual p/f condensers, 160a alternator, ect 91 300TD- 722.6, #22 head, 3.5L IP, w140 manifolds, ect |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Thanks much, Packman
__________________
83 240D - 4 speed manual - Manilla Beige 189K miles, Tachometer mod, cool wooden shift knob from PeachParts, CocoMats, Original factory paint, manual windows, manual sunroof. Starting to add AudioWrap to this car too! |
#15
|
||||
|
||||
Glad I could help!
__________________
83 300CD- sanden, dual p/f condensers, 160a alternator, ect 91 300TD- 722.6, #22 head, 3.5L IP, w140 manifolds, ect |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|