300E Evaporator Time!

Well, the time has apparently come. I did a podectomy last year and the refrigeration system was holding very tight at that time. I was afraid to disturb the evaporator, but I would not be surprised if my moving it around slightly when loosening the unit to move it enough to replace the heater core disturbed it enough to finish it off.

The good news is that after doing the podectomy, I am not near as fearful of this job as I was before that ordeal.

There are several incidental issues that I find interesting. I had dye in the system and I find no traces except a VERY light trace on the spring that originally reinforced the condensation drain tube underneath the car. It looks as if there might be dye at the connecting piece between the diaphragm at the top of the expansion valve and the expansion valve itself.

Another incidental issue that bothers me is that even though the system was low on refrigerant the clutch is still engaging which tells me that the low pressure switch is not working. I have a new one in my parts collection so that will get replaced in the bargain. The static pressure was about 40PSI.

My thinking is that maybe I should go ahead and replace the expansion valve just to be safe.

All this work to be done, and this is now a car that I don't really use anymore. I drive it occasionally only because I love driving it. Now that I work at home, I replaced my old farm pickup and I have a small car that is fun to drive for general running around. I can't justify keeping this car, but at the same time I can't stand to part with it. I guess it will now serve to keep rust from forming on my wrenches.

So, it will get an evaporator, expansion valve, filter drier and a low pressure switch. I will also replace the rubber elbows on the pods since they have been suspect.

Everyone needs a project or two.

Have a great day,