My w124 evaporator removal thread

[ps2cho]

I am getting ready to order all my parts I need for the evap replacement on my 1987 260E w124. Car was converted to R134a by dealership some time ago...Date Markings on sticker are all rubbed off.
I will be doing it myself.
Want to keep it all consolidated like my transmission removal thread. Cleaner and easier this way...

First my Reasoning/Diagnosis:
A/C works, but leaks out after about 1-2 weeks. Took it to a local euro indy (worked on 124's before) who checked for leaks and could not find any. He put in some UV dye and when we pulled back the carpet on the passenger footwell and used the UV light there was dye present on the side of the heater box (looked old though he said, probably not his dye). Safe to say it is the evaporator that is the culprit?
Anywhere else I should check before tearing up the dash?


General Evap Removal Questions:
Got 5 questions as of right now...

1) Brand of Evaporator? ACM good?

I want to replace all of the vacuum pods....Sounds a good idea for futureproofing? I only ever want to do this once...

Part number list:
======================================================
124-800-00-75 = Defroster pod (dual chamber)
124-800-02-75 = Center vent pod (single chamber, twist-on)
124-800-03-75 = Diverter pod (single chamber, small, attaches w/3 clips)
124-800-04-75 = Recirculation / fresh air pod 1 (dual chamber)
124-800-11-75 = Recirculation / fresh air pod 2 (dual chamber)

124-800-01-75 = Footwell pod (round, small, to VIN A289309, 1986 to early 1987, two required)
124-800-09-75 = Footwell pod (rectangle, from VIN A289310, late 87 through 95, one required)

2) Any other pods not mentioned there? My '87 260E VIN is A5390xx so I would need the late footwell pod correct? Seems a higher VIN# than 289310...so just want to double check I got this right.

3) Any other items you guys recommend replacing?

4) What about testing procedures? Is it possible to test the system with everything apart to MAKE SURE the leak is resolved before I put it all back together?

5) Does the Blower Motor need to be removed? If so, what about replacing the regulator on it?


Projected costs:
~$500 for Evap and 6 pods.

Reference threads:
W124 (124.290) Evaporator, Vacuum Pod, and Bulb Replacements
W124 climate control vacuum pod replacement
My turn for the Evaporator Party