Funny, my expansion valve seems to be stuck wide open, at least from what I have read about its symptoms. With the system fully charged I still hear the telltale hissing that usually accompanies low refrigerant. The car cools OK, though not quite as fast when you first start it up after it has sat in the hot sun. It also cools much better at idle than at speed, ironically.

Had I known the valve was suspect last fall when I replaced my condensor and receiver-drier I'd have done it then, but since I have a fresh charge of R134a in there I will just wait until next time it leaks out or if it gets worse I'll deal with it then, but thanks for the write up...I'll keep it in my files for that day I need it.

And no, my understanding is the evaporator only comes out the inside of the car not from under the hood...I thought I had a leak in mine but it turned out to be the condensor which is a snap to replace by comparison...dodged that bullet!

__________________
Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz