How long does it take and how difficult is it to replace the A/C evaporator on the a 1982 Mercedes 300TD. I cannot find a leak anywhere else in the system.
thansk,
Mike

You'll need to pull the dash in order to remove the housing that contains the evap. But, I'd invest in a refrigerant sniffer to confirm the leak is, in fact, at the evap before I pulled a dash speculatively.

Here is an excellent dash removal write-up by forum member 'dmorrison.'

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I used one day for disassembly, taking photos along the way.

Then the next day was reassembly.

Evacuated that night and then recharged the next day.

I think I started Friday night after work, reassemble Saturday.
Charge on Sunday.

I did not feel pressured at this pace, my first time.

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80 300D 340K Owned 30 yrs
83 300SD 440K Owned 9 yrs - Daily Driver 150mi/day
02 Z71 Suburban 117,000
15 Toyota Prius 2600 miles
00 Harley Sportster 24k
09 Yamaha R6
03 Ninja 250

There is the wiki at the top of the page under DIY Articles.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123Evaporator

Plan on 3-4 days depending on the tools you have and your experience.

I would make sure the evaporator is leaking BEFORE diving into the dash.

Buy or rent a AC sniffer and stick it into the center vents and all around the expansion valve. I would hate to pull everything and find out it is not in the dash.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car