Replace Evaporator Core or leave it be?
 

Hi all,

I'm preparing for my w124's massive A/C rebuild project. A rock pierced a hole in my condenser and I seized the cheap eBay rebuilt compressor a year or so ago, so I gave up, took the compressor off, and left the system open. Now I'm going back in to redo it right with a new compressor, condenser, and main manifold hose. Being that I'm spending some $$ already, I'm tempted to just flush the evaporator instead of spending yet another $300 and turning this into a week long marathon. I know it wasn't leaking a year ago. It's not smart to leave it open, but it is in Colorado, so it's in a pretty dry climate. Should I go ahead and just replace it? Can I pressure test just the evaporator? Does it make sense to flush it, replace everything else and see if it holds a vacuum? I'd love to know if anyone has a good suggestion on how I should tackle this. I really don't want to do an evaporator...

Thanks!

Scott

Correct, no, you don't.

Just because you've left the system open in no way causes the evaporator to fail.

The only downside to leaving the system open is the possiblility of getting dirt inside the system. Of course the receiver/dryer needs to be replaced, as the dessicant was destroyed within the first few hours of being open....

Just ensure the system is flushed/clean and replace the broken parts and you'll be good to go.

Unless the main manifold hose was leaking, I'd leave it alone as well.

With a W124, the cost of the parts needs to be balanced with the value of the car. Unless you plan to hold this car for a long time, it's not economic to do a wholesale replacement of everything.

I've done two evap replacements, and it's a big project....

Jim

Yeah, I wouldn't replace it either, not just because the system was opened. 124's don't have any real problems with evaps.
Gilly

Until they leak....which will happen at some point.

My advice is the same. Unless you must do it, prolong it.

124s DO have a problem with the evaporators.

However, replacing it if it doesn't leak is spending a LOT of time removing the dash and VAV system, and other than the freon charge, unrelated to the time put into the condensor. If you do an evap, best to change the vacuum pods while the dash is out.

My 124 blows freon into my face if I charge the system. Weird smell.

Your evap is probably done for and it is spraying at you due to the leak.

Here is my writeup for it:
http://w124-zone.com/?p=93

Great! Good to know I'm not just being lazy. Thanks guys, I'll flush it out and leave it be.

Scott

Comments for A/C Overhaul
 

I have to say that your presentation is THE BEST piece of info I have ever obtained off this site. Wonderful!!. If I ever have to pull mine (SL500) I have the resources and photos to make it a lot easier, Thanks for your posting. Steve