Need some help from the AC guys....

[acklac7]

Although I don't post nearly as much as I used to I try and check the site once a day, it's become an almost instinctive part of my day over the past what, 5 years!?? Anywho i'll probably keep checking the board long after I sell my Eldo (if that ever happens )

Ok so here goes it: Getting ready to work on my Dad's 96' Concorde and could use some advice on servicing the AC system. I know this is a bit off topic but I believe the questions/answers could be benefical to a fellow caddy owner who's facing the same issues .

Anyway about a year ago my pops AC gradually started to blow warm, untill it ceased to blow cool air all togeather. He took it to his mech (whom I don't necc trust) and his mechanic diagnosed it as a leaking evap core (evidently mid 90's Chryslers had NOTORIOUS issues with evap. cores) @ 150,000 I would have to be he's on his second unit.

So im planning on tearing the dash apart and replacing the core in the next week or so, and was wondering if there is any thing else I should consider replacing as the AC system has gone without refigerant for the last year or so. I should also add that the system has been sealed the entire time, with the exception of the small leak in the evap. core.

Thanks in advance

A.J.

[BodybyFisher]

Before I did that, I would have it recharged with DYE, and then check the condensate for dye first. That evaporator is a big job to do for naught.

[acklac7]

Before I did that, I would have it recharged with DYE, and then check the condensate for dye first. That evaporator is a big job to do for naught.

Yea, I was already thinking about having another shop take a look at it before I spend probaby like 20 hours working on it . What tools/equip are required to perform the leak test btw? Does the system need to have some kind of a charge in order to circulate the die?

[BodybyFisher]

Before I did that, I would have it recharged with DYE, and then check the condensate for dye first. That evaporator is a big job to do for naught.

Yea, I was already thinking about having another shop take a look at it before I spend probaby like 20 hours working on it . What tools/equip are required to perform the leak test btw? Does the system need to have some kind of a charge in order to circulate the die?

I am going to defer to KHE on this, you will need to charge it, but then you can have it recaptured and save some money if you can get a shop to do that for you. When its being charged they will suck it down (evacuate it), if you have a BAD leak, they won't be able to draw a good vacuum, so it might be worthwhile to have it evacuated

[KHE]

Most shops will vacuum it down and add a small amount of refrigerant to get the compressor running. The A/C is run for a few minutes and then the engine is turned off. The probe from an electronic leak detector is then placed down the center duct outlet inside the vehicle. If the detector sounds off, the evaporator is leaking. The dye method can also be used like BbF mentioned. In either case you'll need an electronic leak detector or a dye kit to do the job yourself.

Can you see into the evaporator housing? You will need to take off a cover under the dash or remove a blower speed control or the module under the hood on the evap. housing (I'm not that familiar with Chryslers) but if you can see the evaporator core and it is all oily, it is leaking.