A/C - just changed condenser, now suspect evaporator. Advice sought

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by alan richard

Garage is quite reliable (ex MG/Rover dealership with an old boy who knows the 75 well)

Hello Alan,

I acknowledge the relationship you have with your garage but when it comes to air conditioning I highly recommend that you book a visit from a mobile self-employed specialist.

It sounds as if you've lost all your refrigerant gas within 48 hours which constitutes a major leak. That's why your garage's equipment didn't detect anything, because there's nothing there! I would forget about the evaporator; I would be amazed if there's anything wrong with that. I've had air con. for 35 years and I've never had a new evaporator!

I would expect the specialist to begin with a low pressure nitrogen test around the replacement condenser which I've learnt the hard way is the best method of detecting major leaks. Good luck!

Simon

[alan richard]

Originally Posted by SD1too

Hello Alan,

I acknowledge the relationship you have with your garage but when it comes to air conditioning I highly recommend that you book a visit from a mobile self-employed specialist.

It sounds as if you've lost all your refrigerant gas within 48 hours which constitutes a major leak. That's why your garage's equipment didn't detect anything, because there's nothing there! I would forget about the evaporator; I would be amazed if there's anything wrong with that. I've had air con. for 35 years and I've never had a new evaporator!

I would expect the specialist to begin with a low pressure nitrogen test around the replacement condenser which I've learnt the hard way is the best method of detecting major leaks. Good luck!

Simon

Appreciate the advice Simon.

It did surprise me that the evaporator could get actually damaged or corroded, where it is.
Perished seals maybe??

For all the work that is involved in changing it, perhaps getting a second opinion from an a/c specialist would be worthwhile.

I took the word of the garage -"no leaks detected in engine bay/ plenum via UV, but their sniffer detects some gas in the interior." but that was an interesting comment from JefferiesFarnol about the compressor.
--

Originally Posted by dave lincs

If your stuck I have a brand new evaporator

Have you, Dave?

That would be a far better bet.

If you can spare it, let me know what I can offer you for it.

Nice one!

Originally Posted by Arctic

Hi Guys.
Are we talking about the matrix here or the whole air system blower etc.

Thanks for asking - No - it was just the evaporator, I'd have bought the full blower for one but would feel happier with a new evaporator.

Good replies all. Thank you.

On balance, another diagnosis first could save some pain in ripping out the interior for no gain. I'll get on it.

Always keen to hear other experiences on this.

Cheers gents.

-A

[xsport]

Doubt very much the evaporator is at fault.Unlike a lot of cars, we seem to have a good quality one fitted from new. i dont recall any problems on here regarding them , but there is always a first. I just hope your trusty garage had fitted and lubed new oil rings of the correct size diameter and width, and not reused the old ones, whilst fitting your new condenser. once used the rings are to be discarded and are flattened. Garages sometimes are a bit like general practitioners , and are knowledgeable but unfortunately not specialists in all fields. As simon suggests an aircon specialist is the way to go and he will come out to you , and you will be better off financially.

[KWIL]

There is also the problem of seals drying out (result of non use of aitcon).


Dry seals = gas out.



It is advise that the aircon is used from time to time when not in normal warm weather use to ensue the oil is circulated and the seals do not dry out.


Often ignored in UK?