1970s 1971 Deville - AC Evaporator Core Removal

[impalamansgarage]

Howdy all. Is there a way to remove the AC evap core on a 71 Deville
without removing the passenger side hood hinge and the whole heat/ac box?

I see that the box is split around the evap core but the factory
service manual still says to do all of the above to get the core out.

Thanks !

Mike Harris

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Mike,
It depends on what your end goal is. If you are replacing the evaporator, following the FSM has proved (at least to me) to be the best way to go. I know a while back someone posted a "short cut", but the advantage in following the FSM is in part the fact that you have access to all the dampers and seals, and can correct any discrepancies you find.
Greg Surfas

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Plus, as the saying goes "If all else fails, follow the instructions"

Bruce.

[impalamansgarage]

I guess what I needed was a dose of reality. Following the book it shall be.

I'm basically going through the whole AC system. Removing the expansion valve
from the core was nothing short of very challenging. Those two were basically
welded together over time. Using a couple of flare nut (line) wrenches basically
resulted in slightly bending the end of the core pipe that connects to the valve.
(very slightly)

So I had anticipated a crack somewhere and a subsequent core replacement.

However I was able to spin off the top of the expansion valve and then use an impact and a line wrench
to remove the bottom part of the valve from the core fitting. (after market expansion valves are not built like this clearly. They are one piece.)

So for now I plan to pressure test the core to see if it's still good. (fingers crossed)

If it's bad I'll remove the hood hinge and follow the book.
Regardless of the outcome my plans are to replace the expansion valve, POA (going with an modified cycling clutch type), drier, existing condenser - cleaned and pressured tested, rebuilt AC hoses and remanufactured compressor.

It will be converted to R134.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

When my '72 was converted to R134a, the parts that I know were replaced was the Compressor, and the Drier.   This was done before I got access to the car, and have never had a problem with it.

I am pretty sure that the Compressor was replaced because of the unknown length of time the system had been not used.   Plus, it was probably easier to replace it than try to clean it out of all the R12 oil.

Bruce.