I've done all sorts of research and I'm ready to replace my a/c evaporator and heater core but I've got a couple more questions before I do this...

1) when it comes to evacuating the A/c, how do I do it? I don't have the tools (vacuum and manifold gauge) but I was leaning towards having a pro evacuate it before I tear everything apart and then having it recharged when it's back together. The other option is to just let it drain into a bottle and recycle it later (if that's even possible...).

2) what else is recommended to be replaced while I've got everything apart? The jeep is my daily and I'd like to have the least downtime so I want to order everything I need at once. Seals? Hoses?

Thanks

 

Have a pro evacuate the system. When exposed to the atmosphere the refrigerant will evaporate quickly so draining it into a bottle wouldn't be an option.


It's my understanding that the foam seal that goes between the HVAC Unit and the firewall (where the heater and AC tubes protrude through) is not available any longer. Some folks have made their own. See if you can keep this seal intact at removal.


Examine the Blend-Air Door at its pivot points for wear. I think there is an aftermarket door available.


Make sure you study the internals of the HVAC unit when you get the top off so everything goes back where it belongs.


Examine the Defrost door pivot points and the bell crank closely. The bell crank has a bad habit of breaking.

 

Here's a few pics from my collection:








Your HVAC Unit may have tis baffle. Look for it.








Broken defrost door bell crank:

 

Thank you CCKen!

Will I be able to drive the Jeep with the AC evacuated without damaging any components? I won't turn the system on, of course.

I can't tell what I'm looking at with the bell crank.

 

Here's a pic showing the bell crank at the end of the defrost door actuator. The dude's thumb is on the defrost door actuator vacuum line. Follow the wire-like rod up from the actuator to the bell crank.

 

The "Baffle" in pictures 3 and 4, where does that mount?
Mine fell out when I split the box and I can't quite decipher where it goes.
Does it go where I'm pointing?

 

if you look at this video I found and pay attention it shows you clearly where that thing goes. Start at 6:00 if you don't want to watch the whole thing.
I, like many others, have learned the hard way that you want to split the box carefully so that thing stays put

 

Oh wow, thank you so much!
Based off that third picture (and what little else I'd found online), I would have left the baffle where I had it...
Now I know, it goes in first, then the heater core.

 

Thought I'd post a few more pictures for anyone else that ends up needing some help on the baffle placement and stumbles upon this thread.

 

If that baffle is not in correctly, what would be the result?

I recently did a R&R with all the heater box parts, and I can't get my AC to come out any vents. It's all lukewarm no matter if it's on the feet/chest/defrost/cirulating. I'm wondering if I blocked a passage of some sorts when I put it back together. My blend door rotates properly.

 

I wish I could tell you, but I can't because I honestly don't know...
Sorry!