Hi all,

I have a classic case of soaked passenger side floor pan. I replaced this entire half of the floor pan when I bought this Jeep and neglected to track down the cause of what started the corrosion before I owned it.

I think I'd like to replace the cowl seal, blower motor seal, etc. I know taking the dash out to do this is a big job and I have never done it. I assume I should replace my heater core and A/C evaporator while I have it apart. The only part I am nervous about is disconnecting the A/C system. The A/C currently works and I don't want to mess that up. Can someone educate me on everything I would need to do to properly replace the evaporator? I have never worked on an A/C. I know I will need the disconnect tools to separate the lines, and that I will need to discharge and recharge the system. That's about the extent of my knowledge.

Thanks!

 

Mike, there's a few things you can do before you get totally committed into a full blown process... First thing I'd check is the cowl seal... You can get to that without tearing everything apart and simply seal it up if that's the leak...Also check the kick panel area for any sealer and grommets that are popped/missing like the antenna grommet ...Another area that might be a concern would be the windshield channel/ seal in that area.. I'd hate for you to start ripping into the HVAC only to find out it was something easily solved{compared to a total system teardown} or something else completely... I know it's cold out there now, but you really need to go around the area with a hose and see just where the water is coming from then make an informed decision ... I cut a reuseable access hole in my cowl to get to the seal and it was a purely preventative measure for a known problem area...And I rodent proofed it in the process...

 

Corky, thanks for this info!! I will be uploading updates to this issue on my build thread.

 

IF you HAVE to crack your AC system (let's hope not) a discharge and recharge is more involved than just that alone.
After reassemblly the system will need a flush, leak test and pumped down to, and hold, a good 29hg of vacume before recharging.

My advice is find a good HVAC technician with a refrigerant reclaimer to do the deeds. It'll save you at least the cost of compressor replacement later on.