2003 Forester A/C evaporator removal

[kamrows]

Bought used 2003 Forester with no working A/C. Long story short, compressor wasn't kicking on and no pressure on the low pressure side so I added 12 oz. of 134A with dye. Compressor started to run intermittently (20 sec on, 10 sec off). Took car for a couple mile run and came back home. Started to look for any wet spots and found green die colored liquid dripping from the evaporator tube. The next day, AC didn't cool as much and compressor didn't run as long. Seems to be a major leak in the evaporator area. The liquid coming out of the evaporator feels oily (PAG saturated with dye??). How hard is it to replace the evaporator if that is the problem? I called Subaru and they want $640 to repair ($400 for evaporator alone). They told me the labor charge was $180-240. I pulled the glove box to see what it looked like and am considering pulling the evaporator myself. The local Midas shop will remove existing freon before I start. Midas also stated that I should replace the drier if I open the system up. I asked two different Subaru dealers if that was necessary and they both told me "no". Assuming the evaporator is bad, how much PAG added back with new evaporator? Anyone pulled a evaporator from a newer Forester??

[four-fleet-feet]

First, let me tell you to stay away from Midas! I wouldn't let them do my brakes, let alone work on my air. They're famous for upselling things you don't need and refusing to honor the warranty on work they do if you don't cave in to their high-pressure tactics.

 

Second, look to see what newer Foresters use the matching evaporator. Call around (or shanks-mare it) to your local junkyards and find a 200* that's relatively new and there for an impact NOT in the engine compartment. Pull the evap canister off the junker and get that one installed. You may have to find a Subaru mechanic not at a dealer. Notice I said Subaru mechanic. Your trusty ol' Forder or Chevy person will take a lot longer to get the job done, just in figuring out that 'very strange engine' you have.

 

If the newer models use the same evap canister, I suggest using one from 2004-2008 because the a/c systems probably aren't old enough to have developed problems. Don't go 2002 or older; that's a prescription for doing the job again.

 

If you have to ask HOW to pull the evap canister out of a junker, I strongly suggest you order a used one online and not do it yourself. Also, if the dealer's $250 is labor and includes pulling/reinstalling/testing the 134 system, that's not a terrible price to make sure the vehicle works when it's done. If they'll put in an outside part, I'd consider using them. Not many dealers will, though, so be warned.

 

You said you called the dealer. Did you actually go in with the car and ask how much they'd charge to diagnose the system? If it's under $30 I'd consider it to make sure you've found the real problem. I'd only pay a Subaru mechanic or a Subaru dealer, though.

 

Ixnay on Midas. Trust me on this. I'd go to PepBoys before Midas, and I don't care for them, either........

[nipper]

As long as the system has not been opened to the air for any length of time, you dont need a reciever/drier. The desicant tends to discentegrate after its been exposed to refrigerant, then air. If it loks like this may take you two days, cover the ends of the ac lines with baggies then zip tie them sealed.

 

Its not a big deal if you need one.

 

Go with a used condenser. Its rare for them to leak.

 

 

nipper

[kamrows]

nipper: I'm a little confused, do you mean evaporator? The condenser isn't leaking. Regarding the drier, maybe I'm missing something here but after there is a leak in the system, can't it absorb moisture from the outside air?

 

four-fleet-feet: Where did I say that I was going to have Midas do the evaporator install? What I said was, that I was thinking about having them depressurize the system (remove existing freon) prior to me installing the evaporator. It might be moot if the leak is as bad as I suspect. Also, I don't necessarily agree that all Midas shops rip people off.

 

I realize when posting on one of these forums you are opening yourself up for critical review and I can handle that. I was merely looking for some advice on what it takes to remove the evaporator on my Forester. Sure, I can go to a junk yard and try tearing one out of a wreck to see how it's done, but I was hoping someone has been through it that can lend some advice.

 

By the way, I found an after-market distributor of evaporators for my Forester for $93. I got two separate quotes from my local Subaru dealers of $345 & $400 for the OEM part. For anyone interested: http://www.techchoiceparts.com

[nipper]

Sorry i get them confused in my head sometimes.

 

With a leak the system reaches an equilibrium.

 

Remeber 0 psig (gauge) is actually 29psia (absolute), thats what your barometer reads. So even though the system is at equilibrium with the atomosphere (Zero), there is still most likely some refrigerent trapped in the system (hopefully). Also when they pull down the system, they can tell if you will need a new drier. And they arent usually expensive, and easy enough to install.

 

And please dont go to midas. They already are trying to take you by saying they are going to evacuate the system for you. I bet there is almost nothing left in the system to evacuate.

 

nipper

[kamrows]

Also when they pull down the system, they can tell if you will need a new drier.

nipper

 

Excuse my ignorance but how will they know if the drier needs to be replace when they pull down the system?

[montana105]

I agree with everyone here regarding Midas unless you know someone who works there and is certified on A/C unless you can get them to quote you to evacuate the syatem and then recharge for a set price,not likely,and if they do then they are really dumb since you probably won't be contributing much in evacuation,sad but true.

[nipper]

http://www.aircondition.com/tech/questions/82/

 

thats how

 

Also there are only one of two ways an AC system gets clogged. One is from a compressor that self destructs, the other is from desicant. The firts one is obvious to rule out.

[kamrows]

Thanks for the link nipper!