Evaporator Core leakage. (A/C)

[celica2004]

Hi

I got my AC diagnosed in my 93 Corolla with an auto repair shop this morning. They said there is a leakage in Evaporator Core. They also suggested me to replace R12- R134a ( I know system with R12 is much cooler)

This is the quote they gave me .. Please some one (mechanics) help me.. Is this quote reasonable or need to see other mechanic shop..

Parts Evaporator Core ---------- $232
Parts Receiver/Dryer ----------- $29.16
Parts Expansion Valve ----------- $54.48
Labor AC Evacuate/Recharge ------$ 289.95
Labor to install------------- $75*4=$300

Total with tax: 987.18

Please let me know if this is a reasonable quote.

Any other suggestion are highly appreciated.

thanks.

[REN69]

roll the windows down.. its free.

[celica2004]

I was doing that for past 4 months.. Itnwill get to 110 deg in a month.. Bit scary.

[Flashmn]

I'd get the core from the wreckers, a new rec/drier., install it myself and have the system filled for less than 100bucks. Oh yeah and R12 isnt available anymore , since its a CFC gas.

[90 GP]

Take it to another shop and get another diagnosis. Had same scenario on my 90. It had a leak in the condenser(part in front of radiator) and a weak compressor. The condensor is more likely to fail as it is subject to getting hit by road debris. The failure of the evaporator is less likely. They are probably telling you this because of the labor involved which on my 90 involves taking apart entire dash to get to evaporator.

[freakinbox]

usually a/c repairs are expensive...
the prices you showed look about right.

[Flashmn]

Depends on the shop you go to, those prices look really steep to me.

They are probably telling you this because of the labor involved which on my 90 involves taking apart entire dash to get to evaporator.

You need to only take out the globebox. Ask me how I know.

[ShawnM]

Why are they changing the expansion valve? I dont think ive ever seen one go bad. If you absolutly have to have it fixed, theres no harm in shopping around a little. I wouldnt go to the cheapest place tho. R-12 is still available but its very expensive. The advantage to R-12 is that it is more efficient for cooling, and it is what your system was designed to use. The problem with the 134a retrofit is you may end up having to recharge it every few years. The rubber hoses in the r-12 system wernt designed to keep the smaller molecules of 134a from seeping out. On the other hand you could probably recharge the 134a about 10 times for the price of one r-12 recharge.

[celica2004]

Thanks for your comments and suggestions... I am now shopping around.. Let you guys know how things go..

[Cusser]

OK, I don't have a Tacoma (yet, that's why I'm viewing). But I know AC; that Labor for AC Evacuate/Recharge seems quite high, probably includes your refrigerant cost. By the way, R-12 is still legal to use and can still be purchased, and I'd leave any R-12 system with R-12 for a multitude of reasons (oil compatibility, barrier hoses required, condenser size). Anyone with a 609 license can purchase R-12, and R134a is getting quite expensive. As older vehicles leave the road, there is excess R-12 still around. On my Mazda B2200 (1988), my 11-year-old daughter and I replaced the evaporator in under two hours, we swapped the existing expansion valve over, bolted it up with new O-rings, then pulled vacuum and re-added R-12. Mine had a leak right in the middle, and refrigeration oil mixed with dust to form a gunk that actually sealed the evaporator, but blocked air flow. So when I cleaned that off with brake cleaner, THEN the R-12 leaked out in two weeks, could see with bubble solutution, so i replaced original aluminum evap with aftermarket copper/brass one (in stock, half dealer special order price).

[celica2004]

Thanks for you suggestions.

I took my Corolla to other mechanic today he recharged my AC with R12 and added dye into it ( half a syringe). And suggested me to drive with AC on for 1 week and mentioned that he will check for pressures after 1 week. Charged me $50 for freon and labor.

Is this sound reasonable way to test for any leaks?

After recharging completely my AC rocks now (45 deg temp inside).. And hope we find out exact location of leak in a week.

[thespud]

That sounds better. At least they are diagnosing the problem properly befor they tell you what to fix/replace. May save you some $$$, hopefully.