Hello,
I hope that I am going about this the right way. I would like to request a DIY on replacing the evaporator in a 1999 EX 2.3L Accord. I have read post about getting the system evacuated and also checking for leaks. I appreciate any help that you can give me.

 

Part of your post suggests that you may not be sure the evap is leaking? Are you sure that is the source of the leak, you talk about "also checking" for leaks.

 

Hi Poorman212,
Well the reason I tend to lean towards an evaporator leak is because I have recharged my system twice in the last 2 months or so. At first I get ice cold air then gradually it gets to the point where there is nothing but warm/hot air coming from the vents. Also after turning my AC system off there is a hissing sound coming from inside the cabin near the passengers wheel well, almost like air being let out of a tire. If you think it may be something else please let me know.

 

I'm not with the evap yet. I'll guess that noise is the system pressure, what is left, equalizing.

Don't get me wrong, evap's will leak but so will so many other things.....o-rings, shaft seal, cond, ect.

There are ways to narrow it down....introduce uv dye in the system and look for it, there are "sniffers" that will detect the refrig....ect.

Bottom line, I'd want to find the leak before guessing.

Heck I've even seen an expansion vale go bad and cause poor cooling with no loss of refrig....so be sure the system "is going low".

 

6thgenaccord.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38000&highlight=evap]DIY Evap Canister Change - P1457 - 6th Gen Accord DIY and Performance Forums[/url]

join 6GA!
Its a community for 98-02 accords (6th gen accords)

 

You might want to really "think" about this....the ac evap vs the engine evap...
so what you just posted is "totally wrong info" and if that is what the site you linked to is about....well, I'd never even listen/join there.

 

Poorman212,
Well what I have been using is one of those cheap guages that come with the canister of R134. With that guage all I do is get it to the safe zone of proper amount of refrigerant and thats it. When I connected it yesterday again it was below the safe zone again so I charged it once again. Since what is really required is the manifold guages I will take it to the mechanic tomorrow and get a proper diagnosis and get back to you with what they say. Thanks you for your help.

 

lmrj0030,
Thanks for your input but your link is not what I needed.

 

Leaks under the hood can usually be detected visually.

Inspect around the compressor for a significant oily/dirty ring from oil slung off the rotating compressor clutch assy. A new compressor or new compressor shaft seal (difficult repair) are required.

Inspect all ac system connections and hose crimps for evidence of oil leaking from them (oil/dirt accumulation).

Check condensor face for oil/dirt accumulation indicating a pinhole.

If no evidence of underhood leak is found, the evaporator may indeed be leaking. I found on two occasions it was the evap expansion valve connections leaking that could be cleaned/repaired.

good luck

good luck

 

Hi TexasHOnda,
I wanted to get back to you since you had suggested looking under the hood for a visual inspection. After looking around noticed oily area around high pressure valve so took cap off to reveal a leak. The schrader valve was replaced and so far so good. An additional pound of freon was added with dye and will inspect again in a week or so. Thanks for everyone's help.