A/C Evaporator core? | FerrariChat
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A/C Evaporator core?

Discussion in '360/430' started by Where's Maranello, Dec 20, 2024.

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  1. Where's Maranello

    Where's Maranello Karting

    Dec 17, 2020
    84
    Nor Cal
    Full Name:
    Bob
    #1 Where's Maranello, Dec 20, 2024
    Has anyone ever replaced the evaporator core on a 360? Mine has a freon leak. I can't find anything on it. Do you have to take the dash out? Will it come out from under the dash?
    Thanks for any knowledge or experience on this.
     
  2. ItalGerBrit

    ItalGerBrit Formula Junior

    Mar 15, 2016
    907
    S La
    #2 ItalGerBrit, Dec 21, 2024
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2024
    The procedure is in the Shop manual. Are you sure that it is the core that is leaking and how did you determine that? Just curious as I recently dug into the dash to change a clogged expansion valve.

    The dash will have to be removed to get to the core.
     
  3. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    29,005
    socal
    #3 fatbillybob, Dec 21, 2024
    Super rare I have ever seen a core go bad. If so you are in for a world of hurt. It is right in the middle of the car and just about everything need to come out to get to it. You really need to be sure of your diagnosis before you even think of going after it.
     
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  4. ItalGerBrit

    ItalGerBrit Formula Junior

    Mar 15, 2016
    907
    S La
    #4 ItalGerBrit, Dec 21, 2024
    I did not want to discourage him but yes, it looks like a very difficult job. I have pulled my dash twice and I think I will sell the car if I have do it a third time. And, to think about pulling out the entire A/C/heater assembly? That must be a nightmare. Pulling the engine out would be far easier. Maybe someone has done it before?
     
  5. Where's Maranello

    Where's Maranello Karting

    Dec 17, 2020
    84
    Nor Cal
    Full Name:
    Bob
    #5 Where's Maranello, Dec 21, 2024
    OK, well, I'm a little depressed. I don't have the shop manual. The idea of pulling out the dash is not what I want to think about. I've had the car 3 different shops for the diagnosis. First shop did the dye and couldn't find the leak. Second shop, (specialize in Ferrari, Lambo, Aston) same thing, couldn't find it and suggested it may be the condenser. I just changed the condenser and took it to the third shop to refill the freon and check for any leaks. This guy uses some kind of sniffer to detect freon. Found small leak on the pressure switch and one Shrader valve but a bigger leak from the evaporator. I believe he went up through the drain tube. This evaporator is off center towards the passenger side so I thought it may come out with battery and glove box removed. I've changed a few dashes in Porsches and not the tough, just lots of screws to find. But that seems like only half the job.
    I'll call the Ferrari shop to see what they charge otherwise, sell, as/is.
    Thanks for the comments and info.



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  6. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    29,005
    socal
    #6 fatbillybob, Dec 21, 2024
    Sorry bob...I cannot think of a worse job to do. I'm with italgerbrit. I have gutted out a good number of streetcar to convert to racecars in my time. A couple times I tried to be careful take out evapcore so I could sell it. Little plastic parts break or you miss a screw and a piece of plastic breaks. After that I just destroy the core to get it out of the car and it is still a pain to bust them out of there. I honestly can't think of a worse job. Also they are unrepairable. It would be extremely unlikely you could separate the half's to extract the core braze repair and replace it. Tha means a used core of unknown value if you can find one. They are so delicate to remove or even ship. You could break important pieces off it just trying to reinstall.

    I'm not sure about sniffing the evap drain. My sniffer is pretty small and would not go up the tube. It's a long way to the core from there. If the core was leaking and you could sniff the drain then if you put the a/c on and fan on low you should detect freon leak in the vents. Try that 1st. .
     
  7. Where's Maranello

    Where's Maranello Karting

    Dec 17, 2020
    84
    Nor Cal
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    Bob
    #7 Where's Maranello, Dec 22, 2024
    So, I'm pretty sure I won't try to replace the evap myself. If I were younger, then I would tackle anything. Restored a handful of old 911s. I'll check with the shop to see what they would charge. But, yea, breaking plastic parts makes a lot of sense. I removed the front bumper and found one or two broken vent attaching points. I guess after 20+ years, the plastic gets brittle.

    I'll check with the shop tomorrow about what parts they sniffed. We'll be at the shop next door getting our Cayenne programed. But he did mention that he would sniff the drain and vents. When he said the evap was the biggest leak, he didn't say how he came to that conclusion.

    Thanks for the responses, really helped me decide how to move forward.
     
  8. ditpixs

    ditpixs Karting
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Apr 22, 2019
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    Aaron
    #8 ditpixs, Dec 22, 2024
    I will concur, as I am the unlucky guy who had this happen in my F430. For about a year, I noticed oil coming from my condensate drain and eventually the A/C failed to blow cold air. I worked with Solerno Motorsports in Rocklin, CA (highly recommended) and determined it was the core. 25 hrs of labor later and a used core (tested) got me going again.

    I cried a little when I saw how much it had to be disassembled. It was a good opportunity to fix the dash leather, vents and sticky buttons :)

    Whenever I turn on the A/C now, I close my eyes and imagine being showered with $100's.



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  9. Where's Maranello

    Where's Maranello Karting

    Dec 17, 2020
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    #9 Where's Maranello, Dec 23, 2024
    Wow! 25 hours of labor. I'm out. I've been to Salerno's but only for an estimate for a clutch. There was a 4 to 6 week wait, I believe then he had a back or leg issue, so they told me to try Stewert's in Sac. Got it in a just a few days and a better price. I have a belt service planned at Stewert's but may wait till spring when the A/C is more critical. I've taken out 911 dash's and it looks nothing like your photo with wires everywhere.

    I did find out, today, that the shop says that sniffing the end of the drain tube works pretty well. Since Freon is heavier than air and it will come out the bottom. The vents, he says, is if all else fails. Also talked the German shop next door. He says, evaps are common to rot since they produce a lot of condensation and if the drain is blocked, then there's the problem. Especially in hot humid areas.
    So, for now, the a/c repair is on hold while the weather is cold. Just need a few days of sun and no rain.
    Thanks for all the great responses. Not what I was hoping for but what I needed to see.
    Bob
     
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  10. ditpixs

    ditpixs Karting
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Apr 22, 2019
    231
    Nor Cal - Tracy
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    Aaron
    #10 ditpixs, Dec 23, 2024
    Sorry it isn't great news :(

    Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.

    Happy Holidays-

    Aaron
     
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  11. ItalGerBrit

    ItalGerBrit Formula Junior

    Mar 15, 2016
    907
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    #11 ItalGerBrit, Dec 24, 2024
    Please check in with us when you dig into the A/C repair. It is only a matter of time before more of us have to deal with what you are now going through. Sorry that you are having to mess with a big problem like that.
     
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  12. Where's Maranello

    Where's Maranello Karting

    Dec 17, 2020
    84
    Nor Cal
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    Bob
    #12 Where's Maranello, Dec 26, 2024
    Yes, I will get the timing belts done soon and check on the price. We've got 8 cars so will prioritize what is important to do first.
    Thanks for all the support, Bob
     

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