A/C Evaporator replacement?

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caaron - 15 Oct 2004 04:45 GMT

So the A/C in my 94 850 worked really great but then started losing gas.
Had my mechanic recharge it and it lasted about 2 weeks. He put dye in and
said that the only place they could find the dye this time was at the
evaporator and they were pretty certain that the evaporator needs to be
replaced. Said the system was totally discharged (which sounds right since
the compressor didn't even kick in after this last failure). So I check
with the dealer and they want $1450 to replace the evaporator. My mechanic
says they can do it for $750 plus parts, because it is an 8 hour job to
replace it since the entire dash from the steering wheel over has to come
out and go back in. So here are my questions:

Does this sound right or reasonable?

Should I spring for new evaporator hoses while doing the work (adds about
$225 in parts plus additional labor)?

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Chuck

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Bev A. Kupf - 15 Oct 2004 05:16 GMT

> So the A/C in my 94 850 worked really great but then started losing gas.
> Had my mechanic recharge it and it lasted about 2 weeks. He put dye in and
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Does this sound right or reasonable?

Sounds very reasonable.

> Should I spring for new evaporator hoses while doing the work (adds about
> $225 in parts plus additional labor)?

These would be good to replace at the same time.

If your leak is small, then there is an alternative (somewhat controversial
on this group). You can try sealing the leak. I've used this product
on our 850 (Cryoseal with Drypak). I used it two years ago, and the seals
appear to have held. But it only works on small leaks. It is much cheaper
than replacing an evaporator. I recall spending about $100. There are
many "sealers" on the market, but this was the only product that was
recommended by Dr. George Goble.

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Bev A. Kupf
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never
stop thinking about ways to harm our country and our people, and neither
do we." -- G.W. Bush, August 5, 2004.

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c - 17 Oct 2004 14:29 GMT

>So the A/C in my 94 850 worked really great but then started losing gas.
>Had my mechanic recharge it and it lasted about 2 weeks. He put dye in and
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
>Chuck

hi have my evap replaced in the uk, 500 pounds it cost, took 4.5
hours, as the guy was volvo trained, very good service, a/c workd a
treat now, would not tackle it myself though!

col

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caaron - 17 Oct 2004 19:28 GMT

Thanks for the info. I'm planning to have it done this week...

Chuck

>>So the A/C in my 94 850 worked really great but then started losing gas.
>>Had my mechanic recharge it and it lasted about 2 weeks. He put dye in
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>
> col

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volvoguy - 23 Oct 2004 02:46 GMT

I wouldn,t put hoses on unless they are leaking or siezed. If you want to
spend the extra money, then spring to have the heater core replaced. They
shouldn't charge you more in labor since the box air box has to come out
anyway. And yes the job does pay about 8 hours.

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