Since we've almost got it all the way apart I want to replace the heater core. Can this be done without taking the A/C condenser out? If not is there a good site that shows me how or how can it be done?
Marc.
Take the car to a shop that can discharge/recover the freon in the system.
Disconnect the two hoses going to the evaporator from the firewall. Remove the four or so metal clips around the white plastic cover on the right hand side of the heater box. Give a tug and slide the evaporator out of the box and put it aside. Leave the condensor in the car next to the radiator, it doesn't need to go anywhere ;)
Bob
Also plug off the hoses with something, I suggest replacing the receiver/dryer any time you open the system, it's cheap insurance.
Thanks guys! The more I work on this car the less impressed I am with it from a service stand point. Since its a old freon system what do I need to upgrade it to a 134 system - seals and a compressor dryer of course.
Marc
At this point R12 and R134a are about the same price so leaving it as R12 would probably be the better choice. It will also function as designed, and no worries about underated hose and compressors seals and such. The lines that are separated should be resealed with the new oversize green or yellow o-rings.
Bob
The HVAC system is the Achilles heal of the 240, aside from that they're fantastic cars for the DIY mechanic. Don't give up yet on it.
Huh? Last time I checked R12 was about 10 times the cost of R134a and you have to be licensed to buy it (I am) but I always just convert the systems I work on.
That'd be "downgrade", not "upgrade". The A/C will perform worse with R134a... For a system that was a bit borderline to start with, that is not good!
Just one example:
Bob
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