1997 S320 Evaporator Core Replacement
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Joined: Jan 2005
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1997 S320 Evaporator Core Replacement
1997 S320 W140 Evaporator Core Replacement
Bought a 1997 S320 last September, noticed at the beginning of summer A/C wasn't cold. Got it recharged, worked fine for ~2 months, hot again. Recharged. Working fine for ~1 month, hot again. Recharged, worked fine for 1 week, hot again. Recharged, worked fine for 1 hour, hot again.
So Besides killing a lot of whales and depleting our ozone, i've also decided my something (probably evaporator core) is seriously screwed. On the last charge, i could actually see freeon pouring out of the vents and being sucked out my window. I left it parked, came back in and the cabin was hazy. The oil smell was obvious.
I've been researching the problem however, and many say the problem was fixed by 97. Before I begin this biblical proportion repair i'd like to be sure.
Is this my evaporator? Could a hose be loose somewhere connecting my evaporator? Will I need a new evaporator? Do i need the long or short version evaporator?
Also someone is said to have a step by step video for this, i'll paypal $2 for a link!
Bought a 1997 S320 last September, noticed at the beginning of summer A/C wasn't cold. Got it recharged, worked fine for ~2 months, hot again. Recharged. Working fine for ~1 month, hot again. Recharged, worked fine for 1 week, hot again. Recharged, worked fine for 1 hour, hot again.
So Besides killing a lot of whales and depleting our ozone, i've also decided my something (probably evaporator core) is seriously screwed. On the last charge, i could actually see freeon pouring out of the vents and being sucked out my window. I left it parked, came back in and the cabin was hazy. The oil smell was obvious.
I've been researching the problem however, and many say the problem was fixed by 97. Before I begin this biblical proportion repair i'd like to be sure.
Is this my evaporator? Could a hose be loose somewhere connecting my evaporator? Will I need a new evaporator? Do i need the long or short version evaporator?
Also someone is said to have a step by step video for this, i'll paypal $2 for a link!
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 405
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Shops can inject some fluid or gas that will show where the leak is in the entire system. Find a good shop that dies it, I can name a place or two in NYC. Dont let them screw you. The part is $200-$300 I think and the labor on Lincoln Town Car is no more than $200-300, and MB is not much different, so dont let people rip you off and say its that much more.
Or just do the job yourself if you know how to turn a wrench.
Good luck.
Or just do the job yourself if you know how to turn a wrench.
Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 519
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yea, ur supposed to recharge it. then inject the dye into the system, and drive it around...... once its not cold anymore, thats when u bust out the black light and look for the dye... shows up green.......... if it is the evap ur gonna see the green dripped down onto the transmission........ cahnces are it is ur evap. but i wouldn't change it w/o being sure.......... ccause its a big job. something like 12-14 hours or so it pays......
