After replacing my A/C compressor it seems that my evaporator core may be leaking. After using the A/C the last time I noticed that the condensation that dripped on the floor of my garage was oily and had a green tint, probably from the leak detect PAG oil. There's also residue around the drain hole along the rear bottom edge of the right front fender. After some research and review of the Pontiac service manual, I'm planning to remove the inner fender and replace the evaporator core with a unit from Old Air. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this and has any advice to offer. Classic Auto Air offers a service to restore evaporator cores and the housing, but they require a core that doesn't leak.

On 11/14/2017 at 8:05 AM, rickmpontiac said:

After replacing my A/C compressor it seems that my evaporator core may be leaking. After using the A/C the last time I noticed that the condensation that dripped on the floor of my garage was oily and had a green tint, probably from the leak detect PAG oil. There's also residue around the drain hole along the rear bottom edge of the right front fender. After some research and review of the Pontiac service manual, I'm planning to remove the inner fender and replace the evaporator core with a unit from Old Air. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this and has any advice to offer. Classic Auto Air offers a service to restore evaporator cores and the housing, but they require a core that doesn't leak.

Rick - can't you just buy a new evaporator core from Classic Auto Air or Old Air? Granted, sending in a rebuild-able core helps lower your cost typically. I have to believe you should be able to buy a new one from one of these guys or somewhere else.

2 hours ago, Frosty said:

Rick - can't you just buy a new evaporator core from Classic Auto Air or Old Air? Granted, sending in a rebuild-able core helps lower your cost typically. I have to believe you should be able to buy a new one from one of these guys or somewhere else.

Hello Frosty - Yes, that's the plan. I was mostly looking for any experience that might validate my plan to get to the evaporator core by only removing the inner fender, and any experience with aftermarket replacements from someone like Old Air. Thanks for the input.

I have experience removing fenders and  heater cores firewalls on my buddy's '68 Impala. This car didn't have air thoguh, but I know that removing the inner fender is start. What I am not sure about is can you  get to the left most bolts without removing the external fender completely.

Have you considered getting a GM shop manual for your car? That would give you the proper (e.g. GM) way to remove it - complete with exploded diagrams and instructions. They are available both in paper and on CDs. Money well spent in my opinion.

3 minutes ago, Frosty said:

I have experience removing fenders and  heater cores firewalls on my buddy's '68 Impala. This car didn't have air thoguh, but I know that removing the inner fender is start. What I am not sure about is can you  get to the left most bolts without removing the external fender completely.

Have you considered getting a GM shop manual for your car? That would give you the proper (e.g. GM) way to remove it - complete with exploded diagrams and instructions. They are available both in paper and on CDs. Money well spent in my opinion.

Thanks Frosty, Yes,  I have a copy of the body and service manuals for the car and that's way the replacement is described. Was just looking for experience that might indicate there's more to it than described, and  to see if there any 'gotchas' that might be good to know.