AC System Overhaul by Newbie

Well I’m still a newbie and figuring things out (though I just completed a front suspension overhaul on my G1 Taco) and after purchasing the four parts I thought would cover the entire AC system I am now finding out there is another part behind the glovebox.

I have the condenser, dryer, and compressor, and the expansion valve.
is the evaporator just as integral in the system? I’m going to have to get it out to replace the valve so should I bite the bullet and replace it? To be sure I have no future leaks or clogs is why I’m replacing the condenser, so?

also - the Denso evaporator is quite expensive - anyone have experience with TYC brand evaporators??

this is for a 2001 4 cyl 2WD Tacoma 5 lug

 

What is the reason for replacing everything all at once?
Yes the evaporator is a major component of the AC system and do occasionally fail and leak. I’m not sure on the Tacoma’s, never had to change one on them but on many others cars and trucks you gotta pull the entire dash to change them and in that situation I’d say definitely change it if you’re doing everything else. No experience with TYC but I’ve had good luck with most rock auto stuff.

 

Is this a new system going in a Truck that never had AC

So you were unable to pull vacuum and check for leaks ??

The AC Amplifier and safety switches are all in good shape??

If the condition of the Evaporator is unknown your better off changing it now.

Best of Luck

 

the evaporator case is easy to take out if there is a problem. I have had zero problems with the evaporators that came from the factory even decades later. The only issue I have had is with expansion valves. The pintel and orifice are so small that any debris will eventually find its way there. The condensor is the crap catcher of the system so replacing that is a good idea. I bought a set of tapered silicon plugs that I use to plug hose ends when locating leaks. I will isolate the line set from the compressor and pull a vacuum and see if it holds. If there are no leaks then I hook the lines to the compressor. I would replace the high and low pressure service port schraeder valves too as well as the missing caps... there are always missing caps.

 

Not sure about TYC quality. I bought a new blower motor to replace the OE one because it was getting loud. Turned out the TYC one was even louder lmfao. Oh well. Fitment was good though.

 

Thank you all for your responses.

The initial problem was diagnosed at the shop as a clog in the system that made the clutch seize - they recommended a new compressor and dryer. I then saw somewhere it’s a good idea to do the condenser and it’s a good price on RockAuto so I decided to do that too.. when I did tho it suggested an expansion valve and seal kit or they wouldn’t honor a warranty so those got added.
Now I’m just at the point of - why not? It’s not cheap, unless I get the TYC, but is the brand worth is the job suggestible at this point?

 

Also, should I avoid doing the job in the rain or where water might enter the system...
And do I need to worry about the oil in the lines can I blow them out or? I hear the Denso compressors come pre loaded with oil and don’t want extra I think?

 

Here are instructions on replacing everything in the system on a 5VZFE; conceptually it will be the same on your truck as well, though you'll have a few nuts/bolts/part numbers that are slightly different. At any rate, you can use it to better understand how to access the evap core, etc.

I would do it on a non-rainy day. You want to keep everything out of the system, esp. water, since if it freezes in there...trouble.

As far as Denso vs TYC goes...I've heard people who had success with each of them. The main thing I look for when replacing the evap core goes is that it should come pressurized (vacuum) when you get it. There will be a seal on the intake/outflow tubes, and you should get a nice "sucking in of air" when you take the seal off. If you don't get that, then I wouldn't install it.

This link takes you to the how-to guides:
Step-byStep Climate Control on a 1st Gen Tacoma

 

Right right right. Nice guide that person made. i think I’ll go ahead and order the TYC evaporator core and put it in with the new expansion valve. The question I still have tho is : is it necessary to drain the new compressor and refill it? Does it not come with the proper amount of oil?

 

Everything I've ever seen says drain and refill. I did the drain and refill when I did my truck.

 

ok thanks for the reassurance! Wish me luck!