Do you think I should replace my evaporator core while I have my dashboard out? The car has 48K miles and is coming out of storage. The dealer is replacing the dash so it would be the dealer to replace the core as well. I'm trying to keep expenses down, but I need some advice as to the reliability of the GS evaporator cores, and at what mileage do they generally show issues?

 

I wouldn’t worry about it, evaporators will usually last a longer than the engine, unless you’re planning on the car for another 200k, you shouldn’t have any issues with it

 

No I wouldn't touch the AC system unless a part is broken. Its a sealed system that will create alot of headaches once its been breached.

 

I think it would depend on the cost and time? If not that expensive why not put a new one in?

Also do you have any mildew smell from the system?

 

The AC isn't blowing cold and I'm having servo issues being sorted out. No noticeable mildew smell from the vents with the blower on high. when all the servos are replaced and the dash is reinstalled, I'd hate to do an ac diagnosis only to find its a leaking evaporator. I'll contact the dealer and check how much they'll charge me for the evap replacement. They are charging me 1hr at $160/hr per servo replacement while the dash is out.

 

If you suspect a leak you can have them recover and recharge the refrigerant and record how much came out. That will tell you if you've lost any refrigerant. I wouldn't replace the evap without any evidence that it needs to be replaced. It's better to keep the system sealed up than to mess with it in my opinion. Evaporator issues aren't common on these cars as far as I'm aware. They also have sniffers that can detect a leak, you can ask them to check the evaporator and connections while they have access.

 

Correct me if i'm wrong, but if they're replacing ALL the 8 servo's wouldnt they need to remove the evaporator since it's part of the ac assembly unit? The ac unit comes out as an entire assembly if im correct. Again, someone please confirm this.

 

The Evap has a tendency to hold Mildew. There are many threads here on CL about the GS and other Lexus having the Mildew smell. You may not know it till the a/c is working correctly. Is why I said depending on the cost, if was me I would replace.

 

I'm negotiating with them on a price to replace. If we cannot agree on labor times, I have a buddy in the AC industry that can do the job. I am also considering doing it myself with the help of this thread. Dash Removal How To

 

I have replaced instrument panel dash pads under the ZLZ warranty extension, the job only pays 2.5 to 3.0 hours.
To replace the evaporator coil requires a lot more work, total labor is about 8 hours. Most technicians take two days to complete the job.

 

Do you have a Toyota Dealer near you? They normally are 40% less give or take.

Also did you ever try the Freon empty and refill?

 

The one doing the work is the dealer here. It's a Toyota/Lexus dealership. We are a US territory so the dealership here is a US dealership and follows such laws. Surprised you mentioned the dealership would be cheaper. I did not try to vacuum and refill but I can take the car to my ac guy and have them diagnose a leak if any while I wait for my servo's and dashboard to come in.

 

Do you have a Toyota Dealer near you? They normally are 40% less give or take.

Also did you ever try the Freon empty and refill?