Hello
I was just told my compressor and condenser went out on my SC 430. He is telling me that he has to take the dash out to do some of the work. Because of the materials that could be in Ac system. He wants to charge me $4300 to do this.
Is he correct? Or can I do something else?

 

I had my entire system replaced 2 years ago. The dash did have to come out. I bought all of the parts to keep the cost down, but the labor was still around $1500 or $1700, can't remember for sure. I'm not sure what the parts cost is now. I replaced the compressor, evaporator, condenser, expansion valve and dryer and hoses. My parts cost was about $1400. Good luck.

 

DIY on AC work can save a fortune sometimes.

On a compressor failure we always replaced the compressor and condensor and receiver/dryer or expansion valve.

The evaporator core and lines can be usually flushed(see youtube videos) but we almost never did that unless compressor was seized.

Yeah, there's always a risk of doing the job twice so that's probably why the shop quoted the "whole shebang" which includes pulling the dash to replace the evaporator core but I never seen any cars come back in the time I was working there, including repairs I did too.

For people who diy, an evac pump, gauges, meat thermometer to measure vent temps, and a halogen leak detector is all that's needed.

Halogen leak detector sold at Harbor Freight works well to find refrigerant leaks and to check your work, I have one for my personal vehicle.

 

There is a Lexus service bulletin advising which AC components should be replaced based on examination for "debris" in the system. I think the bulletin is in the forum, but if you google "L-SB-0010-15 May 13, 2015", you will be able to pull it up.

 

I heard on the Hondas of a certain generation the compressor goes out and spreads black seal gunk throughout the system. This requires you having to replace all the components.

I have never heard that on an SC430.

I would take your car into a different shop for a second opinion. I have heard of many SC owner's replacing their compressor and drier without having to replace the evaporator core or the expansion valve. In fact I would say that is the rule more than the exception.