Removing the A/C box in an 1988
 

We had a defective expansion valve and just received the new one. Does the dashboard need to come out to remove the A/C box or can it be dropped out the bottom. Thanks in advance!

NJTom,

I'm pretty sure you cannot drop it out (maybe so in the early models).

I just went though the expansion valve replacement myself. I pulled the dash to get at the HVAC. It's a job I don't want to do again! But, having A/C again is sooo nice!

If you pull the complete blower box on the outside firewall, you can see the expansion valve all wrapped up in the black thermal wrap. Some have said you can replace it that way, i would try it first, but you will have limited room to get the wrap off and also the pigtail needs to be clipped back on to the tubing (it was hard to do on the bench, so I'm not sure if you will have the room).
Also you will need to get some more of that black wrap to replace what you cut off. Good luck.

I think most people go after it from the cowl area, taking the fan box apart. There was a good thread on it but the pics have been taken down.

The referred to write up says to split the box and cut the plastic screen. Don't do it that way! It is easy to pull the whole box out. Unplug elec connector, remove 6 bolts, and that's it. It will be stuck to the cowl by a weather seal, so you may have to pry it some for persuasion:) Once it's loose, disconnect the vacuum line and lift that puppy out.

This will have to done whether you pull the dash or not.

Thanks

THANKS guys!
 

Appreciate the help!

I have gotten the expansion valve out with no issues on my '86 just by removing the fan box. Pull wiper arms. Carefully unstick the plastic cowl cover. Six screws and the fan box can be pulled out as the previous poster noted. The fan box is sealed to the body with a soft sticky product that will yield with a little prying. Pick up some 3M glass butyl tape at Napa to reseal the fan box, if needed.

This will be a good time to clean the evaporator with some spray foam ac coil cleaner and a water rinse. All the cleaner and water will run out the evaporator drain as long as it is not plugged.


Peter