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stuartestrand
New User
Oct 6, 2016, 2:27 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Trying to mount an aftermarket radio under the dash of my 2012 Nissan Leaf, I managed to drill a hole (about 1/8 inch) in part of the AC evaporator. After listening to all of the refrigerant leak out I went to the dealer and was handed a replace/repair estimate of more than $2000. I have been trying to find a cheaper fix and wondered if I could plug the hole with a screw and some sort of sealant. Any advice for this old klutz? 
Stuart
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 6, 2016, 2:41 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: plugging a hole?
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You install a new one. No fix I know of that's worth trying. Expect a lot of work to get it out and back properly then will require a vacuum and charge done exactly properly some/most of which is discussed here above............
http://autoforums.carjunky.com/..._A/C_SYSTEMS_P45460/
Good read and decide if you want to do that or just pay for that part.
You probably will want your own version of AllData.DIY.com to see details on removing evaporator and installation without messing it up - all are labor intensive more than the part,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 6, 2016, 3:19 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: plugging a hole?
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There is not cheaper way, maybe a less expensive shop but you risk them screwing it up too.
You drilled a hole in your evaporator because you were doing something stupid. Give up while you not further behind.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 6, 2016, 6:01 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: plugging a hole?
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It has an electric ac compressor and it takes a special oil that isn't conductive, so there are no short cuts or band aid fixes. 5.5hrs to replace evaporator that includes ripping the instrument panel out. The evaporator from the dealer is around $650.
This what is looked like when I did an evaporator job couple days ago on a Toyota Camry, so you can see why ac work is so expensive.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 6, 2016, 6:04 PM)
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stuartestrand
New User
Oct 6, 2016, 8:18 PM
Post #5 of 7
(1857 views)
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Re: plugging a hole?
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You are probably right, but why would this oil prevent an epoxy patch if I clean up around the patch?
Present plan: I will (carefully) cut an access panel in the plastic box that covers the part of the evaporator that my drill penetrated and see where the damage was done. Then I may attempt an epoxy repair and pay for a recharge attempt with leak detection.
I have already reviewed the manual for evaporator replacement and it is pretty intimidating, and your picture scares me even more. The Nissan dealer said 12 hours, not 5.5.
All things considered it is looking likely that I will be pretty warm driving all electric next August without AC.
Stuart
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 7, 2016, 12:01 AM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: plugging a hole?
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Stuart: There's a drilled hole in a very sensitive part - evaporator. Alloys and small passages for refrigerant to flow thru. Oil (whatever type) would inhibit a good weld. No putty or tricks are going to patch a hole you don't know the extent of yet till it's out. That or any part that seals refrigerant (a gas) can spike to well over 300PSI just being hot so not a bubble gum repair at all.
I could be wrong and not looking up price of a new one - some oil and any seals but that isn't where the cost is - labor is. Nice pic by Discretesignals shows how much stuff you usually need to move out of the way to replace that and plenty of opportunity to break things, pinch wires and worse have the new one leak so really should know what you are getting into.
If book says 5.5 (as per DS) that's what the time allowed should be. IDK if that include time and materials for a total recharge. Expect parts costs purchased thru a shop to be double from what you can do and still not the expensive part.
It gets worse. Screwing up the fix now just a hole that you know up if not charged properly you can easily add mega hundreds more in other components wrecked.
Suggestion anew: Find the right shop that does this stuff. It's going to involve costly equipment and priceless experience to put this back to working like nothing happened.
Think real hard about stuff like sound systems, alarms and aftermarket junk. It's responsible for a high percent of problems if not right away later on down the road.
For this just hope there isn't more damage from drilling far enough to hit the evaporator - costs could go up when it's taken apart and seen,
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Oct 7, 2016, 12:03 AM)
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