A while back I completely replaced the AC system, including lines, compressor, condenser, heater core, etc. it’s been sitting at vacuum (and holding it quite well), and I’m filling it today. But there’s one detail I still need to do: reinstall the evaporator drain hose.
I know where the hose used to exit over the frame near the accumulator, as shown in this image. I just can’t figure out how I re-install that hose in the first place. I mean, I’m not sure how I can get my hand in there with the accumulator in the way.
I’m also wondering how bad it is to not install the hose at all. I assume it’s there for a reason.
There is a rubber boot that sandwiches between the evap drain and the underbody and it is TIGHT! I believe the rubber pipe attaches to that boot from underneath but I am not sure how to access it other than from top and getting that boot back in place is magic. All the rubber hose drain does is redirects the water off the frame.
This brings back bad memories of working on the AC system. I think as long as you have the rubber drain port at the bottom of the HVAC box directed properly in the fiberglass hole in the passenger footwell then the water should at least drain out of the car. Maybe down the frame but at least not on the passenger's feet.
My guess is that you'd have to pull the HVAC box out to get that rubber drain hose back on.
The good news is that I know the drain is going through the body correctly. I know this because I forgot to remove the defrost duct and broke the bottom of the evaporator box when I forced the box free. I had to fiberglass it back together, tested that it’s water tight, and made sure the drain is going back through the body, so I SHOULD be good. I definitely don’t want to take all of that apart again.
I feel like the hose cane off when I pulled the box out of the car, but I don’t remember anymore. I definite didn’t put the hose back on before re-installing the box.
So it looks like I’m just going to let it drain onto the frame.
I think I used a spark plug boot though the original hole... My car's an early car though, and I had to pull out the ac box a second time to enlarge the hole in the fiberglass body.
Damn, I never want to do that again, that day sucked ass.
Early 81 5spd conversion- DMCH Ground Effects, Double Din, Custom Instrument Cluster, QA1 Suspension, 3.0 PRV with MS3
Ed,
I commend you for your instructions on your website. How hard was it to get it to feed through the spot where the original hose was?
Also, any idea how large the diameter of the original elbow is where it connects to the bottom of the Evap box? Would like to find something similar to that at Lowe's that does not have a 90 turn.
Originally Posted by EdR5150
I couldn't find a way to get the drain back on. It's also prone to clogging. That's why I made this one-piece clear drain:
Ed,
I commend you for your instructions on your website.
Thanks! I spend too much time on it.
Originally Posted by JBaker4981
How hard was it to get it to feed through the spot where the original hose was?
Not hard. The tygon material is soft, but holds it's shape well. I was able to cram it down under the evap drain, then back up onto the drain. Maybe once I accidentally shoved it down completely through the underbody. I just tried again carefully, and it worked.
Originally Posted by JBaker4981
Also, any idea how large the diameter of the original elbow is where it connects to the bottom of the Evap box? Would like to find something similar to that at Lowe's that does not have a 90 turn.
Looks like the internal diameter is around 3/4 inch. Not sure how large the hole in the underbody is. 20190713_223909.jpg
I had planned to make some more drains from regular vinyl tubing, but vinyl is hard to work with. The tygon tubing is expensive, so the project is on hold right now.
Thanks for the additional info man! I've ordered a replacement drain tube last night from DMCH as a back up (for $6.28 I cant pass on having a backup) however I have already placed an order at Lowe's for similar tubing. Definitely going to give your directions a shot this week and use the DMCH as a backup in case I get frustrated or waste all of my Lowe's tubing.
I assume you fed it through the inside of the car first? The gap between the Evap Case and the center of the underbody is so small - just curious how to tackle it best on my early VIN car. Also, what is below the opening? Is it hollow or is there a cavity that leads directly to the opening in the front right wheel well?
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Dave M vin 03572
Originally Posted by EdR5150
