How to Clean Automotive AC Evaporator Core / Coil - Tutorial with Tips

[@FrankVJr]

The best way to prevent any odor when starting the AC is to turn off the AC 3 minutes before getting to your destination while keeping the blower on full blast. The condensation will be removed from the core eliminating mildew from forming.

[@sultanalqahtani8821]

Also you should keep the A/C fresh air gate closed all the time to keep the cabin and filter clean

[@EJames-nm4qt]

@@sultanalqahtani8821in other words recirculate the air in the cabin, correct?

[@HristoskoBG]

@@sultanalqahtani8821 How do you get oxygen then tho

[@DoubtingThomas333]

​@@HristoskoBGcm down the rear opposite side passenger window.

[@LetsgoBrandon0U812]

I’ve heard that riding in a vehicle with the air on circulate Is why people get sleepy because the oxygen levels go down

[@604Bluelight]

Another really informative video. Your videos need to be shared. The average joe wouldn’t bat an eye on what techs do on the job and just pay for the service not knowing what they’ve done is completely useless. These videos are really appreciated.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Most all mechanic work, guys just go through the motions to get the job done. Right or wrong it gets done, then sometimes it has to be redone. 😆 thanks for watching!

[@Doug_Hefernen]

I think this is the best how to EVAP cleaning video on KZbin. 🍻 Thanks for the lesson!

[@jaeabel9186]

Dealer kits usually have that drain hose plug fitting but the “generics” often don’t and want you to feed the hose up all the way into the evap box-a real pain per the twists and turns of this formed tube and route. On my Subaru I pulled the drain tube out completely and “straightened” it by inserting it into a piece of PVC pipe which allowed much easier feed of the spray tube. (Drip tubing also works). Fed the drain tube hose with the spray tube inserted with tip exposed back in and did the spray treatment. I left the spray tube in for the first can- mine was extra dirty cause the air filter had failed. This technique also ensures you reamed out any larger obstructions in the drain tube. If your drain tube is so old that it cracks with the straightening tactic…you needed a new one of those anyways.

[@stevendeitrich6933]

One point to make . Pinch off the drain hose & let the foam work for about 10 minutes before draining out . Only dirty water comes out , not foam .

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Thanks for this. Probably can’t hurt. The air boxes are mostly air and likely liquid tight. Part of me thinks get the cleaner out asap before it has a chance to leak out another spot.

[@stevendeitrich6933]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS The ( Car Care Nut ) recommends waiting 5 to 10 minutes . He is a Toyota Certified Master Mechanic . So that's where I learned that .

[@SpicyMcGeezak]

Why not just leave the can attached? And let the cleaner work it’s magic.

[@glenmoss02]

​@MrRedHotChiliMan Makes sense to me. It seemed the foam liquefied way too fast. It needs at least 5-10 minutes to get a good clean.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

You can plug the line to keep the cleaner in but it’ll still condense and only cover maybe the bottom half inch of the evaporator. I have some hvac boxes out of the cars, I’ll cut a window in one and see what goes on during cleaning.

[@oddlycurious8761]

Thank you for answering my air filter question. I watched so many videos where they did not remove the filter before spraying the vent that i just couldn't believe this to be true.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Lots of stuff I see online blows my mind, talking about car stuff.

[@oddlycurious8761]

@GIZZMOTORSPORTS not going to lie, there is 2 things in life that piss me off and one of them is working on vehicles🤣

[@davidhenderson585]

Easy maintenance, cost effective. Thank you 🎉

[@samli14]

Thanks Mate for your Great video! When spraying to the intake, did you put external circulation, turn on AC and set the temperature to the lowest?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

That’s the way to do it. Thanks for reminding everyone reading this!

[@courier11sec]

In some countries, citizenship requires compulsory military service. In Canada they have compulsory youtube tutorial channel production.

[@dan110024]

I’m skeptical of how well this is cleaning the evaporator coil. It looks like it’s just a really good drain cleaner. From my time of being an HVAC tech and seeing the state of some coils, I doubt this is really getting into it.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Good thing most cars have cabin filters. Without one the results are much different. I’ll post up that vid of an open car hvac box getting cleaned

[@Gjonesy96]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS please. I have a ram with little to no AC blowing because these engineers never added a cabin air filter to these trucks

[@miker252]

Yeah. I wouldn't want to use an acidic solution on an evaporator. In my experience, the odor is very hard to eliminate. I hope that conditioner contains a neutralizer. I was impressed by how careful a working mechanic is to avoid hazardous chemicals. I probably should have been more like him over the last sixty years.

[@768mph]

@@Gjonesy96the 2019+ Rams have cabin air filters. (New body style) The previous 2018 and older don’t unfortunately.

[@Gjonesy96]

@ im glad it only took them that long to figure it out lmao😭

[@davesawchuk6584]

If you get foam back, you drained it to early. Should wait 10 -15 min before draining. Should get water only

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

so plug the drain hole and wait 10 minutes? Cant hurt, I see what you're saying. From the designs I've seen the maybe 350ml-400ml would be in the tube and air box, in a liquid state it might only over the bottom half inch of the evaporator.

[@davesawchuk6584]

Check out the car care nut. He has a good video on it. Also he’s a Toyota master mechanic and done many of these treatments

[@stevendeitrich6933]

Yes . I watched ( car care nut ) & he says pinch off hose for 5 / 10 minutes before you let it drain .

[@illiniwood]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS After putting a can or two of foam up in there, I'd take a turkey baster or a Duralast battery filler bulb and put it into the drain hose nice and secure, then try sloshing some of that cleaner round to break lose some of the stubborn grime. It would probably take a second can of cleaner, but I'd think it would be worth the added cost to get it as clean as possible. Food for thought.

[@4mins4peace]

In 2016 camry, i pull back passenger flooring, pull drain hose up through hole so i can snake a tube easier at the bends. Then put cleaner tube and hose back through hole in floor and connect to can. I also plug tube with something like a wire nut or cap for 10min before draining

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@4mins4peace that works! I just worry about recommending that if people aren’t careful and they spill in the interior.

[@4mins4peace]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS I put the drain hose back through floor once I snake cleaning tube all the way in and before I attach it to can

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@4mins4peace Ah, good idea.

[@SpicyMcGeezak]

Thanks for the video. I believe these kits are available from Subaru as well.. possibly for less money. Don’t quote me on that as I heard it through the grapevine.

[@Swenser]

Its like the evep coil acts as a filter in itself trapping the dirt from entering the cabin.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Like almost all cars before the 2000’s, without cabin filters. Air ducts blowing out dried leaves, if you had AC chances are it smelled

[@eleuteriopascual4196]

Buen video, mi carro tiene el evaporador tapado y estoy buscando tutorias de como limpiarlo, pues mi carro es japones y no tiene filtros, a demás me dicen que hay que Desmontar la caja del evaporador y romperla pues es sellada. Me gustó la opción de por la manguera del desagüe, pero creo en este video el señor lo hizo al revés debo de limpiar primero la parte de alante y por último el evaporador

[@ericksanchezHN]

Sería evaporator y condensador

[@stephenheriot9862]

Thankyou for this. I have 2013 holden colorado, got my ac regassed. Technician told me i have restricted airflow dur to dirty, Evaporator needs replacing $2500. car not built with filter! Im thinking how hard is it to clean Evaporator? Found your video, now going to try this

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Maybe try 2 cans! If you remove the blower motor assembly from under the right side of dash would you not be looking directly at the dirty face of the evaporator? Might be able to brush and vacuum out the bulk of the debris, then empty a can or cleaner directly on it

[@banjo8537]

Maybe use a hose clamp to hold the plug in place for safety.

[@peterrudy9207]

KZbin - Sweet Project Cars - Used a brush head attached to a long wire to ream out the drainage tube , underneath vehicle .

[@Nic1Moreno]

Had a toyota tec use that A/C crap on my tacoma and get it on my seats...needless to say i got a whole new interior...

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

This should be up at the top of the comments!

[@MVS_DJGillyGill]

this was informative, thank you

[@KevinValenzuela-kc9so]

Good afternoon and what products were used? Buenas tardes y que productos se utilizanron?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

HI. This is the Toyota kit, the common USA part number is 00289-ACRKT

[@ra777wow]

Ask maybe universal kit ? Im sure auto parts stores has it 👍

[@djsupra6518]

Damn bro Acura Tsx 6 speed just noticed it’s got the tien coilovers on Rpf1s 😮‍💨🔥 then I saw the white MR2 Bumper on the ground watching/listening to Drag Racing videos and you work carefully and clean Shessh if you know you know 😉 your defiantly my people we would defiantly be friends if you lived in my town hahaha oh and btw that Tsx has a K24A2 motor which is Hondas Best 4 cylinder motor without a doubt 🙏 Stay Blessed Brother keep on wrenching great job in general including your video edit your work is much appreciated.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Thank you, thank you. Impressive, you caught the details and you also know your stuff. You have a good eye and great taste in cars 😆

[@imoclementekuma6001]

Hello. Please my compressor has stopped working and am about changing the compressor, but some friends said i should change the evaporator which am not convenient with because i don't want the technician to damage other things in my vehicle, can i use this and cleans off dirt from the evaporator and still enjoy the cooling system for a very long time ? Vehicle is Lincoln mkx 2016 model. Writing you from Nigeria. Thanks

[@rayiis]

You need to clean off the internal dirt and debris from the evaporator. The way in the video cleans the external surface of the evaporator only. Highly recommended to change the a/c radiator and clean the a/c circle very well that includes the evaporator. Otherwise, the new compressor may get damaged again very soon.

[@JOESRQFLUSA]

I was going to do this but now learning that the foam you put in is corrosive, I decided not to do it. I’m not having problems with my AC and I’m going to leave it that way. Thanks for the heads up.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

That’s a good plan. Don’t mess with it if no issues. I’ll soak some aluminum in the cleaner and see what happens 😂

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

It's made for it. It's not "corrosive". In fact, many manufacturers sell a rebranded kit for use at dealerships.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@VndNvwYvvSvv@0:42 check out the label on the can, corrosive, flammable… plus you can feel it when you get it on your skin.

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS Flammability is just from the propellants and that's irrelevant. Read the MSDS. Your saliva is corrosive too. It's fine. Doesn't burn me. Walk it off, cupcake.

[@Beckybitch]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTSI see your point, but brake fluid is extremely corrosive yet it sits in plastic housing in rubber hoses. As long as the material holding it is not corroded by that fluid, it’s fine to hold it. Another example, paint thinner can be stored in a metal can. But will corrode plastic. Both are corrosive to human skin. Keep up the good work brother 👍🏽

[@mikesantos8661]

Good job! Like it!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 greetings from 🇧🇷

[@kristiang.5237]

I caution against doing this on the CL9 TSX as the evaporator coil sits directly above the ECU. The cleaning solution can leak onto the ECU and cause a major headache. Ask me how I know 😮

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

That sucks. You must have also had water dripping on your ecu when AC/defrost was in use.

[@kristiang.5237]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS nope… absolutely no issue before. This happened immediately after the procedure. Thought I was being proactive in doing the procedure, but in this case, the famous saying applies… “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” 🤣. Luckily, I pretty much caught it immediately and was able to deoxit with success 👍🏼

[@gloums]

Is it possible to cover the ECU with a towel to prevent it from getting dripped on? Or would you say don't attempt at cleaning at all?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@gloums I would lay a towel down just in case and try it. Let me know if anything drips on the towel

[@banjo8537]

Can't you put an extension on the nozzle like on lubrication spay cans? Or change the nozzle out for one that can accept a nozzle extension?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Oh, on the second can spraying in the intake? With a tip that atomized nicely. That’s a good mod, if you know where the air intake you may not have to lift the cowl

[@MikeyMack303]

Great video. Thanks for showing us what you did .

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

thanks Mikey for the positive feedback!

[@thelazyhandyman]

Abit confused...I thought when you spray the cleaner into the hole from the top you have the fan running on max without AC on. So cold air max fan while spraying? No heat?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Thanks. If you have the fan on next to nothing will drain out, you’re just moving the dirt into your ducting. Or worse you have the cleaner blow out your vents that will damage your interior. Exactly why I did this video, too much bad info online.

[@yardboy3955]

Thanks for the video, most helpful, never thought about this maintenance, definitely wear eye + hand protection. This maintenance should make your a/c run cooler, yes? Do you have a shop? If yes what city are you in? Thanks

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@yardboy3955 hi. There’s a notice difference in ac performance with a cleaned evaporator. I’m in Vancouver, strictly a hobby shop. I like to put big engines where they don’t belong.

[@j3ngg00]

If you want to try a small cleaning just spray the foam at the blower , turn on the blower at high speed fan and let the foam get inside all the evap. ( the best result for cleanning is to take out your evap and clean it out side )

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I know a few guys that ran blower on high speed and sprayed it. One bought new leather seat covers, the one last month had the cleaner dripping from the ducts that immediately fried the BCM. Yup best to remove the evaporator but that’s a big time and dollar repair, at that point may as well go the extra and replace it

[@MikeSmith-nu9wt]

I turned my ac on , put it on vent , stuffed a vacumm hose down the center vent past the blend door , hooked it to my air blow gun , and blew dust dirt and leaves , dog hair all came out , had to clean the car , but the ac started blowing cold again , it was plugged bad , later i removed the fan and i could see my evaporator , i air blew it out from the bottom then , not much came out that time , ac is good now ..i had a drain leaking so i siliconed around the drain hose , anything to keep from removing that dash to change the evaporator .😂

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Awesome. At that point if you don’t want to use the aggressive cleaner you could Lysol bomb the evaporator and air box. Too bad all cars done have access to the evaporator with just removing the fan. They could 100% design this stuff with this in mind…

[@MJs-85]

can we inject this foam down from the cabin air filter area and let it drain down from this hose? I saw a HONDA vid he did it that way.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

It can be to hit the evaporator that way, you just don’t know where it’s going. Maybe if you attached the spray tube to a borescope to be sure you’re hitting it. Simpler to just spray it into the drain tube.

[@panaoutsios1990]

I put little water in outside vents and full speed the fans when its 25 c

[@theebenReyes]

What was the reason for cleaning? No air out of vents. Or driver side blow hot air.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Just regular maintenance. If I ran the fan with ac off had a slight musty smell. Are you having any issues with yours?

[@theebenReyes]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS yes . No air coming out of vents. Blower works fine.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@theebenReyes if no air on cold then maybe this evaporator is plugged, common on some dodge trucks. If no hot of cold air maybe just a plugged cabin filter.

[@chrisbui7642]

Very informative video sir. Thank you

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@chrisbui7642 thanks for the positive feedback!!

[@trish6618]

How do you make sure it doesn't go into car? All in blower etc?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Only spray into the box that houses the evaporator, spray into the drain tube is the best way. Don’t turn the fan on until after most of the cleaner has drained out.

[@TryLater-c8f]

Can you do this to every car or just your Toyota vehicle ​@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS

[@michaelg510]

If you dont have a lift at home, would it be advisable to do this with a jack? My 2013 camry is blowing air, but it doesnt get cold. Is this more likely a refrigerant issue? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes I’d wait until the ac is working before doing this. You want the ac to function to allow the evaporator to try and rinse itself. Look for any obvious signs of leaks at the lines and Schrader valves, a car that age typically just refill it with dye then recheck again once it stops working. Hopefully that will be years. Or you may have a bad compressor clutch relay, or clutch and coil. Lots of info online if you’re handy.

[@miker252]

Use jack stands or ramps.

[@teejay6139]

Isn't that restriction the one way drain valve that all cars have? Looks kinda like a duckbill.. yeah that's normal and it restricted the reverse flow of that cleaner upwards

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I know what you mean, I see that duckbill drain on lots of rear ac units in Hondas. Not on this front one, unless then somehow built it into the line.

[@ktate2002]

Good tutorial. Thanks.

[@duyenchau8167]

Hello sir. Thanks for the clear video. On my rav4, the ac blowed cold air ok, but when I turn the ac off, the cold airflow lost its coldness in a very short time like in 1 minute. Is what you are doing something I should try or what could be wrong?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@duyenchau8167 That’s pretty standard, when the ac is off it will warm up quick if the you’re in the sun or the outside temp is high. If you have no ac complaints, like bad smell or poor performance I would just leave it be and do nothing to it.

[@mrvang8077]

How is this not part of the owners manual book for maintenance? What will happened if you never service it?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@mrvang8077 shops, even dealership service department offer the service but it’s very easy to DIY. If you never ever do this, depending on conditions you may get, musty or bad smells, poor ac performance, low air flow. Definitely worthwhile if done correctly. Just a little common sense and caution when using any chemicals.

[@zeroquanta4252]

Good tip on the Cowling Thanks,,,

[@dandecl5843]

Should have used a second catch bottle to compare 1st drain with 2nd. Check dirt beteeen the two.

[@funkyfreshEazyO]

I can't access the drain tube on my Cadillac ats. Is there another way to get that cleaner in there?

[@E-WayPoota]

That’s what I was going to ask. Most cars, you can go on passenger side, pop off plastic panel where your left shin would be, and you’ll see a plastic hose connected to a plastic housing normally. This is the drain hose, just further up inside the car. I believe you can use this can of cleaner if you connect to this rubber hose (again where passenger left leg sits) and shoot it upwards towards the coils. But would have to have a drainage bucket at hand so when you disconnect you can immediately catch the drainage dirty liquid so it doesn’t get on passenger floor. BUT I’m not a mechanic and not sure about this. I just think you can do it this way.

[@wr257]

Good advice. Thank you

[@PRL1290]

Leave it attached to the drain hose then drain after 10 minutes. It's in the instructions.

[@juliuslopez9438]

If this thing is very corrosive like you show here, will it not corrode the insides of the a/c system - the plastic, aluminum, metal etc?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I don’t know why acids don’t react with plastic, they are often sold and stored in plastic containers. Metals are the concern. This would eat up the metal evaporator if you let it sit and didn’t use the AC. As you use the AC the moisture in the air condenses on the cold evaporator helping it to self wash.

[@your_bases_are_belong_to_us]

if that spray is corrosive, that gives me reservations. I know that in regular AC cleanups some people use a lye solution. And that it removes dirt and grimes. But if its not rinsed off, it rots the fins off the heat exchanger. If these corrosive foams have such a chemical makeup, that evaporator is soon going to get degraded.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@your_bases_are_belong_to_us I also have my reservations. I’d only use this if you have dirty evap with no way to access. No regular maintenance interval like some sellers would suggest. Nice username BTW

[@jessesarmiento1883]

Can i do the same to a 2000 Malibu? They dont have cabin air filters.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

If your ac is functioning and you can see the ac drain tube you can easily do this. Just let it air out immediately afterwards and use the ac to let the evaporator draw the humidity from the air to self wash.

[@banjo8537]

Otherwise an excellent instructional video. Thanks!

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Swenser]

Why my Australian Camry has no cabin filter? The moulding is plastic welded shut. I guess I can cut it open. Not sure if there is a filter in there originally.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Somebody online must know if that’s possible on your Camry, ask google. Honda sorta used to do that on older civics, they left out the filters that you could add but without any issues/cutting

[@tomm9013]

What year is your car? Cabin filters did not become compulsory in Australia until about 2005/06.

[@Swenser]

@@tomm9013 2006.

[@gamingcrypto-YT]

Wow i didn't know you can do this to clean the core i have a 2009 honda civic exl

[@codyp8566]

Its been a year since this video, how did the cleaning go? Is it still clean?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Maybe 25K kms later. Still good. No bad smells, and ac is ice cold. I don’t feel the need to redo at this time.

[@greeenteeee]

Never heard of cleaning the evaporator, is this preventative or fixing a subpar ac system??

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@greeenteeee I’d only do it to try and clean a mucked up evaporator. Don’t mess with the chemicals if you don’t have to. Although some selling this tell you it’s regular maintenance, no thanks.

[@greeenteeee]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS so I’ll have to look up symptoms of a mucked up evap

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@greeenteeee bad odours and/or poor performance due to restricted air flow

[@kezug]

If there is still musty/mold smell after doing this, can Lysol sprayed into the air intake be worthy of more "cleaning and disinfecting"?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

The foam gets all over the grime on the evaporator, tries to remove it. I don’t see how spray Lysol could do that. Maybe try 2 cans of foam or try to access the evaporator and mechanically clean it and the air box

[@macmoney2043]

​@@GIZZMOTORSPORTSI have throat burning fume coming out of my ac system on my honda accord 21,could that be a bad evaporater?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@macmoney2043the Honda evaporators don’t have chronic leak issues like r1234yf fillled Honda condensers. Is there a fluid leaking and burning off or something stuck on your exhaust? Or maybe somebody did this evaporator service incorrectly and the chemicals are in your dash ducting. What does it smell like?

[@macmoney2043]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS I Never had anywork done on it except oil changes.smell coming out of Ac is oderless and subtle yet burns throat.i changed the cabin filter and still the same and dont have any noticable leaks on engine .could be blocked exhast perhaps but i dont know how that could be.

[@macmoney2043]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS i just found out there is a manufactring defect on some honda accord 21 models with their ac coolant being prone to corrosion and leakage .the freon leak could be it

[@timb7842]

If its still that wet are you shooting yourself in the foot putting filter in so soon?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@timb7842 it’s fine. the filter is before the evaporator

[@jiwbink]

IM NOT SURE,BUT WHEN USING AC,DOESNT 134A &OIL CIRCULATE THROUGH THE EVAPORATOR CORE?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes, the refrigerant and oil circulate in the system. The cleaner is for the outside surface area of the evaporator in the dashboard.

[@gezgin4503]

I couldn't find the air conditioner outlet hose in my 2013 VW Polo car? I wonder where this outlet pipe is?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

If you turn on the AC do you see the water draining?

[@gezgin4503]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS If I travel for a very long time. like 5-6 hours

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Put car on jack stands, on a humid day. Put an open bucket of hot water on the passenger front floor, start car with ac on max and look to see where it comes out. I would try this.

[@Bennewman-yz5ee]

Hi does this clean the inside of the evaporator coil or the outside of the evaporator coils

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

It foam tries to clean inside and outside the evaporator, whatever it contacts. Does a better job on cars with cabin filters, older cars without could be plugged solid with debris. I have a couple of hvac boxes here out of car, I’ll open them up and maybe do another vid.

[@justhere4721]

This is just to clean the drainage where the core sits. The evap core is sealed itself. Only the AC refrigerant goes inside through the core.

[@samuelgutierrez5686]

So if my evaporator is clogged this can clean it? Like on the Freon side of things?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Unfortunately this won’t help if the system is plugged inside. That’s usually after the compressor fails and fills the system with metal. At that point you can flush the lines and replace everything else, everything.

[@samuelgutierrez5686]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS I changed my expansión valve, and my compressor, I have no funky smell so I’m assuming it’s not the evaporator and I’m about to change the condenser. If I may ask what “commonly” clogs up the system? Or what is the material?

[@samuelgutierrez5686]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS also thank you so much for the response, and quick at that!

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@samuelgutierrez5686what clogs it? It’s usually after a compressor fails, and continues to run. If the system doesn’t have enough oil it can tear up the compressor, metal shavings flow through the system. I’ve seen guys install a new compressor and have it fail before leaving the shop because of all the metal in the system.

[@Mike_44]

I’m planning on replacing all the A/C components on my ‘05 Outback XT. When do you introduce PAG oil to the A/C system, while installing the components? Also, will pulling a vacuum pull the PAG oil or only the air moisture? Thanks in advance.

[@hardkore360]

I saw a separate video where this was addressed. The PAG oil will not be pulled with the vacuum, pulling a vacuum will only capture moisture while the oil will remain in place.

[@Mike_44]

@@hardkore360 Oh great, thanks for letting me know. I gave never done this and was concerned the oil would come out into the pump. Apparently its viscosity offers enough resistance to the pump.

[@hardkore360]

@@Mike_44 yep you got it, the water will boil off when in a vacuum, the PAG oil is denser and has more viscosity so it stays in the AC system assuming you have no leaks 👍

[@Mike_44]

@@hardkore360 Awesome, thank you so much for verifying this.

[@aymi6393]

Could I use foam cleaner for houses a/c or would that be harmful to a car’s a/c and if so why? Also, you/ he used a Toyota foam cleaner kit for his Acura - does that mean you can use the Toyota, Kia, or BG kits on any car brand?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

all the car kits will be similar. I would stick with the car kits for cars. The home condenser, there is no chance of you breathing the chemical as it's outside the house. Really depends on the chemicals used.

[@scottjune3554]

Great video

[@jagdevgill2250]

I tried it but my ac smelled damp after wards fora few good months

[@HaierUp]

Is this stuff bad if it gets on your skin?……..this guy will answer your question.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes, bad to get the first can contents on your skin.

[@angelohernandez2952]

Why don’t put water trough the same hose to rinse??

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

You can, but can’t do it with enough water to really rinse it. The housings are fairly air tight but not water tight. The cleaner as a foam can go all up in the box but a liquid at a higher level will leak out.

[@glennda5id]

Have you tried the Lubegard Kool-It product as a comparison? Love the RA magnets on the lift!

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I want to try lubegard cond cleaner but nobody local to me sells it. Napa up here only carries a few of their products. Gotta love RA, I only wish they will one day start selling performance parts! lol

[@keifuchan7265]

Interesting but I wonder how effective one can of cleaner is? I guess it depends on how long you've had the car and dirty the evaporator core is. Here in Japan I'd rather get the full cleaning done, even though it costs more, it's worth it when you see how much grime is acumulated in just a few years even with regular filter changes🙂kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzTdqKpiq6Zqac

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Nice, thanks for that link. I wouldn’t trust many do do the cleaning shown in the Japanese video. Actually, I wouldn’t trust anybody to do that, lol. I just worry about water and especially a chemical cleaner getting places it shouldn’t. I’d attempt it if the car had clear access to the evaporator, but in most you pull the blower motor like they did and you still can’t get close to the evaporator. What do they charge for that service in Japan?

[@keifuchan7265]

I'm not sure I get what you mean. They use a camera along with the sprayer so they can clearly get to and see the evaporator and housing so they can wash everything down far better than a can of foam going up from the drain hose would. Water collects on the evaporator and drains out of the car in normal function so there is nothing to worry about using a cleaner and then fresh water to rinse all the grime out. The buckets of dirty water coming out was everything accumulated on a 2 year old car. Basically it's just an easier and cheaper way to completely clean the evaporator instead of pulling apart the dash and pulling it out for cleaning. Cost is around 140 dollars.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

That sounds like a good way to clean it for $140 if you can spray the evaporator. Some cars just have no way to spray the evaporator unless you drill a hole in the hvac box, which is no big deal.

[@keifuchan7265]

Yeah I don't think they would do it if there was no way to the evaporator on some cars. Drilling is way too invasive lol. They use a hose and camera cable that they can control movements remotely to a certain extent so they can clean just about any car by just passing it through the airbox and vent since most of the time its almost right next to it🙂

[@Psvr2Villain]

​@@keifuchan7265I'm trying to figure out what to do for mine rn

[@sandeepbhardwaj41]

I think if you spray it through the blower fan there will be better results.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

you are correct, in some cases, every vehicle is different. I just had this conversation with one of our fluid reps so they sent their tech in for a demo. He had a hvac box on a table and was trying to show how you aim the line in through the fan into the area where the evaporator sits. Fine on a table, try doing that in a car. Then he said turn the fan on right away, I have major issues with this. The vendor pulled the rubber tips off the line to feed through the fan, he supplied all the techs with the push trigger and line and sells the cans without anything on the top. I said you know that rubber fitting is there to feed the cleaner in the drain tube? I asked why you'd risk turning fan on immediately and pushing cleaner out the vents, he said the cleaner wont hurt anything. They of course I said the debris and fluid will get into the ducting and not exit the vehicle, some may even drip out of ducts into car. His only real argument is sometimes he can't find the drain tube, for what we work on we can always find the tube. They are salespeople, aren't trying to do a good job.

[@AyAy008]

I highly suspect that the Subaru evap cleaner is the same as Toyota, and it's only $16 as opposed to $46.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes that's a good buy! I think they are all very similar too. Kia sells a cleaner for less that $10 but it's just the coil cleaner and no can of scent.

[@EJames-nm4qt]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTSis this brand-specific? I have a Hyundai Elantra

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@EJames-nm4qt no not specific to Toyota, the car in the vid is an Acura. If you can see where the water drips when the ac is on, if you see that drain tube you can clean the evaporator this way. Is the tube is hidden you’ll have to get creative.

[@EJames-nm4qt]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTS Thanks! I recall being able to access my drain tube a couple years back, but I bought a different brand cleaner this time around, nextzett klima cleaner pro. i have a jack but no stands so I still have to get creative. 😄

[@gdaddy3179]

I suspect each Manufacturer has calculated how much cleaning fluid each system can safely hold in the drain pain. For example: Toyota might be 20 oz, Subaru might be 26 oz, and Hyundai might be 19. Using Subaru on Toyota, or Toyota on a Hyundai, might overflow cleaner onto your passenger foot well/carpets(?)

[@StopTeoriomSpiskowym]

in vw golf 4 I destroy flaps it was made from foam

[@JerichoStephen]

Hello friend 👌🙏😂 now I have learned how to make evaporator moon shine 😂 you are awesome sir 🫡 🫵 🫶 your video 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@2Cool4UNanz]

If you dont do regular cleaning maintenance for the evaporator, does it blow out white flakes? My a/c works fine but every time i turn it on, it blows soem white flakes. Im just trying to determine if i should attempt to clean it or just have a mechanic take a look if the evaporator is peeling. I have a 2012 Toyota Camry.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

The flakes are from the evaporator. In your case I would not attempt this type of chemical clean as you may end up with a leak. The dust is also more common in dry climates, so you wouldn’t have the same natural condensation wash of the Evap after cleaning.

[@JOESRQFLUSA]

Also, the amount of dirt that you got out did not seem like a lot.

[@xiangli7923]

Excuse me, what is the inner diameter of the evaporator drain pipe? The plug of the cleaning agent I bought is not wedge-shaped, so I need to buy it according to the size. Thank you.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@xiangli7923 it’s about a cm. Can you just insert your tube and wrap it all in tape?

[@xiangli7923]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTSThanks, I will try😊

[@hjc0706]

buy the ones made for hvac evaporator cleaners. WAYYY cheaper and you get much more product.

[@eleuteriopascual4196]

Cuando puso el producto por abajo debió de encender el abanico para que limpiara mejor

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Hi. The reason we don’t turn the fan on in the beginning is because the liquid and dirt will go through and dirty the vent ducting. If it blows through the vents and gets on seats and carpet it can stain it.

[@axenz1]

I love charcoal filter, but it restrict air than others non charcoal 😅😅😅😅

[@barenekid9695]

Assumed you were trying to cleanout the Evap matrix Internally.... Not merely giving the things' outsides a bath !

[@maffra7686]

is it safe to spray from above?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Like into the vents? That won’t work, it won’t work its way down to the evaporator. But it’s even worse, local dealer did that and after the foam shot out onto the seats eventually had to replace all seat covers.

[@razcue1]

Thanks!

[@IkhsanND]

what fluid to use?

[@acealexander6852]

Driver side blows hot for me im going to try this

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

May as well do it, can’t hurt. But also have a look, warmer on the left side is typically low on refrigerant.

[@matthewpitts9094]

@@GIZZMOTORSPORTSor blend door issue

[@jordanmcfarren7226]

The ole A/C enema does ya wonders

[@irisbaez1972]

that car must be a Toyota, but mine is Elantra and I even can spray inside without removing anything because the hole is right where the vent is. I'm talking about the spray under the hood. Toyota make everything harder so you suffer doing maintenance and get tired, so you go to them (Dealer or stealershit).

[@nicomeininger1791]

Waarom met een ijzeren staaf in de drainhole rammen. Wil je de condensor lek prikken 😱

[@irisbaez1972]

Condenser? He is working on the Evaporator.

[@kuehnel16]

Damn i wish i had my own lift like that 😕

[@crystalcookie366]

are you near ARIZONA

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Sorry, very far from Arizona

[@ankushamre1930]

Pls tell me name of 3 foam

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Hi. The cleaner is the Toyota evaporator core cleaner, link is in the description

[@alexanderpapii4866]

Benefits?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

In my experience, reduced if not completely eliminated odours and cooler vent temps.

[@MikeAnnunziato]

This stuff is highly corrosive and if not sprayed sprayed off with alot of water it will stay on parts of the coil

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes I hear you on this and I’ve always wondered. I was told a functioning system will have enough water condense on the evaporator to rinse it, but I’ve never been able to see that for myself. The one thing tho, I’ve never had one I cleaned start blowing white flakes out of the dash vents like some failing factory evaporators.

[@brimik7986]

You never want to use any caustic fluids or cleaners around any ac coils. I've been in the industry for 4 decades.

[@tonysilva5775]

the evap should have been rinsed with water and then sprayed the conditioner in

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Hi Tony, I know what you mean, I used to think that too. Hard to rinse these without getting water everywhere. If I can find an easy clean way to do it I’ll try. I was told the water condensing on the evap is good enough to clean it. Spraying the conditioner in this way vs spraying at the cowel is good enough for me.

[@RoberE.Hernandez]

Yes, rinsing is very important, especially if condenser is made with plastic components. I washed out mine on a car I no longer have with some Lysol general cleaning spray. Didn't rinse and 6 months later the condenser broke apart as I was driving. One of the plastic ends cracked. The spray ate through the plastic.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

@@RoberE.Hernandez wow that sucks. but in this case, evaporators as far as I’ve seen are all metal. And they will naturally have the humidity drawn to is as a self rinse. The condenser as you say, 100% hit that with the garden hose. I spray all mine often.

[@bryontharp5790]

Not on GM trucks

[@redForever1776]

can this technique be used for a 2009 ford flex ?

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I assume it'd work fine. I have not yet seen a vehicle that didn't get some dirty fluid out.

[@bobbycarr2319]

this is late, dont shove things in the drip tube it has a drip valve that lets water out but not air in..... you will ruin your ac system if you break that ,generally a duck bill, valve. itll suck road dirt into the unit....

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I hear ya.This one is just a basic drain hose but with 3 bends in it. Now, are you aware of a manufacturer that builds that one way valve into the drain hose? Is that a thing? I'll have to watch out for that one, probably would not be able to pump the cleaner past that one. I see the rear ac drain duckbills, 100% don't cut that duckbill. I'm not a fan of cleaning the mid or rear evaporator cores, I won't do it. Because I see rear evaporators corrode and leak even with zero cleaning.

[@NixUgriBugri]

You can actually pull back the tube under the rug no need to lift the car or nothing

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes on some cars you can pull the drain tube off the bottom of the evaporator housing. I just worry about chemical spillage, I'm sure you can carefully do this job well.

[@abrahamghannam2137]

Nice video but very dangerous to put that on the coil because later on you will start getting leaks. This stuff is very corrosive.

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

I hear you on this point. I’ll get a few more cans and let some aluminum soak, with enough time I think it’ll be a problem. But on a functioning system the water condensation from the air is supposed to be enough to rinse the evaporator. Evaporator leaks are rare, the last half dozen I’ve seen never had this chemical clean, so who knows.

[@guttermastersplus5613]

I can imagine that smells good in the car for about a week afterwards

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Yes, 1 week max. 3-4 days it’s very noticeable, not so much after that.

[@XX-zd4fp]

Just curious,why would you wanna be cleaning something you can't even see . If your cleaning it because cabin filter is dirty ? THATS WHAT THE FILTER IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE AFTER ITS BEEN IN THERE FOR SONETIME

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Regardless of cabin filter, with the hot and cold you get moisture and mold.

[@wonderwalls3565]

if its coming out as foam it means you wasted it.