Jaguar Repair: 1984 Jag xj6, evaporator, ac system

Question
Howard- I asked you a question about 3 weeks ago about the ac system and tearing the dash out to get to the evaporator: Still working on trying NOT to take the dash out. I am completely lost about ac systems so pardon my ignorance.
Question- if the leak in the pipe going into the evaporator is fixed and it holds pressure does that assume that it works?
2nd- does the evaporator hook up to the heater system? Does the evaporator have to be located in the dash. Can it be installed in the engine bay if there is room for it?
Thanks, Roy

Answer
Roy, If the pipe is fixed and does not leak under pressure why are you bothering with it? Unless you crimped off the pipe, it will still operate (if the system is working)

As for locating the evaporator under the hood. The air that the two fans circulate inside the car has to go through the evaporator to cool the air. How can you possibly get the inside air to go out under the hood and through the evaporator and back inside the car and not get super heated by the engine compartment? Why not just get the service manual and take the dash out and fix it if it still leaks.

Howard