Cadillac Repair: 85 cadillac deville AC evaporator, heater hoses, cradle frame

Question
How do I get to the AC evaporator to replace? It's starting to look like I'll need to pull the engine?
thanks
paul

Answer
Hi Paul, You are right...getting your hands in there is kind of difficult. If it was the V6 in say a LeSabre or Bonneville it would be alot easier.

    Well enough wishfull thinking. Here's what you need to do. Roll a floor jack under the engine cradle/frame on the RH side close to where the RF engine cradle bolt is. You might need to remove that plastic cover and small pan/shield in order to see it. Raise the jack so it is pushing up on the cradle and then remove the bolt. Then you can lower the jack and frame down. As you do the rear of the engine will move away from the evap. cover area. Whatever you do leave the jack under the cradle and most times you won't need to lower it down all the way. Its been awhile since I did an '85 so I'm not sure if there are anything that might get damaged if the cradle drops too low so be carefull and look as you lower it so you can stop in time. I do remember that removeing the heater hoses is a good thing to do so the cover can be removed easier. There might be a bolt for the evap cover under the dash that has the stud on it that also holds the plastic panel in place on the RH side below the glovebox...make sure you remove it if the cover doesn't seem to want to let loose at the bottom.

    For what its worth the first time I did one the air was blue because I didn't realize what needed to be done and took me 6 hours to finish. But after doing a few I could have the job finished in 2 hours so try not to loose your patience...at least you aren't on the clock like I was.

    Let me know if I can be anymore help. Bill