3720 Cab A/C Evaporator

TC33DA · Jun 6, 2011

I raked hay all day Saturday and ran the A/C. I normally clean the cab filter with air after each dusty day. I noticed the evaporator coil had some fine dust on it. I was not sure how to remove it. I tried to vacumme it but did not have real good luck. Anyone else have this issue? The owners manual does not talk about cleaning this coil.

Thanks

cdaledave89 · Jun 6, 2011

I have the same thing on my 4520. I vacuumed it last year with improvement. There has to be an HVAC tool that is used to clean condenser/evaporator coils. I'll ask my brother about this - he used to be an HVAC tech. Otherwise, maybe the dryer vent/refrigerator coil brush will work here. I bet those fins will bend very easily though - they look pretty thin. Come to think of it, I swear there is a "comb" tool that HVAC guys use to straighten bent fins.......

atschirner · Jun 7, 2011

You're right, there are fin combs and cleaning brushes available at the HVAC supply house. They could also recommend a squirt bottle spray cleaner that you could rinse with water. Take a look for a Johnstone Supply branch in town. They are wholesale only but if you tell them what you are looking for I bet they will be happy to help you.

YesDeere · Jun 7, 2011

This will work for you. I use some harsher stuff on our reefer units. But Ive had good success with this too

jenkinsph · Jun 9, 2011

Another vote for the foaming coil cleaner, if you don't fiddle with the fins you are better off. I use Johnstone Supply for materials and supplies and have a fin comb or two, these work well to straighten the fins but it is better to not fool with the fins to start with.

YesDeere · Jun 9, 2011

I agree. Leave the fins alone. I have that fin comb for fixing road damage on condensers. bird and rock strikes or whatever. This stuff in the pic is great. It is harsh though and cannot be left on long. It's almost like an etching.

TC33DA · Jun 9, 2011

What is the best way to access the coil. I only have about 2 inches of the coil exposed. If i spray the coil with a spray bottle, can i damage anything on the other side of the coil? Maybe the fan?

jenkinsph · Jun 10, 2011

I would use the foaming coil cleaner in the first example for the evaporator coil, no rinsing required and better rated for residual fumes. The second product (Nu Bright) is for cleaning condenser coils which are outside the cab or house in the open air.

I haven't had to clean my evaporator coil yet but you should be able to spray the coil without concerns for the fan and motor. Bear in mind that there is a pan beneath the coil to collect the moisture so make sure the drain in not blocked and that the cleaner and dirty residue will pass through the drain hose.